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Biographical thriller

The Post (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Post (2017) movie poster

The Post is a 2017 biographical thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Meryl Streep as Kay Graham, Tom Hanks and Alison Brie. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $193.8 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. It earned 14 award nominations, including Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics' Choice 2018. IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
worldwide gross
$193.8M
award nominations
14
Echo Score
80
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The Post (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Steven Spielberg
Original language
Chinese
Budget
$50M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Post About?

The premise of The Post without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In this gripping drama, Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in the true story of Katharine Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post. Facing immense pressure, she partners with editor Ben Bradlee to challenge government secrecy and publish the Pentagon Papers. This high-stakes decision puts their careers and the newspaper’s future at risk as they expose decades of concealed information.

The Post Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • washington post
  • freedom of speech
  • journalism
  • new york times
  • freedom of the press
  • woman owned business
  • newspaper
  • expose
  • u.s. government
  • newspaper owner
  • newspaper staff
  • newspaper office
+38 more
  • typing
  • controversy
  • based on true story
  • whistleblower
  • journalist
  • newsroom
  • prior restraint
  • espionage act
  • newspaper story
  • newspaper headline
  • wartime
  • secret
  • truth
  • lie
  • businesswoman
  • widow
  • lawyer
  • newspaper editor
  • u.s. supreme court
  • top secret document
  • reading a newspaper
  • employer employee relationship
  • delivery boy
  • elevator
  • board of directors
  • demonstration
  • protest
  • tv news
  • deadline
  • legal counsel
  • reading a note aloud
  • printing press
  • vietnam war
  • publisher
  • anonymous source
  • vietnam
  • pentagon papers
  • reporter
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Cast & crew

The Post Cast & Characters

Meryl Streep leads the cast as Kay Graham, with Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee and Alison Brie as Lally Graham. Directed by Steven Spielberg; 14 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Post

· 10 more
From the director

More from Steven Spielberg

More films directed by Steven Spielberg, best-rated first: Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, The Fabelmans and Jaws.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Post Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate The Post 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (73).

80 /100

The Post Echo Score Breakdown

The Post offers a confidently paced portrayal of a pivotal moment in journalistic history, distinguished by precise direction and powerful performances. Reviews highlight the film’s engaging tension curve and authentic period atmosphere, tempered by occasional pacing choices that feel compressed. While some narrative moments verge on familiar beats, the screenplay’s focus on press freedom and ethical dilemmas resonates strongly. Overall, it stands as a compelling and timely drama with enduring relevance.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 79

    In terms of art direction and craft, The Post excels at recreating its 1970s newsroom through meticulous set design and coherent production elements. Spielberg’s direction maintains visual clarity, while the mechanical press sequences convey urgency. Cinematography and editing work in tandem to advance the tension, though a handful of pacing shifts feel abrupt. The overall aesthetic remains cohesive and supportive of the film’s historical context.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character portrayal, the film benefits from understated yet authoritative performances. Meryl Streep imbues Katherine Graham with gradual confidence and emotional depth, while Tom Hanks delivers a measured depiction of journalistic resolve. Supporting players contribute well-tuned chemistry that underscores the narrative stakes. The ensemble’s collective authenticity anchors the human drama at the film’s core, resulting in compelling emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 78

    Story and flow in The Post are anchored by a clear narrative of press freedom and historical consequence. The screenplay sustains gripping tension through legal and political dilemmas, though occasional omissions and a brisk third act can make transitions feel hurried. Despite moments of familiar beats in its structure, the film maintains coherent storytelling and delivers meaningful engagement with its subject matter.

  • Sensory Experience 73

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s visual style and period costuming establish a cohesive atmosphere. Sound design underscores newsroom urgency, while the lack of an intrusive score lets dialogue and ambience drive tension. The balanced mix of ambient noise and controlled soundscapes supports the factual tone. Overall, sensory elements work harmoniously to immerse viewers in the historical setting without detracting from the narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 73

    When considering rewatch value, The Post offers lasting resonance through its thematic focus on press responsibility and ethical decision-making. Historical authenticity and authentic performances invite renewed appreciation on subsequent viewings. While some pacing choices may feel more apparent on repeat watches, the film’s central conflict and period detail retain their impact. Overall, it maintains sufficient replay appeal for audiences interested in civics and journalistic drama.

Plot

The Post Plot Summary

What happens in The Post from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In late 1965, during the midst of the Vietnam War, Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) finds himself in Hau Giang Province alongside other soldiers, tasked with monitoring the battle’s progress for his role at the Embassy. One night, while traversing the dark forest, they come under fire from unseen enemy snipers.

On his return flight, Ellsberg converses with Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara (Bruce Greenwood), sharing insights with the Chief of Staff about the disheartening realities of the war. Despite Ellsberg’s declaration that “nothing has changed,” McNamara grimly notes that this signifies a deteriorating situation. Upon arrival, McNamara misleads the press, asserting that conditions are improving.

Full summary

The whole story of The Post, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Post Box Office & Budget

The Post grossed $193.8 million worldwide on a $50 million budget, 3.9 times what it cost. $81.9 million came from the US and Canada and $111.9 million (58%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$193.8M

3.9× its budget

US & Canada
$81.9M
International
$111.9M
Budget
$50M
US & Canada 42% Rest of the world 58%
Awards

The Post Awards & Nominations

The Post earned 14 award nominations, including Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics' Choice 2018. The 14 nominations come from 2 ceremonies, the most at the Critics' Choice 2018.

14 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

The Post Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 1 trailer, 3 teasers, 2 clips and 4 featurettes.

All 10 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser The Post | “Uncover the Truth" TV Commercial | 20th Century FOX
  • Teaser The Post | “What Would You Do?" TV Commercial | 20th Century FOX
  • Teaser “The Untold True Story" TV Commercial
  • Clip "Hypothetical Question"
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Post?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of Kay Graham in 'The Post'?

Cars

Cars in The Post

25 cars on screen, including the 1975 Fiat 128 and the 1977 Checker Taxicab.

All 25 cars
  • 1975 Fiat 128 in The Post 1975 Fiat 128 Important role
  • 1977 Checker Taxicab in The Post 1977 Checker Taxicab Minor role
  • 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu in The Post 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Minor role
  • 1966 Dodge Coronet in The Post 1966 Dodge Coronet Minor role

Seen The Post?

FAQ

The Post FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Post, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Post?

The Post runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was The Post released?

The Post was released on December 22, 2017.

Who directed The Post?

The Post was directed by Steven Spielberg.

More films by Steven Spielberg

Who is in the cast of The Post?

The Post stars Meryl Streep as Kay Graham, Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee and Alison Brie as Lally Graham, among 14 credited actors.

How much did The Post make at the box office?

The Post grossed $193.8 million worldwide ($81.9 million domestic, $111.9 million international) on a budget of $50 million.

How is The Post rated?

The Post has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 70% on TMDB and 4.0/5 on Movie Insider.

Was The Post nominated for any awards?

The Post received 14 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

Does The Post have a post-credit scene?

No. The Post has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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