Parents' Guide to The Post

Streep and Hanks shine in Spielberg's timely defense of the press and its freedom to expose corruption -- even when it implicates or embarrasses those in political power. Rather than focusing on Neil Sheehan and the New York Times' scoop of the Pentagon Papers, Spielberg chronicles how the Washington paper of record, and specifically its legendary female publisher, Graham, dealt with the decision to publish Ellsberg's top-secret documents. There was a lot more for Graham to lose by publishing -- the future of her business was at stake -- but she observes and listens to her advisors (all men) and then makes her own decision. Streep, as one would expect, is marvelous as "Mrs. Graham," a wealthy woman thrust into her family business's leadership role after her husband's unexpected suicide. But Graham is much more than a storied hostess and D.C. insider. She's thoughtful and intelligent, and she bravely stands up for herself in the face of concerned -- and condescending -- male confidants.

The acting ensemble is excellent overall, starting at the top with Streep and Hanks and trickling down to supporting players like Tracy Letts and Bradley Whitford as Graham's advisers, Odenkirk as Pulitzer-winning reporter Ben Bagdikian, and Sarah Paulson as Bradlee's then-wife, Tony. It's a master class in acting to watch Streep and Hanks share a scene. Despite Bradlee's outsize personality, Hanks doesn't chew the scenery, and Streep's nuanced performance shines -- especially in the moment when she reminds board members and friends that the newspaper doesn't belong to her late father or her husband, but to her. The events portrayed in The Post may have taken place in the early 1970s, but the themes -- women in power struggling with sexism, the press exposing the president, political cover-ups and corruption -- could have been taken from more recent headlines.