Episode three of Only Murders in the Building was released on Hulu last night, and with it, we were given a gem of a musical performance from Meryl that is already making some waves on social media.
Streep is joined by Ashley Park for the duet, written by the great Sara Bareilles, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. In the episode, Loretta gets an offer for a small but recurring role on a Grey's Anatomy-like spinoff, but ends up turning it down to stay on for Oliver's play, which he's turned into a musical (thus the lullaby above). Hulu has already released the song as a single, and as mentioned above, there are dozens of articles praising the performance, as well as fans' naturally riotous reactions.
Meryl continues to garner shining reviews for her portrayal of Loretta Durkin. One article I read commented on nicely Streep is managing to keep the audience guessing as to whether or not Loretta is just a quirky New Yorker, or a diabolical schemer with her sights set on ending some member Oliver's cast (possibly even Oliver). The little romance budding between Streep and Short's characters is sweet, but I agree that it makes me wonder if Loretta is really falling for him or simply trying to get close to him for less than affectionate reasons.
I do have to reiterate that as much as I'm thrilled to see new material from Meryl (and that it's being received so well), I want a non-comedy or musical-type role for one of her next projects. I caught an article that suggested that Meryl should do more rom-coms. While I agree that she's a draw and is excellent in films like 2009's It's Complicated, it's not the type of project that gets me as excited to watch or that got me interested in her from start, frankly. Having something lighter sprinkled in with more dramatic roles is a good idea, but I don't want it to turn into the default in the near or distant future. My fear is that it may be where the parts are (but ahem...Places, Please).
In other news, it was announced yesterday that Meryl will be honored (along with Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan, and Sofia Coppola) at an Academy Museum Gala on October 14. The event is being classified as a "fundraiser" so as to bypass the SAG-AFTRA strike. No word on whether or not we'll see Meryl in attendance. Sreep is set to receive the Icon Awards which "celebrates an artist whose career has had a significant global cultural impact." Indeed.
Episode 3. Meryl sings. Gosh! It s a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteI tried getting into this series but struggled with it and gave up, but this clip is wonderful. Streep’s singing voice is better here than it has ever been. As she herself admits, it’s always been more of an actor’s singing voice anyway. Great that she’s getting rave reviews and the series is getting them too, but like you Jeff I’m hoping this is just an audition for the world’s casting directors.
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you mean, Mike. I put off starting the series, but of course started up when Meryl was cast. It's enjoyable but by no means groundbreaking. Great way of putting it in regard to it being an open audition.
DeleteI think this is the best singing she's done. The show has given her more to do than her last few films that's for sure. Unfortunately if you look at some of her contemporaries (Fonda, Tomlin, Bates, Keaton, Field) it's mostly lighter fare and comedy that is happening...I'll take anything we can get to be honest!
ReplyDeleteRecasting 1986 (Supporting): “Little Shop Of Horrors” aka “Eat Me Seymour!” 🙃
ReplyDeleteOMG this is an amazing suggestion. I absolutely adore the film version and its soundtrack.
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