‘Rumours’ is Cate Blanchett’s latest dive into the murky waters of political satire, and it’s as deliciously biting as the title suggests. Directed by Armando Iannucci, the mastermind behind razor-sharp satires like ‘Veep’ and ‘The Death of Stalin,’ ‘Rumours’ takes a no-holds-barred approach to lampooning the chaotic world of politics, both front and backstage. Set in the fictional nation of Gordia, ‘Rumours’ follows the rise and fall of a self-obsessed politician, played to perfection by Blanchett, as she weaves and spins a web of deceit, PR manipulation, and, of course, outright lies.
Cast and Production Details
In addition to Cate Blanchett, who channels a mix of charisma and toxicity with her character, the movie features a star-studded ensemble cast. Riz Ahmed plays a jaded, sharp-tongued journalist hot on Blanchett’s trail, while John C. Reilly plays her bumbling campaign manager who is always in damage-control mode. With Phoebe Waller-Bridge delivering a scene-stealing performance as a rival politician who appears far more polished on the outside but equally nefarious beneath, the cast alone is enough to warrant a viewing.
Armando Iannucci’s direction makes ‘Rumours’ an intricate satire that showcases both the absurdity and brutality of modern political life. With cinematographer Erik Wilson (‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’) capturing the frenetic atmosphere of press conferences and late-night campaign scheming, and composer David Arnold (‘Casino Royale’) adding a playfully tense score, the film boasts a remarkable production team.
Critical Reception
‘Rumours’ has received largely positive reviews from critics, praising Blanchett’s performance and Iannucci’s deft handling of satire that feels all too close to the truth. Many reviewers have compared it to Iannucci’s earlier works, noting that while ‘Rumours’ doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, it does so with a humor that makes even the darkest political commentary enjoyable. The Guardian called it a “scathing takedown of political pageantry with a fiercely funny Blanchett at its core.” It currently holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences also applauding the sharp wit and ensemble chemistry.
Related Movies and TV Shows to Check Out
If ‘Rumours’ got you laughing (or cringing) at the ridiculousness of political systems, here are some movies and TV shows with a similar vibe. Dive into these equally sharp, ironic, and absurd pieces that capture the comedy and tragedy of political life.
The Thick of It
The Thick of It is the television series that first established Armando Iannucci’s distinctive voice in political satire. It follows the day-to-day operations of a group of government officials whose incompetence is only exceeded by their ruthless ambition. Starring Peter Capaldi as the fearsome spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, the show takes a delightfully cynical look at British politics, filled with backstabbing, profanity, and clueless politicians trying to stay afloat.
Where to watch: Streaming on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
The Dictator
The Dictator, starring Sacha Baron Cohen, brings a more absurdist flavor to political satire, with Cohen playing Admiral General Aladeen, the dictator of a fictional North African country. The film takes aim at the ridiculous, over-the-top egos of autocrats while mixing slapstick humor with biting social commentary. Though not as nuanced as something like ‘Rumours,’ it definitely captures the outrageous side of political power.
Where to watch: Available on Netflix and Apple TV.
Veep
Veep is an American TV show starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a Vice President trying (and mostly failing) to make a mark in Washington. The show follows Meyer and her dysfunctional staff through one blunder after another, highlighting just how little control politicians have despite all the bravado. Its wit, quick pacing, and sheer volume of one-liners make it a perfect companion to ‘Rumours.’
Where to watch: Streaming on HBO Max.
The Death of Stalin
Another one from Armando Iannucci, The Death of Stalin tackles the chaos, fear, and absurdity surrounding the aftermath of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s death. It’s a pitch-black comedy that reveals the power struggles, paranoia, and absurd decisions made by his inner circle, brilliantly acted by a stellar ensemble, including Steve Buscemi and Jason Isaacs.
Where to watch: Available on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Wag the Dog
Wag the Dog stars Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro and revolves around a PR specialist and a Hollywood producer who collaborate to create a fake war in order to distract the public from a presidential scandal. This 1997 film, directed by Barry Levinson, prefigures much of today’s fake news discourse, and its cynical, comedic portrayal of media manipulation fits perfectly alongside ‘Rumours.’
Where to watch: Streaming on Paramount Plus and Hulu.
In the Loop
In the Loop is the film spin-off of ‘The Thick of It,’ also directed by Armando Iannucci. It brings the biting satire from the British series into the realm of international politics, featuring familiar characters along with new additions, such as an especially clueless American General played by James Gandolfini. The chaotic interplay between British and American political actors feels eerily true to life.
Where to watch: Available on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.
Braindead
Braindead is a 2016 TV series that takes a truly unique twist on political comedy. Created by Michelle King and Robert King, it centers on Capitol Hill staffer Laurel Healy (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who discovers that an alien race is slowly taking over the minds of Washington’s politicians. With equal parts horror and humor, it offers a fresh, exaggerated look at the dysfunction of the political system.
Where to watch: Streaming on Paramount Plus.
Primary Colors
Primary Colors stars John Travolta as a charismatic Southern politician on the presidential campaign trail, whose character draws obvious parallels to Bill Clinton. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, dives into the moral compromises, scandals, and ambitions behind a presidential campaign, providing sharp observations on charisma and public manipulation.
Where to watch: Available on Apple TV and YouTube Movies.
Bananas
Bananas is an early Woody Allen comedy that takes a light-hearted swipe at revolutionary politics. Allen plays a New Yorker who gets embroiled in a revolution in a fictional Latin American country, eventually becoming its leader. The humor is zany and surreal, offering a different but still relevant look at political power and its absurdities.
Where to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The Candidate
The Candidate (1972) features Robert Redford as a liberal lawyer coaxed into running for Senate, only to find himself increasingly compromised by the realities of campaigning. The film, directed by Michael Ritchie, offers a cynical look at the ways political ideals are eroded by the demands of image-making and electability, much like ‘Rumours.’
Where to watch: Available on HBO Max and Apple TV.
The Campaign
The Campaign, starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, is a modern, over-the-top comedy that satirizes the absurd lengths political candidates will go to win an election. Set in a fictional North Carolina congressional district, it sees two candidates battle each other through increasingly ridiculous and dirty tactics. The slapstick humor complements the film’s sharp critiques of campaign culture.
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Team America: World Police
Team America: World Police, from the creators of South Park, uses marionette puppets to tell a story of overzealous American military interventionism. The film pulls no punches, lampooning both the politics of war and Hollywood’s tendency to glorify it. It’s crude, ridiculous, and loaded with satire that brings out the most exaggerated elements of political theater.
Where to watch: Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
