Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Studio episode 4
The Studio Episode 4 Review: “The Missing Reel”
The fourth episode of The Studio, titled “The Missing Reel,” cleverly satirizes the challenges faced by directors who cling to the traditional use of celluloid film—a choice that is frequently criticized for its expense and technical challenges, especially when compared to digital filmmaking. Once a dominant medium in the film industry, shooting on film is now primarily associated with specific filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson. The episode follows Olivia Wilde as she directs Rolling Blackout, a stylish neo-noir set in Chinatown that tackles the controversial California solar panel industry. However, Wilde’s authoritative directing style leads to chaos, and ultimately, the disappearance of the film’s final reel.
Faced with skyrocketing insurance costs if he reports the missing reel, Matt decides to embark on a personal quest to recover it. He enlists Sal as his trusty companion, and together they navigate Los Angeles in search of clues, transforming “The Missing Reel” into a self-referential homage to classic noir.
A Meta Reflection on Detective Noir
Seth Rogen Embraces the Noir Trope
The meta-narrative style of The Studio continues to impress, as each episode ingeniously reflects the filmmaking technique being examined. For example, the second episode, “The Oner,” is shot in a single, continuous take, mirroring its plot about a complex filming process. In a similar vein, “The Missing Reel” embodies the essence of classic detective noir. However, the execution may verge too close to the clichéd; Matt donning a fedora and trench coat while delivering hard-boiled voiceovers on his phone feels somewhat excessive. This heavy reliance on genre tropes detracts from the show’s prior realism, transforming it into something that risks being seen as merely gimmicky.
Nevertheless, the quest for the lost reel unfolds as an engaging mystery replete with twists and intricacies. The episode plants clues from the start, allowing attentive viewers to piece the puzzle together, reminiscent of classic whodunits.
Standout Guest Performances from Zac Efron & Olivia Wilde
Wilde Pokes Fun at Her Reputation
In this episode, The Studio continues to deliver sharp satirical commentary on the Hollywood film industry. One of the most humorous moments illustrates the absurdity of studio executives who slash production costs while indulging in lavish bonuses. When Matt admits to Zac Efron that a wrap party is out of the budget, Efron dryly observes that Matt drives an early model Corvette, adding a comedic twist that leads into the episode’s conclusion.
Wilde herself takes on a role that exaggerates the persona many perceive her to embody, reflecting on her reputation as a challenging director, notably from her experience on Don’t Worry Darling. By portraying a domineering diva, she self-deprecatingly embraces what the media has sometimes depicted. Her line, “Fine is not good enough!” intertwines elements of irony and jest, showcasing her willingness to satirize her own public image.
The Refreshing Episodic Format of The Studio
A Throwback to Traditional TV Formats
I appreciate that The Studio embraces a traditional episodic format by introducing a new challenge in each installment, escalating tensions, and providing resolutions that deepen character dynamics. In an era of heavily serialized streaming content, it’s refreshing to witness a series that remains accessible, allowing viewers the option to jump into any episode.
Despite some flaws within the noir framework of “The Missing Reel,” the episode culminates in a comedic payoff. The visual of the film reel unraveling down the street, set to Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score from Chinatown, is both striking and symbolic. Matt’s final voice-over, detailing the unfortunate fate of having to sell his cherished Corvette for a fraction of its worth to fund reshoots, encapsulates a fittingly humorous conclusion after the slightly formulaic resolutions of previous episodes.
New episodes of The Studio are released every Wednesday on Apple TV+.