Commentary: ‘Only Murders In The Building’ Crafts A Star-Studded Scene

There’s something about ensemble stories that just feels entertaining. Since the dawn of cinema, there’s been a certain aura around star power. And having an ensemble cast full of stars certainly helps elevate a story to the next level. Seeing so many great actors involved in a chaotic scene ups the ante in a way that wouldn’t be the same if it were played out by a bunch of unknowns. It makes the scene feel special that so many talented individuals with busy schedules would sign on for something so wild, and a recent episode of Only Murders In The Building pulled it off quite well.

The show follows characters played by Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin as they produce a podcast about murders in their New York City apartment building. Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria are set to “star” in a fictional feature film about them and their lives. When the podcasters become targets for a new killer, they hang out in the house of one of their sisters, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy. To round out the scene, a girlfriend, who is played by Meryl Streep, returns from Hollywood out of concern.

All one has to do is look at the list of these actors to see the show doesn’t go light with its guest cast. But having nearly all of these phenomenal actors in a scene isn’t enough. There have to be some ridiculous antics to elevate the moment and make it truly memorable with all of these names. They do this by pitting McCarthy and Streep against each other. A fight breaks out, and all of the characters watch in horror as these two women go at it. Seeing these two actors fight each other across the living room is hilarious by itself. But watching all of these A-list stars react to the fight elevated the scene to something truly memorable.

Only Murders In The Building is now streaming on Hulu.