Before Saturday Night Live was an institution, it was a cutting-edge idea. Before we knew Lorne Michaels as a genius content creator, he was a young artist with a vision for what a show could be. But the fight to get that vision on air, to become the staple it’s been the past 50 years, took work and courage.

The first episode debuted on October 11, 1975. As Saturday Night Live is in the midst of its 50th season, the new film Saturday Night stands as a tribute to the work it took to get the show off the ground. The film comes from director Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the script with Gil Kenan, and follows the 90 minutes leading up to that debut episode.

The film is shot nearly in real time. We follow Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) as he tries to manage the chaos around him from 10 to 11:30 p.m. to get the show to air. That includes figuring out the rundown, managing talent, production nightmares, and most importantly selling studio executive Dave Tebet (Willem Dafoe), who has the power to pull the plug.

Michaels works, and argues, with fellow producer Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman) and tries to manage chaos with the cast—including Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O’Brien), and John Belushi (Matt Wood). His head writer (Tommy Dewey) is battling the censors, his guest host (Matthew Rhys) is battling everyone, and the clock keeps ticking.

Will the show make it to air? Will it find its audience? Is this the end of the line for Michaels before it begins?

We know what happened now. The show has been an institution for decades and Michaels is a legend in the business. But still, the chaotic energy and pressure—aided by the tight timeline—adds to the intensity of this film. The way it’s crafted and put together is beautifully chaotic, funny, and moving.

I was taken with the performances, too. The cast is great—with many of them having moments to shine. But I was particularly taken with O’Brien’s take on Aykroyd and Smith’s take on Chase. The star here, though, is LaBelle, who has to quietly carry all the chaos going on around him. It’s a beautiful lead performance that brings you into the film and holds you there.

I’ve long been a fan of Reitman and his approach to story. He does a beautiful job of bringing out the humor, the drama, and the intensity of this story. By the time the cold open happens, you’re pumped and ready to see these players soar. I loved the film, which is one of my favorites of the year so far.

Saturday Night is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.