The Meddleris a 2015 Americancomedy-dramafilm written and directed byLorene Scafaria.The film starsSusan Sarandon,Rose ByrneandJ. K. Simmons.Principal photographybegan on March 30, 2015 inLos Angeles.It was screened in the Special Presentations section of the2015 Toronto International Film Festival.The film was released on April 22, 2016, bySony Pictures ClassicsandStage 6 Films.
| The Meddler | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lorene Scafaria |
| Written by | Lorene Scafaria |
| Produced by | Joy Gorman Wettels |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Brett Pawlak |
| Edited by | Kayla M. Emter |
| Music by | Jonathan Sadoff |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Sony Pictures Classics |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $3.2 million |
| Box office | $5.5 million |
Plot
editAging widow Marnie is lonely and heartbroken. When her daughter Lori moves to Los Angeles, for her work as a television screenwriter, Marnie follows in the hope of restarting her life. She begins interfering with Lori's life, constantly calling her and showing up at her house. This annoys Lori, who is currently seeing a therapist.
On Valentine's Day, Lori agrees to go out with Marnie. At the restaurant, Jacob – Lori's ex – shows up with his new girlfriend. Lori tries to act like she is also dating, but Marnie ruins it for her.
Marnie visits Lori's therapist, hoping to find out why her daughter acts the way she does but instead gets evaluated by her. The therapist believes that Marnie needs to sort out her own issues, relating to the loss of her husband.
Marnie gradually learns to develop new friendships. She helps her tech friend Freddie, who she met while buying a new mobile, with rides to his night classes. She volunteers at the hospital, upon Lori's suggestion, and connects with a female stroke victim, helping the lady reconnects with her son.
At the baby shower of Lori's friend Emily, Marnie connects with her friends and is introduced to Emily's divorced father-in-law, Mark. They have things in common, but she's not interested. Marnie connects with Lori's friend Jillian, who she offers to babysit for. As her own mom died when she was young, Jillian ends up taking her as a mom, especially as Marnie helps her pay for a proper wedding.
Freddie's brother Fredo gets a lift from Marnie, leaving a big bag of pot behind. They find it as she is reviewing his test material in the car. A police officer approaches them, so she fills her mouth with it. Shortly after, high, she meets Zipper, who is a retired cop who was on the set where she'd inadvertently become an extra. Marnie and Zipper stay out all night talking and he introduces her to his chickens. He tells her his younger daughter Lizzie is estranged due to his divorce.
Marnie then goes back to NYC to see her daughter working on the pilot and to make her long overdue visit to her late husband's family. They want to discuss getting a headstone and distributing his ashes, but she isn't ready.
Back in LA, Lori asks Marnie to help get a pregnancy test kit but Marnie mistakenly gets an ovulation kit. After the rush of emotions and mix up, Lori apologies for the way she had been acting. She explains that she misses her dad so found it hard to look at her. Marnie replies she feels the same but that she is not alone.
Marnie finally pours her husband's ashes in the ocean and for this she is arrested. After Zipper bails her out, they kiss and agree to go watch an action movie together. Back in her car, Marnie sees that she had three voicemails from Lori to which she listens and smiles.
Some time later, Marnie is happily settled into her LA life. She sends a voicemail to Lori asking about her current boyfriend and informing her of her intended trip with Zipper.
Cast
edit- Susan Sarandonas Marne
- Rose Byrneas Lori
- J. K. Simmonsas Zipper
- Cecily Strongas Jillian
- Jerrod Carmichaelas Freddy Fredo
- Michael McKeanas Mark
- Jason Ritteras Jacob
- Billy Magnussenas Ben
- Lucy Punchas Emily
- Sarah Bakeras Elaine
- Amy Landeckeras Diane
- Casey Wilsonas Trish
- Harry Hamlinas TV Dad
- Laura San Giacomoas TV Mom
Production
editPrincipal photographyon the film began on March 30, 2015, inLos Angeles.[1][2]
Release
editOn August 25, 2015,Sony Pictures Classicsacquired the North American rights to the film.[3]The film had its world premiere at the2015 Toronto International Film Festivalon September 14, 2015[4]and also screened at the 2016Tribeca Film Festival.[5]The film was released on April 22, 2016.[6]
Reception
editCritical response
editOn thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,85% of 145 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "The Meddlertranscends its cutesy title and familiar premise with a heartfelt look at family dynamics that's honored by a marvelous performance from Susan Sarandon. "[7]Metacritic,which uses aweighted average,assigned the film a score of 68 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[8]
Peter Debruge ofVarietygave the film a positive review, stating that "writer-director Lorene Scafaria’s sophomore feature returns to what works for her, as she draws upon personal experience to deliver a heartfelt dramedy that audiences are sure to appreciate. Bound to be among Sony Classics’ top 2016 performers,The Meddlerserves as a lovelyvalentinenot just to Scafaria’s mom, Gail, but to mothers everywhere — including the luminous Susan Sarandon in a role that seems to come naturally. "[9]Kevin Jaugernauth ofIndiewire.comgave the film a B− writing: "But it’s the movie as it stands that must be assessed, and “The Meddler” is earnest and honest, perhaps much like Marnie. The character is eager to help and be involved, and the film carries much of that same spirit: it will try to please you with one thing, but if that doesn’t work, it has another way to make you smile just around the corner. And just like Marnie, it’s hard to resist. "[10]
Richard LawsonofVanity Fairnamed it the best film of 2016.[11]
Box office
editThe Meddlergrossed $4.3million in the United States and Canada, and $1.3million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $5.5million, against a budget of $3.2million.[12]
References
edit- ^Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 6, 2015)."Lorene Scafaria Helms 'The Meddler' With Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, JK Simmons".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedAugust 7,2015.
- ^"On the Set for 3/30/15: Brad Pitt, Christian Bale & Ryan Gosling Start on 'The Big Short', Julianne Moore Wraps 'Maggie's Plan' & More".ssninsider.com.March 30, 2015.RetrievedAugust 7,2015.
- ^Kit, Borys (August 25, 2015)."TIFF: 'The Meddler' Nabbed by Sony Pictures Classics for North America".hollywoodreporter.com.RetrievedAugust 26,2015.
- ^"Sandra Bullock's 'Our Brand Is Crisis,' Robert Redford's 'Truth' to Premiere at Toronto".Variety.RetrievedAugust 18,2015.
- ^"The Meddler".Tribeca Film Festival.RetrievedJuly 19,2016.
- ^Matthew Jacobs (January 5, 2016)."22 Promising Movies To Shield You From The Woes Of Winter".The Huffington Post.RetrievedFebruary 7,2016.
- ^"The Meddler".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.RetrievedSeptember 13,2023.
- ^"The Meddler".Metacritic.Fandom, Inc.RetrievedSeptember 13,2023.
- ^Debruge, Peter (September 14, 2015)."Toronto Film Review: 'The Meddler'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on October 15, 2022.RetrievedApril 21,2016.
- ^Jaugernauth, Kevin (April 19, 2016)."Review: Hard To Resist Comedy 'The Meddler' Starring Rose Byrne, Susan Sarandon, And J.K. Simmons".IndieWire.RetrievedApril 21,2016.
- ^Lawson, Richard(December 7, 2016)."The 10 Best Movies of 2016".Vanity Fair.RetrievedDecember 7,2016.
- ^"The Meddler".The Numbers.Nash Information Services, LLC.RetrievedSeptember 13,2023.
