Watch The Meddler

The Meddler is a heartfelt comedy-drama that delves into the life of Marnie Minervini, a recent widow who moves to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter Lori, a successful screenwriter. Marnie, played by Susan Sarandon, is a loving, funny and overly involved mother who has trouble adjusting to her new, quieter life in California.

The film opens with Marnie leaving her New Jersey home and her family behind to start anew in Los Angeles. In this new city, she lives in an upscale apartment complex and finds herself with too much free time on her hands. Unfazed by the transition, Marnie quickly makes friends with the doorman at her apartment complex and becomes involved with his extended family.

As Marnie tries to navigate her new life, she finds herself constantly interfering in Lori's life, driving her daughter crazy. Lori is struggling with her own relationship issues and is attempting to write a script that has been commissioned by a cable network. Despite the constant interference, Lori does appear to appreciate her mother's presence as she is still grieving the loss of her father.

Marnie is determined to make a difference in the lives of those around her. In one touching scene, Marnie uses her Costco membership to purchase laptops for Lori's friends who are struggling financially. In another, she tries to find a boyfriend for a young woman she meets at her local Apple store.

One of Marnie's new acquaintances is an ex-cop named Zipper, played by J.K. Simmons. Zipper and Marnie develop a sweet friendship, bonding over their shared experiences of loneliness and mourning the loss of loved ones. Zipper is a great source of comfort and support for Marnie, and their relationship provides some of the movie's most touching moments.

The Meddler is a heartfelt film that explores the realities of grief, motherhood, and the human experience. It is filled with humor, heart, and poignancy, and the performances are all top-notch. Susan Sarandon shines in the role of Marnie, conveying the perfect balance of humor and pathos in her performance. Rose Byrne is equally captivating as Lori, portraying a character who is struggling to find her place in the world.

The film's director, Lorene Scafaria, brings a sense of emotional authenticity to the material. She has a clear understanding of the story's themes and characters, and delivers an earnest and poignant exploration of how grief and the passage of time can affect people of all ages.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is that it is not only incredibly moving, but also incredibly funny. Scafaria injects the film with a gentle humor that arises from the distinct personalities and quirks of the characters. There is a warmth and genuine affection that envelops the entire film that makes it an immensely satisfying experience.

In conclusion, The Meddler is a delightful film about family, acceptance, and finding one's place in the world. With an outstanding cast, including the incomparable Susan Sarandon, this film will touch your heart and leave you with a smile on your face. It is a perfect film for those who enjoy intimate and heartwarming dramas that explore the complexities of human relationships.

The Meddler is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 68.