First of all, let me say that, as the mom of two grown children, I totally resent the title, The Meddler.
Yes, I have been known to leave my kids rambling voicemails. And to text them repeatedly when they don’t call me back. And maybe I’ve gotten a little too involved in their friends’ lives. And, okay, I might have been informed by one of them that we need to set some kind of boundaries.
But that’s not because I’m a meddler.
It’s because I’m a mother.
That being said, I loved watching this movie.
Susan Sarandon is terrific as Marnie, a recently-widowed mom who moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be near her daughter, Lori (Rose Byrne), an aspiring screenwriter. From the first time we hear Marnie talk — or, more accurately, tawk — it feels like we’re supposed to be laughing at her, especially when Lori tells her, “You should get a hobby,” and she replies, “Maybe you can be my hobby.”
Lori lays down the law — “I need to get a life of my own and so do you!” — but quickly reminds Marnie, “I still need a ride to the airport.”
And that’s what makes the mother-daughter relationship here so layered and interesting. And, for empty nesters, so relatable.
When Lori leaves for a couple of months to shoot a TV pilot in New York, she and Marnie are both forced to be independent. But the movie is really Marnie’s coming-of-middle-age story, and she quickly finds other people who need her help. She busies herself volunteering at a hospital, planning a wedding ceremony for Lori’s friend and driving an Apple store Genius to the law classes she’s encouraged him to attend.
Always optimistic, Marnie is up for anything and when she meets Zipper (J.K. Simmons), a security guard on the movie set she accidentally walks onto, she inevitably ends up on the back of his motorcycle, hanging out with his fellow police officers and being introduced to his chickens.
Of course, before she can allow herself to even consider the idea of new love, she has to come to terms with letting go of her beloved late husband.
Writer/director Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend For the End of the World and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) makes us root for Marnie and ultimately recognize that we would all actually be lucky to have someone like her in our lives.
She also reassures us, by having Marnie launch into every voicemail to Lori with the word, “Anyway …,” that we are always in the middle of a never-ending conversation with our kids and that we can pick up where we left off even when they’re too busy living their own lives to answer the phone. And that one day they will call us back and wonder how we also ended up too busy to answer the phone.
Oh I was so hoping for a review of this movie! Thanks, Lois, it’s on my list. And may I recommend to you, “Sing Street.” A great Irish film, endearing, great 80’s music and fun to watch!
This is another one that sounds good. I’m not a mom, but I definitely can meddle in my nephew’s stuff! LOL
Ooh, I hadn’t heard of this one. Might not be for me, but my wife would sure love it!
This will be on our Netflix list! Reminds me a bit about myself, Our daughter leads a busy life ,goes to bed early, rises early, sits for grandchildren, cares for her flowers , yes, still hangs her washing on the line! I’m a little bit of a slow learner, but try my best to not take too much of her precious time. I will admit to ,sometimes, feeling like I’m playing “second fiddle” but ,thankfully, I still have my husband with whom to share quality time Today it’s a small jaunt to Barnes & Noble.
Was reminded by “anyway” that when we were early in our marriage, the first thing I said to him upon awakening “and besides” as if to carry on conversation from previous evening.. I almost lost him, he came very close to falling out of bed while laughing .It’s been, & continues to be, a pleasant journey for ,lo, these 65 years.
My husband says that I said ……..”and another thing”. Could be.
I can relate to that film being a widow and having two kids. I love Susan Sarandon so I’m looking forward to seeing that film.
I must go see this! I had to cancel my plans to see it last night…wah. But now I want to see it even more after reading this!
I loved the movie. My husband pointed out at the end–smart man that he is–that even though Marnie got into other people’s lives, she HELPED every one of them. Loved that.
I totally agree. I loved her!
lol my daughter just yelled at me for meddling so this is very relatable. I love it. Can’t wait to see it!
Ha ha! I hear you.
I I have no problem harassing the crap out of my daughter until she returns my call. ? I care more than I meddle. Will add this movie to my queue.
I’ve somehow never heard of this. Thank you! Yes, the “meddler” part is kind of unwarranted. (Perhaps the writers are as incensed by that title as some HuffPo writers are when headline changes are made for clickbait reasons.) Anyway, it looks like a fabulous film. I love Susan Sarandon! And I love mother/daughter films. Thank you for making me aware of this one.
I’ve never heard of this movie but yes I’m sure as a mom I will always meddle lol But I will call it caring for my children 😉
This movie looks so good. I’ve seen both Susan Sarandon and JK Simmons on the talk shows and some of the previews.
This movie sounds like my kind of flick. I love Susan Sarandon. I must see this.
This will be on my list of movies to watch for the summer. I love Susan Sarandon!
I have not heard of this before but now that I have I want to see it.
I’ve seen this movie recently advertised and not sure if it has hit Australia yet. I love your review and the movie sounds like many of us transitioning in midlife and accepting the empty nest. Great review thanks!
it only gets a limited release here in Australia – I was hoping to see it with my daughter, but it isn’t in a theatre near her. Looks like it might be an at home movie night later down the track 🙂
Susan Sarandon is one of my favorite actresses! I love everything she’s in so I’m sure I will love this movie. As a mom, I can totally relate!
Ok, I totally have to see it, but maybe not with my daughter. I don’t want to give her any nickname ideas. lol
Ha ha! That’s why I didn’t see it with my daughter!!
this movie looks like the perfect to go see with my momma! I bet it has “all the feels”.