The Meddler

Name: The Meddler
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Released: April 22, 2016
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Cecily Strong, J.K. Simmons, Jason Ritter, Jerrod Carmichael, Lucy Punch

2016

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 34 Ratings

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6.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 34 Ratings

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The Meddler

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: April 22, 2016 | PG-13

Starring: Cecily Strong, J.K. Simmons, Jason Ritter, Jerrod Carmichael, Lucy Punch, Michael McKean, Rose Byrne, Susan Sarandon

Summary: With a new iPhone, an apartment near the Grove, and a comfortable bank account left to her by her beloved late husband, Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) has happily relocated from New Jersey to LosAngeles to be near her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne), a successful (but still single) screenwriter, and smother her with motherly love. But whenWith a new iPhone, an apartment near the Grove, and a comfortable bank account left to her by her beloved late husband, Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) has happily relocated from New Jersey to LosAngeles to be near her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne), a successful (but still single) screenwriter, and smother her with motherly love. But when the dozens of texts, unexpected visits, and conversations dominated by unsolicited advice force Lori to draw strict personal boundaries, Marnie finds ways to channel her eternal optimism and forceful generosity to change the lives of others – as well as her own – and find a new purpose in life.… Expand

Director: Lorene Scafaria

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 100 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

RogerEbert.com Matt Zoller Seitz

Apr 21, 2016

A diminutive and misleading title for such an affecting, often profound film. Read full review

IndieWire Kate Erbland

Apr 21, 2016

The charm of The Meddler isn't the kind that benefits from big pushes forward in narrative or massive plot movements, but it revels in heart-warming humor, vibrant characters and what's clearly a deep affection for its story. Read full review

David Ehrlich

Mar 6, 2016

With a plot that plays like a string of incidental encounters, The Meddler could easily have felt like a glorified sitcom. But its heroine’s grief, her goodness and her complicated relationship with her daughter all feel so lived-in and true that the film stays grounded. Read full review

Peter Travers

Apr 21, 2016

The Meddler belongs to Sarandon, a famously no-bull actress who digs in deep, showing us how moms aren't one thing, they're all things. How else can they make you laugh from love and cry from crazy? The Meddler knows how. Listen up. Read full review

Gary Goldstein

Apr 21, 2016

The Meddler offers a charming, authentic and well-observed mix of comedy and poignancy. Read full review

The Playlist Kevin Jagernauth

Mar 6, 2016

While slight, the film’s genuine feeling and overall comedic consistency has enough breezy charm to make it go down easy and pleasurably. Read full review

Elise Nakhnikian

Apr 19, 2016

Writer-director Lorene Scafaria's film is an unconvincing character study that plays like a painfully unfunny sitcom. Read full review

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User Reviews

Acacia

May 25, 2016

This is a wonderful movie that has arrived with no fanfare whatsoever. Susan sarandon is so nice to watch as she plays a recently widowed woman who moves to LA to be close to her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne). She drives Lori crazy with her constant calls, texts and unannounced visits. AfterThis is a wonderful movie that has arrived with no fanfare whatsoever. Susan sarandon is so nice to watch as she plays a recently widowed woman who moves to LA to be close to her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne). She drives Lori crazy with her constant calls, texts and unannounced visits. After Lori temporarily relocates to New York, her mother must find something else to anchor her world. She is a generous person with a huge heart and it isn't long before she has made friends with Lori's friends and made a few of her own, including J.K. Simmoms as a man who finds her very attractive. We watch her grow as an independent woman who is searching for her place in her own world. I enjoyed taking this journey with her.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

kathytreece

May 30, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Saw this movie with Jeana A and Landmark Edina, after a late lunch at Edina Grill. It is a quirky comedy with a happy ending. Susan Sarandon's character had an abundance of energy. J.K. Simmons is wonderful as the romantic lead.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

gfny

May 31, 2016

Excellent direction and storyline. Susan Sarandon turned in a top performance and even went back to her roots with a great New York accent. Good enough for an Oscar nomination. The film has a deeper social meaning of what life is about.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BHBarry

May 1, 2016

"The Meddler" stars Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons in this almost autobiographical story of a girl and her mom written and directed by Lorelei Scafaria.
Light in its script, the film, nevertheless, is a wonderful vehicle for Ms. Sarandon who confirms what everyone who has seen"The Meddler" stars Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons in this almost autobiographical story of a girl and her mom written and directed by Lorelei Scafaria.
Light in its script, the film, nevertheless, is a wonderful vehicle for Ms. Sarandon who confirms what everyone who has seen her in prior films knows…..she is one terrific actress. Having the ability to communicate in silent expressions the deepest emotions and feelings, she is a delight to watch. Though touted as a "chick-flick" and with not too deep a tale, thanks to Ms. Sarandon, the film is easy to watch and enjoy. I give it 7.0 with the knowledge that every mother and daughter will find special joy and identification in viewing it and I also believe that the dads will too.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Spangle

May 29, 2016

Funny and poignant, The Meddler is a truly touching look at family, loss, and love. Featuring terrific performances from Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne, The Meddler may be a pretty typical comedy-drama, but this does not prevent the film from being a truly emotional, touching, and thoroughlyFunny and poignant, The Meddler is a truly touching look at family, loss, and love. Featuring terrific performances from Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne, The Meddler may be a pretty typical comedy-drama, but this does not prevent the film from being a truly emotional, touching, and thoroughly enjoyable film. What really helps to elevate the film above its conventional structure is Sarandon's phenomenal performance, as she amounts to being a one woman powerhouse in this film. Even better, the film feels truly authentic and succeeds at wringing drama and comedy out of its poignant slice of life approach. Overall, The Meddler is a film with very well-written characters and good pacing that allows it to never bore you while also making you cry, laugh, and smile.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TVJerry

May 23, 2016

Established actors sometimes find movies with a quirky character that allows them to flex their acting muscles. This is the case for Susan Sarandon, as she plays a New Jersey mother who moves to LA to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). As the title suggests, she can't leave anyoneEstablished actors sometimes find movies with a quirky character that allows them to flex their acting muscles. This is the case for Susan Sarandon, as she plays a New Jersey mother who moves to LA to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). As the title suggests, she can't leave anyone alone: She's driven to express her opinion, give advice and even offer money. Though it's promoted as a comedy, this is more a lite drama that examines a complex woman thru several sweet interactions. As expected, Sarandon has spunky charm, but she also manages moments of quiet poignancy. The cast is good (J. K. Simmons is esp. warm) and the pace never lags. Sarandon doesn't give a flashy performance and the movie isn't striving for hilarity, but its low-key charms are undeniable.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

donaldist

Jun 26, 2016

40/100
Sticks very closely to the formula of the rising "Widow Dramedy" genre- it's possibly the exact same movie as last year's I'll See You in My Dreams, what with both being vehicles for talented aging actresses who've been out of the limelight for a while, featuring the actresses40/100
Sticks very closely to the formula of the rising "Widow Dramedy" genre- it's possibly the exact same movie as last year's I'll See You in My Dreams, what with both being vehicles for talented aging actresses who've been out of the limelight for a while, featuring the actresses putting their deceased husbands behind them, with some daughter drama and granny takes pot interludes. J.K. Simmons even plays what is essentially a bald Sam Elliot (old Sam appeared in I'll See You in My Dreams and about a dozen more of these movies). We don't need this movie over and over! We need nice little genre pieces like Grandma that resurrect Lily Tomlin for some great character drama. I'm just worried for when Diane Ladd and Tom Selleck get mixed up in these formula-indies.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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