The Meddler
Seen it?2016 | 100 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (68 on Metacritic), though it had a lukewarm 5.9 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Lady Bird or Terms of Endearment, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
With a new iPhone, an apartment near the Grove, and a comfortable bank account left to her by her beloved late husband, Marnie Minervini has happily relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles to be near her daughter Lori, 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
68 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide on a $3 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 33K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lorene Scafaria
- Susan SarandonMarnie Minervini
- Rose ByrneLori Minervini
- J.K. SimmonsRandall Zipper
- Cecily StrongJillian
- Jerrod CarmichaelFreddy / Fredo
- Michael McKeanMark
- Jason RitterJacob
- Billy MagnussenBen
- Lucy PunchEmily
- Sarah BakerElaine