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Poster for Marvin's Room

Marvin's Room

Seen it?

1996 | 98 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, though it had a lukewarm 6.7 out of 10 from audiences and a box office loss. 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 loves a strong drama. If you loved The Color Purple or Dancer in the Dark, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A leukemia patient attempts to end a 20-year feud with her sister to get her bone marrow.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 3 SAG Awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $13 million worldwide on a $23 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 230K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jerry Zaks

  • Meryl StreepLee Wakefield Lacker
  • Diane KeatonBessie Wakefield
  • Leonardo DiCaprioHank Lacker
  • Robert De NiroWallace "Wally" Carter
  • Hume CronynMarvin Wakefield
  • Gwen VerdonRuth Wakefield
  • Hal ScardinoCharlie Lacker
  • Dan HedayaRobert "Bob" Carter
  • Margo MartindaleCharlotte Samit
  • Cynthia NixonRetirement Home Director