Mr. Jealousy

Mr. Jealousy

Year: 1998

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Noah Baumbach

ComedyRomance

Aspiring writer Lester Grimm battles deep-seated insecurities stemming from a disastrous first date, leading to a reputation for possessiveness and paranoia. When he encounters Ramona Ray, his anxieties are challenged. Investigating her past, which involves the charismatic novelist Dashiell Frank, forces Lester to confront his own flaws and learn the importance of trust and moving on. It’s a comedic and touching look at love, relationships, and overcoming personal demons.

Mr. Jealousy (1998) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Mr. Jealousy (1998) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a bustling creative quarter where coffee‑stained notebooks line every café table, Lester Grimm—a hopeful novelist nursing the sting of a disastrous first date—finds his imagination tangled with a relentless undercurrent of self‑doubt. The city’s literary scene, half‑serious critique and half‑playful banter, mirrors his own internal dialogue, turning everyday encounters into moments that feel both intimate and absurdly amplified.

When a mutual friend, Vince, introduces him to the captivating Ramona Ray, the chemistry between them seems to promise a fresh chapter. Yet the mention of her celebrated ex, the charismatic author Dashiell Frank, lights a spark of jealousy that L​ester can’t quite dismiss. As he navigates the tentative dance of new romance, his lingering insecurities surface, coloring each conversation with a shade of possessiveness that threatens to eclipse the genuine connection he craves.

The film paints its world with a warm, off‑beat humor, allowing the audience to laugh at the awkwardness of modern love while feeling the tender ache of vulnerability. Lucretia, Vince’s fiancée, floats in the background as a reminder that even the most confident couples grapple with their own doubts, reinforcing the story’s central theme: the challenge of trusting others—and oneself—when past missteps whisper loudly.

Against this backdrop of witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, Lester is compelled to confront the roots of his anxiety. The narrative invites viewers to wonder whether love can indeed become a catalyst for growth, or if the shadows of previous heartbreak will forever linger in the margins of his manuscript.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:04

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character whose deep-seated insecurities—often around jealousy or self-worth—create complications in a new relationship. The central conflict is internal, driven by the protagonist's need to overcome their own flaws, typically through a series of humorous yet poignant missteps, leading to a climactic moment of self-realization.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is driven by a protagonist who enters a therapeutic space—a support group, therapy sessions, etc.—under a false identity to gain insight into someone else, typically a love interest. The narrative structure uses the therapy setting as a crucible, where listening to others' vulnerabilities forces the deceiver to confront parallel issues in their own life, leading to a crisis of conscience and eventual honesty.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific narrative device that creates both comedic situations and deep psychological tension. The grouping is defined by the unique blend of a deceptive premise, the introspective environment of therapy, and the theme of eavesdropping on honesty as a path to finding one's own.

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Mr. Jealousy Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr. Jealousy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr. Jealousy

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