Solitary Man

Solitary Man

Year: 2009

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Directors: Brian Koppelman, David Levien

Budget: $15M

RomanceComedyDrama

Ben, a successful car magnate, cherishes his family almost as much as his own ego. However, his relentless pursuit of business deals and a series of romantic affairs begin to unravel both his household stability and his corporate empire, sending his personal and professional worlds careening toward disaster.

Solitary Man (2009) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Solitary Man (2009) 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 the sleek, high‑stakes world of New York’s luxury auto market, Ben Kalmen reigns as a charismatic magnate whose confidence is matched only by his relentless drive. He has built a sprawling dealership empire while keeping a polished family life that seems to reflect his own ego as much as his success. Beneath the glossy veneer, a routine medical check hints that time may be closing in, introducing a subtle undercurrent of vulnerability to an otherwise invincible façade.

Ben’s life is a careful choreography of high‑powered deals, glamorous social circles, and a series of romantic entanglements that blur the line between genuine connection and reckless indulgence. His ambition pushes him to chase the next big opportunity, even as the strain of his choices begins to echo through both his personal relationships and the financial foundations of his business. The film’s tone balances sharp, witty dialogue with a brooding introspection, capturing the uneasy cocktail of humor and unease that defines a man who feels perpetually on the brink of both triumph and collapse.

Around him, a cast of familiar faces adds texture to his world. His daughter, Susan, provides a grounding presence that contrasts with his more impulsive pursuits, while his longtime partner, Jordan, embodies the stability he both relies on and threatens. Encounters with younger characters from a nearby college—most notably the bright, inquisitive Daniel and the enigmatic Allyson—offer Ben a glimpse of a different kind of vitality, challenging his perception of relevance and legacy.

At its heart, the story is a character‑driven meditation on aging, mortality, and the desperate search for meaning when the clock seems ever‑ticking. It paints a vivid portrait of a man caught between the allure of endless possibility and the inevitable limits of his own flesh, leaving the audience to wonder whether he will find a path that honors both his ambition and his humanity.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 13:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet Midlife Reckonings like in Solitary Man

Character studies of self-destruction that lead to partial, poignant self-awareness.This section features movies like Solitary Man, focusing on character-driven stories about personal and professional unraveling. If you enjoyed the poignant exploration of consequences and the bittersweet ending, you'll find similar films about flawed individuals facing the fallout of their actions.

introspectiveregretfulpoignantmelancholicanxiousunsettlingnostalgic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a character's decline, often self-inflicted through moral failings or arrogance, building steadily towards a crisis point. The story arc is less about redemption and more about the sobering, often ambiguous, realization of one's own flaws and the damage caused.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on character collapse, melancholic mood, and a narrative emphasis on consequence over catharsis. They offer similar steady pacing, heavy emotional weight, and a bittersweet or ambiguous conclusion that leaves a poignant, introspective feeling.

Movies About Self-Made People Unraveling like Solitary Man

Stories where ambition and ego lead to a precarious personal and professional collapse.Explore films similar to Solitary Man, where a successful protagonist's life falls apart due to personal failings. These stories share a steady, anxious pace and a heavy emotional tone, perfect for viewers who appreciate dramas about moral decline and the fragility of success.

anxiousunsettlinglonelymelancholicregretfulintrospectivepoignant

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, cause-and-effect progression where a character's external success masks internal rot. Their actions—often infidelity, deceit, or reckless ambition—trigger a chain of events that systematically dismantles their career, family, and identity, leading to an introspective and lonely finale.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core theme of a successful life dismantled by personal flaws, creating a specific vibe of anxious decline. They are united by a steady pacing that builds tension internally, a melancholic tone, and a focus on the heavy emotional consequences of one's actions.

Unlock the Full Story of Solitary Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore Solitary Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Solitary Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Solitary Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Solitary Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Solitary Man Summary

Solitary Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of Solitary Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Solitary Man Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Solitary Man

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Solitary Man. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Solitary Man

More About Solitary Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Solitary Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Solitary Man

Similar Movies to Solitary Man

Discover movies like Solitary Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.