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Plot Summary

The Intern (2015) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 121 min · English
Directed by
Nancy Meyers
Budget
$35M

After retirement proves less fulfilling than expected, Ben Whittaker, a charming 70-year-old, takes on a senior intern position at a vibrant fashion startup. His wisdom and experience quickly win over the younger employees, especially the company’s founder, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). As they navigate the challenges of work and life, an unexpected friendship develops between the unlikely pair, bridging a generational divide and offering valuable perspectives for both.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Intern
  6. 6 Categories
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Intern (2015)

Where can you watch The Intern? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in The Intern: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of The Intern (2015) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Senior citizen Ben, Robert DeNiro, decides to shoot a video resume to apply for an intern position. Responding to a flyer that encourages senior citizens to upload a video highlighting why they should be hired, he explains that as a 70-year-old widower, he leads a comfortably routine life but longs to feel more productive. Soon enough, he receives a call inviting him for an interview.

The company is dubbed 'About The Fit', operated by Jules Ostin, Anne Hathaway. What began as a humble venture from her kitchen has blossomed into a booming online retail business with over 200 employees, having launched only 18 months prior. Jules is depicted as a dedicated leader, tackling everything from customer complaints to juggling her demanding responsibilities. One interaction highlights this as she receives a distressed call from a bride about her mismatched bridesmaids' dresses, where she graciously accepts responsibility and provides her personal number for further convenience, showcasing her commitment to her clients. With her busy lifestyle, Jules rarely has the time for office celebrations or personal interactions, often riding her bike around the office.

During his interview, Ben shares that he once held a job at a company that produced phone books. An interviewer, Nat Wolff, questions him about his future aspirations in the next decade, only to quickly come to terms with the unlikeliness of such a query. He ultimately praises Ben for being overqualified for the role.

Unaware that Ben is destined to become her intern, Jules is informed by her co-worker Cameron, Andrew Rannels, of this prior agreement for the outreach program. Faced with the challenge of accommodating Ben, she is advised that her minimum commitment is six weeks, as it would be essential to set an example for others.

Dressed to impress on his first day, Ben discovers his work environment alongside three other interns, including two senior citizens, one of whom is Doris, played by Celia Watson, and a younger man named Davis, portrayed by Zack Pearl. While Davis's table is cluttered with gadgets, Ben’s setup consists of a simple calculator and stationery. His new colleagues warmly welcome him and assist him in navigating the office tech.

When Ben receives an email from Jules’s assistant, Becky, he eagerly prepares for a meeting scheduled at 3:55 PM, with Becky emphasizing the need for punctuality as there’s another meeting lined up shortly afterward. During the meeting, Jules warns him that his tasks may be limited, but promises she’ll reach out if anything comes up.

Days pass without further communication from Jules; however, undeterred, Ben immerses himself in the workplace, learns about the technology, and assists colleagues. Cameron affectionately dubs him Mr. Congeniality for his affable nature. Ben dispenses old-fashioned wisdom to younger staff, advising Jason, Adam Devine, to approach Becky about fixing his relationship troubles after some evasive texting fails.

His inaugural task from Becky is to clean Jules’s jacket, which, despite her wearing it, has been stained with soy sauce. Amid discussions among the staff, Ben overhears worries that the fast-paced growth at "About The Fit" may require a more seasoned leader. Jules shares her anxiety about the prospect of hiring a CEO, and as the pressure mounts, Ben’s sagacious advice continues to permeate the office.

As Ben becomes a familiar face around the office, his efforts culminate in receiving recognition through an office bell for streamlining the cluttered desk that once plagued Jules. An office masseuse, Fiona, Renee Russo, draws his interest through a casual massage session, leading to amusing moments where Davis humorously misinterprets their interaction.

Ben takes the reins when Jules’s driver is incapacitated, surprising her with his adeptness. In their car rides, he listens to her blend of personal and work-related concerns, including an awkward phone call with her mother. During one exchange, he brings her soup, noticing her busy schedule and suggesting she take time to rest.

As the plot unfolds, viewers glimpse into Jules’s family life, characterized by her supportive husband Matt and daughter Paige. Complications arise, revealing that Matt may not be as committed as it seems; he’s seen harboring a relationship with another woman.

Jules navigates workplace challenges and family dynamics while leaning on Ben for guidance and companionship throughout her tumultuous experiences. Their bond deepens as they share details about their lives, ultimately leading to Jules offering Ben his old position back when the initial intern period concludes. Ben’s insights start reshaping the workplace, and his warm knack for connection flourishes as colleagues turn to him for advice.

Amidst professional upheavals and the unveiling of secrets, Jules grapples with personal disappointments both in her marriage and her career ambitions, causing her to reassess her priorities. When she finally confronts Matt about his infidelity, she experiences an emotional awakening that propels her toward a new direction for both her personal life and business goals.

Through Ben’s support, Jules realizes the importance of self-fulfillment over societal expectations, culminating in a fulfilling closure with her career aspirations and marital relationship. In the end, she finds peace not only in her decisions but in the genuine friendship forged with Ben, leading them both to new beginnings as they embark on a journey that honors their growth.

Last updated: November 02, 2024 at 11:35

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Plot questions answered

The Intern Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about The Intern (2015): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Ben decide to become an intern after retirement?

Ben decides to become an intern because his retirement feels unfulfilling. As a 70-year-old widower, he leads a comfortable but routine life and longs to feel more productive and engaged. The flyer encouraging senior citizens to apply for internships gives him the opportunity to stay active and contribute meaningfully.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Ben mentions he led a comfortably routine life but felt the need to be more productive.

  • ben whittaker
  • retirement
  • intern
  • motivation
  • productivity
Q2

Why does Jules consider hiring a CEO for About The Fit?

Jules considers hiring a CEO because the company has grown rapidly, expanding to over 200 employees in just 18 months. Some staff members worry that the fast-paced growth requires more experienced leadership to manage the scaling challenges effectively.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, staff members express concerns about the rapid growth potentially needing seasoned leadership.

  • jules ostin
  • ceo
  • about the fit
  • hiring
  • company growth
Q3

What triggers Jules to confront Matt about his infidelity?

Jules confronts Matt after discovering evidence of his infidelity. The film shows Matt harboring a relationship with another woman, and the mounting suspicion combined with her stress from work pressures eventually leads her to directly confront him about his actions.

Foreshadowing: The film reveals cracks in Jules's marriage as details about her family life are shown, with Matt not appearing as committed as he seems.

  • jules
  • matt
  • infidelity
  • confrontation
  • marriage
Q4

How does Ben become valuable to the company?

Ben becomes valuable by immersing himself in the workplace, learning the technology, and helping colleagues with their challenges. He reorganizes Jules's cluttered desk, earns the nickname 'Mr. Congeniality' for his affable nature, and dispenses old-fashioned wisdom to younger staff, eventually gaining recognition through an office bell for his contributions.

Foreshadowing: Despite initially being told his tasks would be limited, Ben doesn't lose hope and actively looks for ways to contribute.

  • ben
  • value
  • workplace
  • contributions
  • mr congeniality
Q5

Why does Jules initially resist Ben's help?

Jules initially resists Ben's help because she's overwhelmed with her demanding responsibilities, from handling customer complaints to managing rapid company growth. She warns Ben during their first meeting that his tasks may be limited, focusing more on her busy schedule than on integrating the new intern.

Foreshadowing: Jules is depicted as a dedicated but overwhelmed leader who rarely has time for office celebrations or personal interactions.

  • jules
  • ben
  • resistance
  • help
  • overwhelmed
Q6

Why does Jules decide not to hire a CEO?

Jules decides not to hire a CEO after realizing the importance of self-fulfillment over societal expectations. With Ben's support and encouragement, she gains the confidence to continue leading the company herself rather than handing over control to external management.

Foreshadowing: Ben's sagacious advice permeates the office throughout the film, helping Jules navigate her challenges.

  • jules
  • ceo
  • decision
  • self-fulfillment
  • leadership
Q7

Why does Jules offer Ben his old position back?

Jules offers Ben his old position back because their friendship has deepened significantly and she recognizes the value he brings to the company. Through their shared experiences and mutual respect, she wants to keep him as a permanent part of the team beyond the initial internship period.

Foreshadowing: Their bond strengthens as they share details about their lives and support each other through work and personal challenges.

  • jules
  • ben
  • offer
  • position
  • friendship
  • internship
Q8

How do Ben and Jules develop their friendship?

Ben and Jules develop their friendship through various interactions, including car rides where he drives her when her usual driver is unavailable. During these rides, they share personal and work-related concerns, with Ben listening to her blend of life struggles and offering supportive advice. Their bond deepens as they navigate challenges together.

Foreshadowing: Ben takes the initiative when Jules's driver is incapacitated, surprising her with his adeptness.

  • ben
  • jules
  • friendship
  • development
  • car rides
  • support
Q9

Why does Jules reconcile with Matt after the infidelity?

Jules reconciles with Matt after confronting him about his infidelity, which leads to an emotional awakening. Through this difficult experience and with Ben's support, she learns to prioritize her own happiness and evaluate what she truly wants from her marriage, ultimately finding a path toward reconciliation.

Foreshadowing: The confrontation with Matt about his suspected infidelity forces Jules to evaluate her life choices.

  • jules
  • matt
  • reconciliation
  • infidelity
  • forgiveness
Q10

Why do some employees think About The Fit needs experienced leadership?

Some employees think the company needs experienced leadership because it has grown extremely fast, going from a kitchen venture to over 200 employees in just 18 months. They worry that such rapid scaling requires a more seasoned leader to handle the complexities of managing a large organization.

Foreshadowing: The company's rapid growth from humble beginnings to a booming business is a central concern throughout the film.

  • about the fit
  • experienced leadership
  • company growth
  • employees
  • scaling

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Intern, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Intern tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about warm intergenerational mentorships like The Intern

Unlikely friendships that bridge age gaps and offer life-changing wisdom. If you liked the uplifting friendship between Ben and Jules in The Intern, explore this collection of movies about intergenerational mentorships. Find similar stories where older and younger characters form unlikely bonds, sharing wisdom and support across generational divides for a feel-good, heartwarming experience.

  • heartwarming
  • uplifting
  • comforting
  • reflective
  • optimistic
  • feel-good
  • Tone: hopeful, uplifting, warm
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a chance meeting or new arrangement that brings older and younger characters together. Through a series of shared challenges and quiet moments, a deep, platonic friendship forms. The central conflict often involves bridging a cultural or experiential gap, resulting in mutual learning where wisdom provides stability and youthful energy offers renewal.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core focus on the emotional rewards of cross-generational connection. They are united by a hopeful tone, medium emotional weight, and a character-driven pace that prioritizes relationship development over complex plotting, creating a consistently warm and uplifting viewing experience.

Movies about life re-invention and second acts like The Intern

Finding new purpose and joy after a major life transition or retirement. For viewers who enjoyed The Intern's theme of finding purpose after retirement, this thread gathers movies about life re-invention and second acts. Discover similar feel-good stories where characters start over, find new careers, or form unexpected friendships, offering hopeful and comforting narratives about personal growth.

  • optimistic
  • feel-good
  • inspiring
  • comforting
  • reflective
  • hopeful
  • Tone: hopeful, optimistic, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, thoughtful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist, often older, who feels adrift after a major life change. They are thrust into an unfamiliar environment—a new job, community, or hobby—where they must adapt. The journey is one of gradual self-renewal, overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to discover hidden strengths and a renewed sense of value and belonging.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their central theme of positive transformation and starting over. They share an optimistic, feel-good core, a steady pacing that allows for character reflection, and a low-to-medium intensity that makes the journey comforting rather than stressful, ultimately ending on a happy and satisfying note.

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Movies Like The Intern

Similar movies to The Intern: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Categories

Movie Lists Featuring The Intern

The Intern appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

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Every angle

The Intern (2015) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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