The Intern (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

About The Fit is the fictional online retail company that serves as the primary setting for the movie. It is a fashion startup that has grown rapidly over 18 months, becoming a successful e-commerce business. Jules Ostin founded the company and serves as its CEO, overseeing a team of young employees in a dynamic, modern workplace.

• about the fit
• fashion startup
• jules ostin
• ceo
• online retail

The movie takes place primarily at the offices of About The Fit, a modern fashion startup, and at Jules Ostin's home. The office represents a vibrant, youthful work environment, while Jules's home provides a contrast showing her personal life and family responsibilities. The two locations highlight the divide between her professional ambitions and private struggles.

• office
• fashion startup
• jules home
• workplace setting

The Intern is set in contemporary, modern-day times. The story reflects current workplace culture, including themes of technological change and generational differences in professional settings. This present-day setting allows the film to address relevant issues like work-life balance and the rapid pace of modern business.

• modern day
• contemporary
• present time
• workplace culture

The friendship between Ben and Jules is the central theme of the movie. Their intergenerational bond demonstrates how wisdom and experience from older adults can meaningfully support younger people facing challenges. Ben's guidance helps Jules navigate both professional pressures and personal difficulties, while their mutual respect bridges a generational divide.

• friendship
• ben
• jules
• intergenerational
• mentor
• support

The film explores ambition through Jules's character, who as CEO of a growing company faces intense pressure to succeed. Her drive is contrasted with Ben's more mature perspective on productivity and purpose. The story suggests that ambition is valuable but should be balanced with personal well-being, and that success looks different at various stages of life.

• ambition
• success
• jules
• ceo
• career
• work-life balance

Betrayal emerges through Jules's discovery of her husband Matt's infidelity. This personal betrayal forces Jules to confront her priorities and reassess her life choices. The theme is handled within an optimistic framework, presenting this betrayal as a surmountable obstacle that ultimately leads to personal growth and self-discovery.

• betrayal
• infidelity
• matt
• jules marriage
• personal struggle

Ben is a 70-year-old widower who becomes a senior intern at About The Fit after finding retirement unfulfilling. Played by Robert De Niro, he brings old-fashioned wisdom and an affable nature to the young workplace. His character serves as a mentor and friend, offering guidance to colleagues while seeking purpose and connection in his own life.

• ben
• robert de niro
• 70 year old
• widower
• intern
• mentor

Jules Ostin is the founder and CEO of About The Fit, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. She is a determined, ambitious leader who struggles to balance her professional responsibilities with personal challenges, including family dynamics and the pressures of running a growing company. Her character showcases both strength and vulnerability throughout the film.

• jules ostin
• anne hathaway
• ceo
• founder
• about the fit
• ambitious

The film directly explores generational differences by pairing 70-year-old Ben with the young employees of a tech-savvy fashion startup. Through Ben's integration into the workplace, the movie shows how older adults can contribute valuable experience and perspective while also learning from younger generations. The office becomes a space where different age groups collaborate and learn from each other.

• generational gap
• workplace
• older employee
• young startup
• experience

The movie addresses work-life balance through Jules's struggle to manage her demanding career while maintaining her marriage and personal life. The film suggests that overwhelming professional ambition can come at a personal cost. Through Ben's perspective, the story emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment beyond work and prioritizing relationships.

• work-life balance
• jules
• career
• marriage
• priorities
• fulfillment

The Intern maintains a consistently hopeful and light tone throughout, grounded in a straightforward narrative about human connection. While it touches on heavier themes like infidelity and work stress, these challenges are presented as surmountable. The overall mood is warm and humorous, with the film ending on a happy, fulfilling note that resolves both professional and personal storylines.

• tone
• hope
• lighthearted
• humor
• warmth
• feel-good