The Intern (2015) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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