The Meddler

The Meddler

Year: 2016

Runtime: 100 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Lorene Scafaria

DramaComedyRomance

When widow Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) follows her husband's wish by moving from New Jersey to Los Angeles, she becomes overzealous in her attempts to reconnect with her screenwriter daughter Lori (Rose Byrne). As boundaries are set and Marnie's meddling is met with resistance, she finds creative ways to spread joy and positivity, ultimately discovering a new sense of purpose in life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Meddler yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Meddler (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Meddler (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The contemporary time period reflects a society grappling with personal relationships, losses, and the pursuit of emotional healing. This era showcases the impact of technology and social change on daily lives, especially as Marnie navigates her connection with her daughter amidst the complexities of modern life.

Location

Los Angeles, New York City

Los Angeles is known for its bustling entertainment industry and vibrant culture, attracting dreamers and artists alike. The city offers a blend of sunny weather and diverse neighborhoods, serving as a backdrop for both personal journeys and new beginnings. New York City is a fast-paced metropolis, rich in history and cultural significance, where Marnie seeks closure and connection with her past.

🏙️ City 🌊 Ocean

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Main Characters – The Meddler (2016)
Meet the key characters of The Meddler (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marnie (Susan Sarandon)

Marnie is a newly widowed woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing. She is characterized by her deep longing for connection and her struggle with loneliness following her husband's death. Despite her well-meaning intentions, she often finds herself in awkward situations that challenge her understanding of her daughter's life.

👵 Widow 💖 Empathetic 🌱 Growth

Lori (Rose Byrne)

Lori, Marnie's daughter, is navigating her own emotional challenges as she pursues a demanding career while dealing with the remnants of her father's absence. Her struggles are highlighted by her therapy sessions, showcasing her complexity and growth throughout the film. The mother-daughter relationship becomes a focal point as both characters learn to communicate and empathize with each other's pain.

💔 Grieving 🎬 Screenwriter 🌼 Growth

Zipper (J.K. Simmons)

Zipper is a retired police officer who becomes an unexpected source of support for Marnie. With his own experiences of loss, he embodies the theme of shared grief and connection. His quirky personality and unique interests, such as his collection of chickens, add a layer of warmth and humor to his character.

👮‍♂️ Retired Officer 🐔 Quirky 💬 Supportive

Freddie (Jerrod Carmichael)

Freddie is a tech-savvy friend who becomes significant in Marnie's quest for companionship. He represents the youthful spirit and the willingness to embrace new beginnings, helping Marnie bridge the gap between her past and her potential future.

🧑‍💻 Tech-savvy 🌟 Supportive 🤗 Friendly

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Major Themes – The Meddler (2016)
Explore the central themes of The Meddler (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme as Marnie struggles with the loss of her husband and the void it creates in her life. Her emotional journey illustrates how unresolved grief can affect relationships and personal well-being. The film explores the ways in which Marnie and Lori confront their losses, ultimately leading to moments of understanding and connection.

🤝 Connection

The theme of connection plays a crucial role in Marnie's story as she seeks to build relationships beyond her grief. Through interactions with new friends like Freddie and Zipper, as well as her attempts to reconnect with Lori, Marnie learns the importance of forming bonds that can help her heal. This theme underscores the power of shared experiences in overcoming loneliness.

🌹 Motherhood

Motherhood is intricately woven into the narrative, showcasing both the challenges and joys of the maternal bond. Marnie's relationship with Lori highlights the complexities of parent-child dynamics, especially as they navigate their individual emotional landscapes. Marnie's nurturing nature is portrayed through her interactions with others, reaffirming the enduring essence of motherhood.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40