The Meddler

The Meddler

Year: 2020

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Directors: Alex Roberts, Daniel Leclair

In Guatemala City, where 98 per cent of homicides go unprosecuted, a man has devoted his life to capturing crime footage for news outlets and police – no matter the risks.

Bittersweet
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Meddler (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Meddler (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 2010s

Set in contemporary times, the story follows Marnie's move to LA and her attempts to rebuild a life after her husband's death. The era features modern communication, therapy, and urban life in two major American cities. Holidays and everyday routines drive the plot, grounding the narrative in present-day relationships and technology.

Location

Los Angeles, New York City

The action shifts between sunny Los Angeles neighborhoods and moments in New York City. Los Angeles serves as the primary setting where Marnie reinvents her life, volunteers at a hospital, and builds new friendships. New York City appears in visits to Lori's work and family, marking transitions in Marnie's journey. The contrast between the two cities underscores themes of change, independence, and renewal.

🏙️ City Life 🌴 California Vibe 🗽 NYC Vibe 🏥 Hospital & Community

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:12

Main Characters – The Meddler (2020)

Meet the key characters of The Meddler (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marnie

An aging widow who moves from NYC to LA to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. She initially fills the void by meddling in her daughter Lori's life and seeking closeness. Over time, she builds new friendships, volunteers at a hospital, and learns to navigate independence and self-care. Her journey moves from loneliness toward belonging.

💬 Family dynamics 💔 Grief

Lori

A television screenwriter who relocates to LA and relies on therapy to navigate relationships with her mother and her own independence. She resists her mother's interference while seeking professional guidance to cope with emotional stress. Lori's evolving relationship with Marnie anchors the emotional tension and growth in the story.

🎬 Career 💬 Family dynamics 🧠 Therapy

Zipper

A retired police officer who becomes a confidant and potential romantic interest for Marnie. He shares stories about his daughter Lizzie and introduces her to his world, including his chickens. He helps bail Marnie out after the ashes incident and supports her as she imagines a life beyond grief.

🚓 Cop 💞 Unexpected romance 🐔 Animal friends

Freddie

A tech-savvy friend who helps Marnie with rides to night classes and becomes part of her expanding social circle in LA. He represents a younger generation and brings practical support and humor to Marnie's life.

💡 Tech Buddy 🚗 Ride-sharing

Jillian

A friend of Lori and new mother figure to Marnie. Marnie helps Jillian with wedding expenses, and Jillian, in turn, leans on Marnie's generosity as she navigates her own family responsibilities.

👰 Wedding 💬 Friendship

Emily

Lori's friend who hosts a baby shower where Marnie is introduced to Emily's divorced father-in-law, Mark. Emily's event marks a social link that broadens Marnie's circle and highlights how relationships evolve.

🎉 Social Life 👪 Family

Mark

Emily's divorced father-in-law whom Marnie meets at the baby shower. They share common ground but do not pursue a romance, illustrating how connections can form in unexpected places.

👴 Adult Relationships 🕊️ Renewal

German Cabrera

A character credited to actor German Cabrera in The Meddler. The role is a minor part within the LA setting and contributes to the film's urban interactions.

🎭 Supporting 🏙️ City Life

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:12

Major Themes – The Meddler (2020)

Explore the central themes of The Meddler (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Grief

Grief frames Marnie's initial choices and colors the film's emotional arc. After the loss of her husband, she seeks closeness with Lori and navigates loneliness through acts of meddling and generosity. Therapy reveals her own unaddressed issues, prompting personal growth. Healing comes through connection and learning to let go.

🚧 Boundaries

Marnie's impulse to intervene in Lori's life creates friction and tension. The film explores balancing care with intrusion, using humor to soften conflicts. As Marnie forms new friendships, she learns to set healthier boundaries while remaining supportive. The arc reframes meddling as care that evolves into respect for autonomy.

🤝 Friendship & Community

New friendships become Marnie's anchor in LA, including bonds with Freddie and Zipper. Volunteering at the hospital and helping others widen her social circle and give her purpose. The sense of belonging reduces loneliness and helps redefine family.

✨ Second Chances

The narrative emphasizes new beginnings as Marnie restarts her life in LA after grief. Romance with Zipper and renewed ties with Lori signal fresh possibilities. The moment of dispersing her husband's ashes becomes a cathartic symbol of letting go and moving forward. The film closes with hope, companionship, and renewed purpose.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:12

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Intimate healing stories like The Meddler

Stories about overcoming grief through quiet connection and small, meaningful steps.If you liked the quiet, character-focused journey of healing in The Meddler, you'll find other movies that explore grief, self-discovery, and the bittersweet path to new beginnings. These films share a gentle pace and a deeply felt emotional core, perfect for viewers seeking moving and introspective stories.

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Bittersweet character studies like The Meddler

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist's linear journey of self-discovery, often stemming from a personal crisis. Conflict arises from internal struggles and relational friction, with the resolution coming from acceptance and small, positive changes. The straightforward plot structure ensures the focus remains on the emotional transformation.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific combination of a bittersweet tone, a straightforward narrative complexity, and a happy ending feel. They balance the heaviness of their themes with an ultimately optimistic outlook, creating a coherent and satisfying emotional experience for the viewer.

Unlock the Full Story of The Meddler

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Meddler 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 The Meddler is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Meddler Summary

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The Meddler Summary

The Meddler Timeline

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The Meddler Timeline

The Meddler Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Meddler Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Meddler

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