The Meddler

An aging widow, Marnie follows her daughter Lori to Los Angeles with the hope of starting over. She plans to reconnect, but quickly begins inserting herself into Lori's life. Her arrival marks the start of a tense, dependency-filled chapter for both women.

She starts calling Lori constantly and shows up unannounced at her house. Lori is annoyed, especially since she's seeing a therapist and trying to establish boundaries. The dynamic sets the tone for their strained relationship throughout the film.

Lori agrees to go out with Marnie on Valentine's Day. They run into Lori's ex and his new girlfriend, turning the evening awkward. Lori tries to pretend she is dating someone too, but Marnie's presence undermines the moment.

Marnie attends the session hoping to learn why Lori behaves the way she does. Instead, the therapist evaluates Marnie, highlighting issues of grief and control. Her attempt to understand Lori becomes a mirror for Marnie's own unaddressed pain.

The therapist explains that Marnie's behavior stems from unresolved grief over her husband's death. She suggests Marnie needs to work through her own loss to move forward. This moment shifts the story's focus toward Marnie's personal healing.

While buying a new mobile, Marnie meets Freddie, a tech-savvy friend. She begins giving him rides to his night classes, expanding her social circle. This budding friendship gives Marnie a sense of purpose beyond her daughter.

Following Lori's suggestion, Marnie volunteers at a hospital. She helps a female stroke victim reconnect with her son, finding a meaningful contribution. This work gradually helps Marnie feel useful and connected.

At Lori's friend Emily's baby shower, Marnie meets Emily's divorced father-in-law, Mark. They discover common ground, but she isn't interested in pursuing a romance. The encounter plants seeds for future friendship rather than romance.

Jillian asks Marnie to babysit and help with wedding expenses. Having lost her own mother early, Jillian embraces Marnie as a stand-in mom. Marnie's support helps Jillian plan a proper wedding.

Fredo leaves a bag of marijuana in Marnie's car after a ride. As she preps Freddie for an upcoming exam, a police officer arrives and Marnie swallows the bag. The moment is chaotic and surreal, revealing Marnie's desperation and vulnerability.

Shortly after the earlier mishap, Marnie meets Zipper, a retired cop, on the filming set where she had briefly become an extra. They stay out all night talking, and Zipper introduces her to his chickens. He reveals that his younger daughter Lizzie is estranged due to his divorce.

Marnie returns to NYC to see Lori's pilot and to visit her late husband's family. They discuss getting a headstone and distributing his ashes, but she is not ready. The visit underscores her reluctance to confront loss while seeking closure.

Lori asks Marnie to help obtain a pregnancy test kit, but Marnie mistakenly brings an ovulation kit. The emotional moment leads to apologies as Lori explains she misses her dad. Marnie confesses she feels the same, acknowledging they are not alone.

Marnie finally pours her husband's ashes into the ocean. She is arrested, but Zipper bails her out and they share a kiss. They decide to go watch an action movie together, and she listens to Lori's three voicemails, a small sign of reconciliation.

Some time later, Marnie seems happily settled into her LA life. She leaves a voicemail for Lori asking about her current boyfriend and mentioning a planned trip with Zipper. The closing moment hints at a renewed family bond and a future with Zipper.