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.

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 – The Meddler (2020)

Trace every key event in The Meddler (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Marnie moves to Los Angeles to be near Lori

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.

Los Angeles
2

Marnie intrudes into Lori's life

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's home, Los Angeles
3

Valentine's Day outing backfires

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.

Valentine's Day Los Angeles
4

Marnie visits Lori's therapist

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.

Therapist's office
5

Therapist urges Marnie to address her own issues

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.

Therapist's office
6

Marnie befriends Freddie and starts helping him

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.

Los Angeles
7

Marnie volunteers at the hospital

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.

Hospital
8

Emily's baby shower introduces Mark

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.

During Emily's baby shower Emily's baby shower
9

Marnie becomes a mother figure to Jillian

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.

Jillian's home
10

Fredo's bag and Marnie's drug mishap

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.

Car/roadside
11

Zipper the retiree cop and the night-long talk

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.

Filming set
12

Marnie visits NYC to connect with family and past

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.

New York City
13

Back in LA, mix-up with a pregnancy kit

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.

Los Angeles
14

Pours husband's ashes and is arrested; Zipper bails her out

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.

Ocean shore
15

Marnie is settled in LA; plans with Zipper

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.

Los Angeles

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:55

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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

Read a complete plot summary of The Meddler, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Meddler Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Meddler

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Meddler. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Meddler

The Meddler Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Meddler Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Meddler

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