Director Lorene Scafaria’s sophomore film The Meddler focuses on overbearing widow Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) who latches onto her daughter, Lori, (Rose Byrne) and anyone who will keep her company.
The film opens with Marnie’s move to Los Angeles where her daughter works as a screenplay writer. Lori, however, is depressed from the loss of her father and a recent breakup, busy with work and feels smothered by her mother’s constant phone calls and text messages.
Marnie, desiring to feel needed, begins volunteering at a hospital and giving large amounts of time and money to people she barely knows. A therapist suggests she may be spending so much because she feels guilty having her husband’s money.
Marnie focuses most of her time on others but feels lonely in the process. She is rarely placed as a priority in anyone’s life until she meets a retired police officer named Zipper (J.K. Simmons) who is instantly attracted to her.
The film follows Marnie’s journey in pursuit of her daughter’s time and her own happiness. She is led to find a balance in her life, and with the help of Zipper, finds love and friendship, too.
The comedy-drama, while charming at times, lacked an apparent message and coherent storyline. There was no obvious struggle or villain which made it lack an aspect of entertainment that is usually crucial to a movie. The film was ultimately not engaging, but it was filled with extraordinary acting.
Sarandon and Byrne’s delivery seems effortless. Sarandon’s strong Brooklyn accent is consistent, while Byrne, an Australian native, speaks with a flawless American accent.
The Meddler certainly has sweet, thought-provoking moments, but I would not recommend it because the film overall failed to keep my attention.
Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.