Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Old friends reunite with an unusual goal in mature dramedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Intervention
What's the Story?
In THE INTERVENTION, four couples, all old pals, reunite for a long weekend -- but they're not just planning to reminisce. The group, spearheaded by Annie (Melanie Lynskey), has determined that their friend Ruby (Coby Smulders) is unhappy in her marriage, and they want to push her and her husband to split up. Ruby's sister, Jessie (Clea DuVall), is on board with the idea, and her girlfriend, Sarah (Natasha Lyonne), and Annie's long-suffering fiance, Matt (Jason Ritter) are willing to go along with the plan, too. Only Jack (Ben Schwartz) is opposed to the idea of getting involved in someone else's marriage. But once this emotional ball gets rolling it's impossible to stop, and it doesn't always go in the intended direction.
Is It Any Good?
On cast chemistry alone, this ensemble drama makes the grade; its players persuasively care about each other. But a fine ensemble can't make up for a script that, though at times charming, holds few surprises. The biggest, most "profound" moments are easily spotted from the first act. Though The Intervention makes some interesting points about marriage and modern-day relationships, it suffers from an over-long wind-up and a hasty climax, throwing the film off balance. It's worth a watch, but it may be underwhelming if examined closely.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationships featured in The Intervention. What do you think about the couples in this film? Do any of their relationships seem stronger than the others? Which ones are struggling? Who seems happiest?
How does The Intervention compare to other movies about old friends reuniting? Do you think it stands out from the likes of The Big Chill and Peter's Friends?
Talk to your kids about how the movie addresses addiction. Does it seem realistic? Are there different types and varying degrees of addiction?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 26, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2016
- Cast : Cobie Smulders , Jason Ritter , Natasha Lyonne , Melanie Lynskey , Alia Shawkat , Clea Duvall
- Director : Clea DuVall
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language including sexual references
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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