Parents' Guide to

The Meddler

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Heartfelt, sassy dramedy about family and grief rings true.

Movie PG-13 2016 100 minutes
The Meddler Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 14+

The actors try very hard, but it falls a bit short

It's sweet. She brought bagels. But the bagels are not enough. I want it to be better for Byrne and Sarandon and Simmons and there are moments where there are glimmers of something more, but it is not enough to sustain the whole film. It feels like the script is not there, but the actors do their damndest. There are flickers but ultimately it does not work for 90 minutes.
age 7+

Slow moving poor writing and story.

Don't waste your time.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

For the first time in years, Sarandon has a truly textured, meaty role into which she can pour her considerable gifts. Marnie is ostensibly a meddling mom, but Sarandon makes her so much more -- a feat that the actress takes great care with, doling out one layer at a time to an audience enraptured by such a funny, complicated character. Kudos also to Byrne, who definitely inhabits the role of a daughter both overwhelmed and grateful for her mother's overly caring ways. And Simmons rises to the occasion as Zipper, who may just be the right man for someone as complex as Marnie. But it's THE MEDDLER writer/director Lorene Scafaria who deserves the biggest plaudits: how she turned a potentially stereotypical character into an interesting, maddening delight is a wonder.

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