'The Meddler' A Review

The Meddler is a dramedy about a recent widow who injects her self into her unwilling daughter's life because she is struggling with grief and endless free time. Marnie(Susan Sarandon) follows her daughter Lori(Rose Byrne) out to Los Angeles in the wake of her husband's death. With unresolved grief and a relatively empty retired life Marnie constantly pesters Lori who is grappling with writers block and romantic ennui. Marnie is forced to branch out when Lori leaves for New York on business, she begins volunteering at a local hospital, planning a wedding for one of Lori's friends, giving a ride to her Apple clerk to night school, and meets a retired motorcycle cop with whom a delicate romance begins to bloom.

Sarandon has depth, humor, and charm. Dynamic as she always is, its gratifying to see her in such a meaty role where she is never off screen. An opportunity she hasn't had in a while. Byrne is decent as the struggling daughter but fails to match the vitality of her co-star. The supporting cast are all serviceable with some great comedic moments but there is some noticeable discordance with various scenes, seemingly not a fault of the actors but rather per requirement of the script.

Although the film is semi-autobiographical from director/writer Lorene Scafaria there are various moments of unbelievability. For example Marnie's utter cluelessness with understanding anything regarding her daughter's personal or romantic life or Lori's incessant frustration with but inability to actually communicate with her mother. Sarandon carries these moments with grace and owns them whereas Byrne is less successful. Perhaps these interactions are based on reality but onscreen they are a bit distracting. Overall the faults are negligible, with enough cathartic moments, laughs, and ultimate transformation to satisfy.

A funny, feel good film that shines because of its magnetic lead.

See It.