Summary

• Adam Sandler shines in The Meyerowitz Stories with a transformative role, showcasing depth and vulnerability in his acting repertoire.
• Many viewers resonate with the film's dysfunctional family dynamic, which explores themes of resentment, validation, and trauma.
• The star-studded cast, including Dustin Hoffman and Ben Stiller, deliver nuanced performances that bring depth to their conflicted characters and family relationships.

While it is much easier said than done, a great range is vital for any actor or actress to succeed in entertainment. After all, there is a reason why the terms typecasting and pigeonholing exist in the industry. While some names in Hollywood see this way of working as the means to a steady paycheck, others feel a desperate need to eventually break out of the typical role(s) for which they are most known.

This pattern is explicitly prevalent among those who once made a name for themselves in the comedic genre, such as Bill Murray, Jonah Hill, and even Sasha Baron Cohen. Even though they all were (and still are, to varying degrees) referred to as funnymen, Murray proved his vulnerability in 2003’s Lost In Translation, Hill when portraying baseball executive Paul DePodesta in 2011’s Moneyball, and most recently, Cohen as social activist Abbie Hoffman in 2020’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 – a Netflix exclusive drama. Adam Sandler is another name that has seemingly been undergoing this same process (for a great number of years now). One of his most well-executed and transformative performances is hidden deep within the Netflix library. This indie flick is a must-watch. After all, it was nominated at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Critics Choice Movie Awards.

The Noah Baumbach-directed The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) not only showed Sandler in a different light than most are used to but also brought fellow comic Ben Stiller aboard – who also displayed a slower, methodical approach. Besides their significant and unique takes on conflicted children, multi-Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman stepped into the role of a disillusioned father, Harold Meyerowitz. There is no question regarding this movie’s quick success within critic circles – Variety called this movie the best Netflix original film at the time, saying:

"As the best Netflix Original film to date, perhaps this is a sign that the company is finally taking a more discerning interest in the content of their 'content.'"

In addition, Newsweek proclaimed that Sandler had attained Oscar buzz from his role, and Rolling Stone rated this movie with a 3.5 out of 4. Let’s take a deep dive into what happened with The Meyerowitz Stories and why it deserves a second chance in the spotlight.

The Meyerowitz Stories Features a Dysfunctional Family

Easily resonating with those with a dysfunctional family, the movie’s premiere at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival was plagued with controversy that possibly hindered its immediate outreach and support. The Meyerowitz Stories had an exclusive dual release within the same year (Cannes and Netflix). The jury president of the popular festival became troubled by this syncing and eventually helped formulate a rule that said the films shown would have to have a French theatrical release as well. Since The Meyerowitz Stories was the production that spurred this revision, this unmitigated but lasting stain on Baumbach’s independent piece might have been the singular aspect that kept the film from flying any higher – such as attaining that unreachable Oscar.

Nevertheless, watching Sandler play an aging and slightly exasperated unemployed fellow (Danny) who learns how to break away from his father’s toxic behavior is a sight to see. He also startlingly paced himself when interacting with Grace Van Patten’s Eliza (his character’s daughter) when they sing a duet together. But he is not the only one who will make this movie more than just a thorn in the side of Cannes. Stiller is a well-versified contrast to Sandler's character. He is the sibling who got away from the mess and built a successful life but still longs for validation from his father, which will never come.

The Meyerowitz Stories Is Relatable

The makeup of these characters, as well as the bodily portrayal of them by their respective actors, undoubtedly hit home for many people who feel they are in a relatable situation. They get along because they have to and share a few sentiments when there’s room to breathe, but they also quickly arm themselves with resentment for the other when the going gets tough. This unholy union of sorts is cooled by Elizabeth Marvel’s Jean. Being the sister of the pack, Marvel implements a fine line in her depiction by bringing the family members together but balancing her own traumas in the process.

Hoffman never wavers with his representation of a narrow-minded and cold parent. The expert actor’s nuance toward vocalizing a one-track mind for his character while his children try to talk about something else could even become triggering with those who have the same types of elders in their family.

While being Harold, he also seamlessly projects the father’s growing regret into subtle remarks, which, in turn, cultivates both Danny and Matthew’s frailties. While there are moments that could remind viewers of their own family, the ending provides hope (and a solution) for those trying to find some balance in life. At first glance, this family-based drama looks odd due to its unusual and seemingly out-of-place cast, but it shines in places you’d least expect. The Meyerowitz Stories is available to stream on Netflix.