The Intern (2015)
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A 70-year-old widower finds new purpose as a senior intern at a fast-growing fashion startup, forming an unlikely bond with the company's workaholic CEO.
The story
Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower and retired executive, finds himself bored with retirement and decides to apply for a position at About the Fit, a fast-growing e-commerce fashion startup in Brooklyn. He is hired as one of three senior interns. Ben is assigned to work with the company's CEO, Jules Ostin, who is initially skeptical of his presence. However, Ben's experience, congeniality, and helpful advice begin to win over his co-workers and eventually earn him the respect of the young, workaholic executive as they navigate the challenges of the modern workplace together.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower, joins the fashion startup About the Fit as a senior intern. While the young CEO, Jules Ostin, is initially dismissive, Ben's steady presence and wisdom win her over. He assists her with various tasks, including managing her desk and even driving her home. Their bond deepens as they realize they share a history with the building's past. The story expands as Ben becomes involved in Jules's life, helping her navigate a crisis involving a sent email and a relationship with a massage therapist. Simultaneously, the film explores Jules's strained marriage to Matt, who is struggling with an affair. Under pressure from investors to hire a new CEO, Jules initially agrees to step down but, encouraged by Ben's perspective on her passion for the company, she decides to stay. The film concludes with Jules finding a moment of peace and relaxation with Ben during a tai chi session.
- First release year
- 2015
- Runtime (minutes)
- 121
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Nancy Meyers
- Writers
- Nancy Meyers · writer
- Cast and characters
- Robert De Niro · Ben Whittaker; Anne Hathaway · Jules Ostin; Rene Russo
- Genres
- comedy; drama
- Themes
- generational gap; work-life balance; mentorship
- Tone and mood
- heartwarming; lighthearted
- Setting
- Brooklyn and San Francisco in the modern era.
- Premise and plot tags
- unlikely friendship; workplace; multigenerational
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, though the performances of the lead actors were praised.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 51 · scale: 100 · review count: 36
- Production trivia
- The film was originally set up at Paramount Pictures.; It was planned to feature Tina Fey and Michael Caine in the lead roles.; A Hindi remake was announced in 2020.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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