The Meddler

Is your mother guilty of coddling you? If you're a mother yourself, do you fuss over your children? If you answered "yes" to either question, then you'll relate to the central characters in this likeable comedy drama. The title refers to an upbeat widow (Susan Sarandon), who has moved to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter (Rose Byrne). Sarandon is kind and well-meaning, but she's also intrusive and overbearing. And when Byrne leaves for New York, she channels her energy into helping people she barely knows, her way of coping with the death of her husband. This is beautifully conveyed by Sarandon, who oozes likeability while allowing us to see glimpses of her character's grief. The Meddler isn't especially funny, but it is charming and quietly moving, and it's the sort of film that will make you want to call your mum.