Marnie (Susan Sarandon) lives an empty life after the death of her husband Joey. His death left her with more money than she needs. She moved from New York to L.A. to be close to her TV writer daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) and her grand-doggies. It's a struggle to fill her days and she is constantly trying to get into Lori's life. She's even going to Lori's therapist. Lori is suffering about her ex Jacob and from Marnie's meddling. Lori travels to New York. Marnie promises to pay for Lori's friend Jillian (Cecily Strong)'s wedding. She gives rides to Freddy from the Apple genius store. She volunteers at the hospital. Zipper (J.K. Simmons) is a retired cop working on a movie set that Marnie accidentally works onto.

This actually works better after Lori leaves town. Marnie's adventures are fun. Jillian's wedding feels a little Bridesmaids. There is an overload of funny women but it's fine. Jerrod Carmichael is a fun little appetizer but the main course is J.K. Simmons. I actually missed these characters when Marnie goes to New York. I would rather have an indie about Marnie with Jillian, Freddy, and Zipper. It's a bit depressing without them and I can only take so much.

The Meddler of the title is Marnie (Susan Sarandon) who has been lonely since her husband has died and ends up overbearing her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne.)

However Marnie is well meaning and other people who cross paths with her seem to appreciate her help more than her daughter, Marnie also attracts several admirers including Zipper (JK Simmons) and despite her daughter's rebuffing her intentions, she finds a new purpose in her life.

The film has wonderful performances from Sarandon and Simmons, but it is a pretty empty film. Not really a comedy, nor quirky or dramatic enough.

Who wouldn't wish to have Susan Sarandon as a mother? Or at least a friend! I mean even when she has flaws she's amazing. And of course her character has flaws, but who doesn't. Her relationship with Rose Byrne is exceptional. The overall tone is set nicely. And if anything I'd wish this was longer, had more JK Simmons in it.

I understand if some feel that not much is happening. It's a valid criticism of the movie. But if you do like the path rather than the overall goal this is heading for, you will cherish that path it takes. It's really well played (no pun intended) and it has a real arc. For more than Sarandon, but especially for her character. There are so many real moments to cherish ... but it has to be something you like, otherwise it doesn't make sense to watch it