What Is Solitary Man About?
The premise of Solitary Man in 359 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the polished corridors of New York’s high‑end auto market, Ben Kalmen has built a reputation as a charismatic dealer whose confidence mirrors the sleek cars he sells. The film opens on a world of glossy showrooms and affluent soirées, where success is measured in glossy brochures and the roar of engines. Beneath the polished surface, however, a quiet unease simmers, hinted at by routine medical check‑ups and the looming pressure of time. The tone is a blend of sharp wit and lingering melancholy, inviting the audience to feel both the allure of luxury and the fragile edge that comes with it.
When the inevitable cracks in Ben’s carefully curated life begin to show, his once‑unshakeable hubris is forced into stark relief. Health concerns and a series of reckless choices begin to erode the stability he has long taken for granted. Alongside him stand Susan, his pragmatic daughter who quietly anchors him to reality, and Nancy Kalmen, his estranged wife whose lingering presence adds a layer of unresolved tension. The film paints a portrait of a man wrestling with the dissonance between his public triumphs and the private doubts that threaten to upend them, setting a mood that is both introspective and quietly urgent.
A turning point arrives when Ben accompanies his current partner Jordan Karsch and her bright‑spirited daughter Allyson on a college visit to his alma mater. The campus, with its ivy‑clad buildings and youthful optimism, offers a stark contrast to the high‑stakes world he knows. As he steps back into the environment that once shaped his ambitions, the narrative hints at the possibility of redemption—a chance to reconnect with a younger, more hopeful version of himself and to reassess what truly matters beyond material success.
Through nuanced performances and a steady, reflective pacing, the story creates a lingering sense of anticipation. Ben is caught between the allure of past glory and the quiet promise of a new beginning, while the surrounding characters each embody facets of his past and potential future. The film’s atmosphere balances humor with pathos, inviting viewers to wonder whether the protagonist can truly chart a new course before the inevitable crossroads appears.
What Happens in Solitary Man?
The complete story of Solitary Man, from the first scene to the last, in 515 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film begins with Ben Kalmen, portrayed by Michael Douglas, a 54-year-old car dealer who is not only attractive but also successful in the competitive landscape of New York. During his regular medical check-up, his doctor advises him to undergo a CAT scan due to an abnormality observed in his EKG, hinting at underlying heart concerns. Fast forward to six years later, and Ben’s life has taken a significant downturn. He finds himself relying on medications and grappling with the consequences of neglecting his health. This denial of his mortality has spiraled him into a cycle of self-destruction that includes deceit, extramarital affairs, a divorce, and reckless business decisions that have nearly led him to prison.
Financially unstable, Ben is forced to borrow money from his daughter Susan, played by Jenna Fischer, while simultaneously refusing to come to terms with aging and his medical issues. His hedonistic lifestyle continues to flourish despite his failing heart. Adding to the complications, Ben is entangled in an affair with Nancy Kalmen, his estranged wife, a role brought to life by Susan Sarandon. Accompanying the daughter of his current girlfriend, Jordan Karsch, Ben makes his way to a college campus where he once thrived as an alumnus and benefactor.
While on campus, he crosses paths with a young and impressionable student, Daniel, played by Jesse Eisenberg, who is drawn to Ben’s seemingly profound insights. In an unexpected twist, Ben becomes involved with Jordan’s daughter, Allyson, portrayed by Imogen Poots. Despite their rendezvous, Allyson treats the encounter as a mere fling, one that fulfills her curiosity about older men before moving on. This leads to tensions with Jordan, who upon being informed, severs ties, impacting Ben’s efforts to establish a new auto dealership.
As Ben faces eviction, he seeks employment at a diner owned by his college friend, Jimmy Marino, played by Danny DeVito. Encountering Allyson again makes the situation worse, leading Jordan to demand his immediate departure from the college town under threat of force from her ex-husband. After a disastrous attempt to flirt at a college party, Ben finds himself battered by an enforcer sent by Jordan’s husband.
A turn of events finds Ben hospitalized after collapsing, prompting a reconciliation with his daughter, Susan. However, defying medical advice, he leaves the hospital early. In a moment of humility, Ben seeks out Daniel to apologize for his inappropriate behavior, and later attempts to reconnect with Nancy on a bench where their relationship once blossomed. In a candid conversation, he confesses that the anxiety surrounding aging and potential death has driven him to live recklessly and chase thrills. Although Nancy acknowledges his struggle, she does not excuse his actions, but still offers him a ride back to the city.
The film comes to a poignant close with Nancy waiting in the car for Ben’s decision while a young woman passes by him in the opposite direction. He finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating between returning to Nancy or pursuing the fleeting moment with the young woman, ultimately leaving the audience wondering about his choice as he gazes into the camera.
Solitary Man Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Ben's Medical Check-up” to “Final Decision”. 8 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Ben's Medical Check-up
The film begins with Ben Kalmen attending his annual medical check-up at the age of 54. His doctor reveals an irregularity in his EKG, recommending further heart tests to assess the situation more thoroughly.
When:Present Day Where:New York
- 2
Ben's Downfall
Fast forward six years, Ben's life has taken a drastic downturn. He is now on oral medications for his heart but has neglected to follow up with the necessary tests, leading to a self-destructive lifestyle characterized by lies, affairs, and poor business choices.
When:Six Years Later
- 3
Financial Struggles
Ben finds himself in financial ruin, having borrowed money from his daughter, Susan. He struggles to cope with his declining status and continues to avoid confronting his age and health issues.
- 4
College Campus Encounter
Accompanying his girlfriend's daughter, Jordan Karsch, to a college interview, Ben meets an impressionable student named Daniel. Their interaction leads Ben to reflect on his past and offer unsolicited life advice.
Where:College Campus
- 5
Affair with Allyson
Ben engages in a fleeting romantic encounter with Allyson, the daughter of his girlfriend. However, Allyson soon dismisses their interaction as a mere experiment, leaving Ben frustrated and longing for more.
Where:College Campus
- 6
Consequence of Infidelity
Allyson reveals the affair to her mother, Jordan, leading to the dissolution of Ben's relationship with her. As a consequence, he loses financial support for opening a new auto dealership, further compounding his troubles.
- 7
Family Conflict
In a painful confrontation, Susan tells Ben he is no longer welcome in her family's life due to his inconsistency and failure as a grandfather. She is particularly hurt by his affair with the mother of a friend.
- 8
Job at the Diner
Desperate for income, Ben seeks help from his college friend, Jimmy Marino, who offers him a job at his diner on the college campus. This marks a new chapter of humiliation and struggle for Ben.
Where:Diner on Campus
- 9
Conflict with Jordan's Ex-Husband
While hanging around the college, Ben makes a crude advance toward Daniel's girlfriend, Maureen. This reckless act leads to a violent confrontation with an ex-police officer sent by Jordan's ex-husband.
Where:College Campus
- 10
Hospitalization
After being beaten up, Ben collapses and is admitted to the hospital, where he must face the repercussions of his life choices. He begins to reflect on his situation and his estranged relationships.
Where:Hospital
Show the other 4 events of Solitary Man Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Reconciliation with Susan
During his hospital stay, Ben experiences a touching moment of reconciliation when Susan checks in on him. Their interaction brings a sliver of hope for mending their strained relationship.
Where:Hospital
- 12
Apology to Daniel
Once he leaves the hospital against medical advice, Ben seeks out Daniel to apologize for crossing boundaries. This moment highlights Ben's desire to make amends and regain a sense of integrity.
- 13
Meeting Nancy
Ben finds Nancy sitting on a bench, a location that holds significance from their past. He shares his struggles with her, leading to a heartfelt conversation about aging, regret, and the nature of their relationship.
Where:Park Bench
- 14
Final Decision
As the film concludes, Ben faces a pivotal choice while Nancy waits in the car. He is at a crossroads, torn between rekindling a connection with her or pursuing a new path represented by a passing young woman.
Who Are the Main Characters in Solitary Man?
4 characters, among them Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas), Susan (Jenna Fischer) and Nancy Kalmen (Susan Sarandon): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Ben Kalmen (Michael Douglas)
Played by Michael Douglas
Ben is a former successful car dealer whose life unravels due to his reckless behavior and denial of aging. He struggles with relationships, particularly with his daughter and ex-wife, as he tries to navigate the consequences of his choices.
- 🧑💼 Businessman
- 🥳 Recklessness
- 💔 Family Struggles
- S(
Susan (Jenna Fischer)
Susan is Ben's daughter who ultimately distances herself from him due to his irresponsible behaviors. Her frustration with his choices reflects the emotional toll his decisions have taken on their family structure.
- 👩👧 Family
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 😡 Frustration
-
Nancy Kalmen (Susan Sarandon)
Played by Susan Sarandon
Nancy, Ben's ex-wife, is portrayed as a woman who has had enough of Ben's whims and poor choices. Her interactions with Ben illustrate a complicated history filled with love and disappointment.
- 👩❤️👨 Complexity
- 💔 Heartache
- 📅 Past
-
Daniel (Jesse Eisenberg)
Played by Jesse Eisenberg
Daniel is a young college student who looks up to Ben for wisdom. Their relationship reflects the generational gap and the lessons learned from Ben's reckless lifestyle.
- 🎓 Student
- 🧠 Impressionable
- 🌱 Growth
Where and When Is Solitary Man Set?
Solitary Man is set in New York and College Campus. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film explores contemporary life, reflecting on modern issues surrounding aging, relationships, and self-destructive behavior. It addresses the challenges faced by individuals who struggle to come to terms with their past choices in a fast-paced society.
Where
New York, College Campus
The movie takes place primarily in New York, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture. Additionally, various scenes unfold on a college campus, which represents youth, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎓 Education
What Are the Themes of Solitary Man?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Aging, Relationships and Consequences.
-
01
Aging
A central theme of the film is the struggle with aging and the denial that comes with it. Ben's refusal to accept his mortality leads him down a path of self-destruction, highlighting the societal pressures to remain youthful and relevant.
-
02
Relationships
The movie delves into complex relationships, particularly the strained bonds between Ben and his family. His irresponsible behavior causes rifts with his daughter and ex-wife, demonstrating how personal choices can lead to familial discord.
-
03
Consequences
Ben’s actions throughout the movie showcase the consequences of living irresponsibly. His habitual lying, affairs, and poor decision-making not only affect his own life but also ripple through the lives of those around him.
What Kind of Film Is Solitary Man?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A melancholic and introspective character study of a man grappling with aging and his own failings, creating a steady-paced drama filled with regret but offering a glimmer of potential redemption.
- melancholic
- introspective
- regretful
- lonely
- anxious
- cynical
- midlife crisis
- redemption
- aging and mortality
- betrayal
Content notes: adultery, relationship with a minor.
Quiz
How well do you remember Solitary Man? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Solitary Man
Stream it on Hoopla and Howdy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 13
Hoopla 
Howdy Amazon Channel 
Kanopy 
Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel 
Philo 
Plex 
Plex Channel 
Starz 
Starz Amazon Channel 
Starz Apple TV channel 
Tubi TV 
VIX 
YouTube Free 
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