What Is The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) About?
The premise of The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of New York City, a celebrated artist’s retrospective becomes the catalyst for a family reunion that is as much about legacy as it is about long‑standing grievances. The occasion draws together the adult children of a once‑renowned painter, each arriving with their own expectations, insecurities, and unspoken histories. The city’s vibrant galleries and the lingering echo of past successes create a backdrop where humor and melancholy coexist, setting the stage for a portrait of a family trying to reconcile personal ambitions with collective memory.
At the center of the gathering stands Harold, a charismatic yet self‑absorbed creator whose work has both defined and divided his household. His eldest son, Danny, is navigating the aftermath of a recent separation, seeking both refuge and relevance within his father’s world. Jean, the middle sibling, carries the weight of her own unresolved issues while trying to maintain a fragile sense of cohesion. The youngest half‑brother, Matthew, arrives from the West Coast as a polished financial consultant, bringing a pragmatic counterpoint to the artistic chaos. Adding further texture to the mix is Maureen, Harold’s unconventional fourth wife, whose free‑spirited presence both eases and stirs the family’s dynamics. Watching from the periphery is Eliza, Danny’s teenage daughter, an aspiring filmmaker whose fresh perspective hints at new possibilities for the family’s narrative.
The film unfolds as a quiet, observant dramedy that balances witty dialogue with moments of poignant silence. Its tone is simultaneously intimate and expansive, capturing the idiosyncrasies of an artistic lineage while probing the universal challenges of adulthood, expectation, and belonging. Through a series of carefully crafted scenes, the audience is invited to linger on the unspoken tensions that surface when personal histories collide with public celebration, leaving viewers curious about how each character will navigate the delicate dance between reverence for the past and the inevitable push toward their own futures.
What Happens in The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)?
The complete story of The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), from the first scene to the last, in 664 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
After a difficult separation from his wife, Danny Meyerowitz, portrayed by Adam Sandler, finds himself relocating to his father Harold’s house. Harold, a retired Bard College professor and artist, is joined by his fourth wife, Maureen—a whimsical and somewhat overcast hippie played by Emma Thompson. Danny’s familial ties deepen as he reconnects with his sister Jean, who is navigating her own complexities, and his younger half-brother Matthew, who has risen to prominence as a successful financial consultant for musicians in Los Angeles. One of the bright spots in Danny’s tumultuous life is his daughter Eliza—a budding film student portrayed by Grace Van Patten—who is eager to share her artistic endeavors with her somewhat reserved family, even showcasing a provocative film that stirs mixed reactions among their clan, despite everyone pretending to be unfazed.
Amidst the backdrop of Harold’s artwork being featured at a faculty group exhibition at Bard, Harold holds a stubborn conviction against participating in what he deems a lesser showcase. A pivotal moment unfolds when Danny and Harold attend a retrospective at MoMA for L.J. Shapiro, a fellow artist who has enjoyed considerable success. The atmosphere proves uncomfortable for both, as Harold grapples with feelings of being overshadowed by the art scene, leading him to flee the event emotionally. Danny’s past intertwines with the present as he encounters Loretta, Shapiro’s daughter and his childhood friend, but their reunion is cut short when he must pursue his distressed father.
Meanwhile, Matthew, played by a still-unnamed actor, arrives in New York for business and meets with Harold to discuss potential financial arrangements regarding Harold’s beloved Manhattan townhouse, which is becoming increasingly burdensome to maintain. Tensions rise as Matthew and Harold clash over the necessity of selling the family home, with Harold asserting that the decision to part with it should remain strictly within the family, which only deepens the rift between them. Their lunch is marred by Harold’s disdain for another diner, provoking a somewhat humorous yet bonding moment as he gets Matthew to chase after the patron he mistakenly accuses of swapping jackets.
The situation escalates when they visit Julia, Harold’s second wife, who candidly expresses remorse for her past as a mother. This visit heightens the tension; both Danny and Jean feel uncomfortable with Julia’s straightforwardness. With Matthew harboring resentment over Harold’s devotion to art at the expense of financial stability, their familial relationships continue to fray. The narrative takes a darker turn when Harold is diagnosed with a chronic subdural hematoma, leading him into the hospital where his children grapple with his care management, transitioning from reliance on Harold’s medical team to self-sufficiency.
A shocking revelation arises as Jean discloses a traumatic incident involving a family friend, which ignites Matthew and Danny’s protective instincts—leading them to plot revenge against the elderly man, only to reconsider when they realize the gravity of his helpless situation. Instead, they vandalize his car, much to Jean’s disappointment, who sought their compassion rather than destructive acts.
A chaotic moment of levity occurs at Bard during a faculty show where Danny and Matthew, amid their struggles, engage in a bizarre altercation, ultimately culminating in emotional breakdowns and drug-fueled remarks that reveal their inner turmoil. As Harold recuperates at Maureen’s rural residence, a poignant realization strikes both him and Matthew: Harold’s long-cherished sculpture entitled “Matthew” has deep-rooted implications tied to his complicated relationship with Danny, suggesting layers of affection intertwined with resentment.
Safeguarding old grievances, Danny stubbornly declines to tend to Harold while Maureen is away. However, with a heartwarming shift in dynamics, he agrees to join Matthew on a trip to California but learns to forgive his father for his past shortcomings. On this journey, Danny accidentally crosses paths with Loretta, who now finds herself single, leading to plans for attending Eliza’s film screening together. In a stirring climax, Eliza makes a groundbreaking discovery beneath the foundation of The Whitney, unearthing her grandfather’s sculpture, believed to have been lost, bridging the fragmented pieces of their family legacy.
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Danny Moves In” to “Eliza Discovers the Sculpture”. 15 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Danny Moves In
After separating from his wife, Danny Meyerowitz moves in with his father, Harold, who is a retired art professor. This marks the beginning of their complicated relationship as they navigate their family dynamics.
Where:Harold's residence
- 2
Eliza's Provocative Film
Danny's daughter, Eliza, showcases one of her sexually provocative films to the family. Despite their shock, the family attempts to compliment her work, highlighting the generational differences in their perspectives on art.
Where:Harold's residence
- 3
Harold's Art Show Refusal
Despite having his work selected for a faculty group show at Bard, Harold refuses to participate. This refusal is indicative of his struggle with accepting his place in the art community.
Where:Bard College
- 4
Visit to MoMA
Danny and Harold attend a retrospective at MoMA for Harold's successful contemporary, L.J. Shapiro. Both feel out of place, with Harold choosing to run away due to feelings of being forgotten by the art world.
Where:MoMA, New York
- 5
Lunch Meeting with Matthew
Harold meets with his successful son, Matthew, who attempts to convince him to sell their Manhattan home. The tension arises as Harold insists that any decision regarding the house should remain within the family.
Where:Restaurant in New York
- 6
Confrontation with a Patron
During lunch, Harold feels insulted by another patron's arrogance, leading him to claim that the patron swapped jackets with him. This moment leads to a brief bonding experience between Harold and Matthew.
Where:Restaurant
- 7
Visit to Julia
Harold and Matthew pay a visit to Julia, Harold's second wife. The discomfort rises as Julia reflects on her past as a mother, causing tension between the family members.
Where:Julia’s residence
- 8
Harold's Diagnosis
Harold is diagnosed with a chronic subdural hematoma and is admitted to the hospital. Both Danny and Matthew learn to manage Harold's care while grappling with their complicated feelings towards him.
Where:Hospital
- 9
Jean's Revelation
In an emotional moment, Jean reveals to her brothers that a family friend had exposed himself to her during childhood. This shocking revelation leads to tension between the siblings and influences their subsequent actions.
Where:Hospital
- 10
Vandalizing the Friend's Car
Angered by what Jean shared, Danny and Matthew initially seek retribution but instead end up vandalizing the elderly friend's car. Jean feels betrayed, wishing her brothers had simply listened to her instead.
Where:Outside the friend's residence
Show the other 5 events of The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Fight at Bard
While representing Harold at the faculty group show, Danny and Matthew get into a fight, revealing their deep-seated emotional struggles. This confrontation is pivotal, leading Matthew to break down emotionally.
Where:Bard College
- 12
The Sale of the Townhouse
Despite Matthew's initial resistance, the family ultimately decides to sell Harold's townhouse. This decision marks a significant shift in Harold's life and forces him to confront his failures as an artist.
Where:Harold's townhouse
- 13
Revelation of 'Matthew' Sculpture
As Harold recuperates, both he and Matthew realize that Harold's favorite sculpture, titled 'Matthew,' signifies deeper personal feelings for Danny. This realization sheds light on the complex dynamics within the family.
Where:Maureen's residence
- 14
Danny's Trip to California
Danny, feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities, accepts Matthew's offer to travel to California. This trip symbolizes a tentative step towards reconciling with his past and forgiving Matthew.
Where:Airport
- 15
Eliza Discovers the Sculpture
In a poignant moment, Eliza uncovers her grandfather's sculpture at The Whitney, which was long thought lost. This discovery represents a reconnection to her family's artistic legacy and its tumultuous history.
Where:The Whitney, New York
Who Are the Main Characters in The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)?
4 characters, among them Danny (Adam Sandler), Harold (Dustin Hoffman) and Eliza (Grace Van Patten): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Danny (Adam Sandler)
Played by Adam Sandler
Danny is an unemployed art enthusiast struggling with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. His volatile relationship with his father and brother underscores his struggles with familial expectations and personal aspirations. As the story progresses, he confronts his dependence on artistic validation and learns to navigate his relationships with greater understanding.
- 👨🎨 Art
- 😔 Family Struggle
- 🚶♂️ Insecurity
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Harold (Dustin Hoffman)
Played by Dustin Hoffman
Harold is a retired artist grappling with his fading relevance in the art world and his complex relationship with his children. His character embodies both the pride of an accomplished artist and the vulnerability of a man facing life's twilight. As the story unfolds, his struggles with health and family bonds reveal deeper layers of regret and aspiration.
- 🎨 Art
- 💼 Legacy
- 👴 Elderly
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Eliza (Grace Van Patten)
Played by Grace Van Patten
Eliza is Danny's daughter and a budding film student exploring her own artistic voice. Her provocative film project acts as a catalyst for family discussions about art, sexuality, and acceptance. Through her journey, she seeks validation both as an artist and as a member of her complex family.
- 🎬 Film
- 👩🎓 Student
- 🗣️ Expression
-
Matthew (Adam David Thompson)
Played by Adam David Thompson
Matthew is the successful younger brother caught between his father's artistic legacy and the practicalities of financial success. He represents the modern struggle of balancing creative passion with economic stability, leading to underlying tensions with his father and siblings throughout the narrative.
- 💼 Success
- 🎸 Music Industry
- 🆚 Rivalry
Where and When Is The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) Set?
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) is set in New York, Bard College, Los Angeles and MoMA. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold in a contemporary setting, highlighting the present-day struggles of family dynamics, artistic legacy, and the quest for personal identity. The context is enriched by dialogues reflecting on modern art and the pressures of societal success, resonating with current themes in family narratives.
Where
New York, Bard College, Los Angeles, MoMA
The movie mostly takes place in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture and arts. Bard College is a notable liberal arts college recognized for its emphasis on the arts and humanities. Locations like the MoMA highlight the intersection of art and personal relationships, while the contrast with Los Angeles showcases a different lifestyle influenced by financial success in the music industry.
- 🌆 Locations
- 🎨 Art Scene
What Are the Themes of The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Art and Legacy, Family Dynamics and Forgiveness.
-
01
Art and Legacy
Art plays a central role in the lives of the Meyerowitz family, particularly through Harold's sculpting career and the implications it has on his relationships. The characters grapple with the legacy of their father's artistic pursuits versus material success, reflecting the broader conflict between personal passion and financial security.
-
02
Family Dynamics
The film explores complex family relationships, marked by rivalry, resentment, and moments of connection. Danny, Matthew, and Jean each navigate their identities within the family’s legacy while encountering unresolved childhood trauma and personal struggles, which shape their interactions throughout the movie.
-
03
Forgiveness
Themes of forgiveness are woven throughout the narrative as the characters confront their familial hurts and misunderstandings. Danny's journey toward reconciling with his father and brother exemplifies the difficult path toward healing within family relationships, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
What Kind of Film Is The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A witty yet melancholic exploration of a dysfunctional family reconnecting, filled with awkward reunions, old resentments, and tender moments of reconciliation that ultimately feels bittersweet.
- dysfunctional
- awkward
- melancholic
- witty
- reflective
- strained
- dysfunctional family
- father son relationship
- sibling rivalry
- artistic legacy
Content notes: family trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)? Test yourself on the story.
