Celebrating The Brilliance of Nancy Meyers, Starting With ‘The Intern’

It is only appropriate that Anne Hathaway starred in The Intern, the latest film written and directed by Nancy Meyers. Both are met with a lot of eyerolls and a lot of criticism, mostly, for just being themselves. Anne Hathaway acts the way she acts, both on-screen and off, and a Nancy Meyers film can be instantly recognizable by the story its telling, the way it looks, and really, the way it feels. Oh, and those dreamy kitchens. But both are fantastic in their own ways, and when it comes to The Intern, in the same, dependable way.
The Intern was released in theaters last September, and can currently be found on HBO Go and HBO Now. And if you happen to be looking for a sweet movie, you’ve found one. So, where are all the groans coming from? People love to hate on a Meyers film, the aspiration, the affluence, the adorableness. Fine, that’s not for everyone. But Meyers is making films, and good films, and it’s important for many reasons.
First and foremost, she’s a female director and a damn successful one at that. This can’t be stated enough. If you’re a little less than a Meyers expert, you should know that she has written and directed The Parent Trap, Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, and It’s Complicated, all pre-The Intern. She also directed What Women Want, and is responsible for screenplays for the Father of the Bride (Parts I and II), just in case you weren’t sure how far her rom-com reach extended. She’s kind of a master of the genre.

Plus, she’s telling the stories of smart, successful women. Are these women, and men, with what could be classified as #whitepeopleproblems? Yes. Sure. But there’s no disguising that. In fact, these films accept, embrace, and make fun of that fact. Meyers in never one to shy away from the “com” part of rom-com, after all. It’s one of her biggest strengths. And these are classy ass films! I know, using the word “ass” there could negate my point, but it requires some extra attention. She’s not denying that there’s some privilege at play, but who says that character’s story shouldn’t be told, and be told well?

When news hits that a new Nancy Meyers film is on the way, it should be celebrated, not side-eyed. She’s worked with some of the finest actors in the business, and four of her five feature films star actors that have also worked with Martin Scorsese, just for a little fun fact. Meyers, and her films, are both at the top of their game. Plus, she’s not afraid to show that 20-somethings aren’t the only age group with love stories. Just because a character is divorced or retired, doesn’t mean they can’t have a meet cute or a romantic moment. This might come as a shocker to Hollywood, but not to the people paying to watch movies. Meyers is keenly aware of this fact, and knows how to play to it perfectly.
Not only is she presenting entertaining films, but she’s highlighting trends ahead of their time. The Holiday presenting home-sharing years before we so commonly booked Airbnbs, and The Intern could lead a new wave of senior internship programs. And those aren’t the only aspects she’s tapped into. Meyers is uniquely able to spot a new side of her actors, specifically the male ones, that come to life on-screen in a way we’ve never witnessed them before.

Action star Mel Gibson tapped into his feminine side in What Women Want, hardass Jack Nicholson became sweet as pie in Something’s Gotta Give, and goofball Jack Black has never been better than The Holiday. Not to mention, The Intern gives us two of the bong-ripping stars of Workaholics as, well, an actual workaholic and a caring dad. Oh, and this is by far De Niro’s best role in years. Move over Dirty Grandpa, hard-working, good-with-kids De Niro is infinitely more entertaining to watch. I’m not saying these genuine performances are only popping up because they’ve got a woman at the helm, but it sure does help.
The Intern is a modern, charming story that shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. You’d have to try really, really hard not to enjoy Hathaway, and it’s nearly impossible to ever dislike anything Andrew Rannells does. De Niro’s flirtation (opposite Rene Russo) and friendships (with pretty much everyone else) will force your face into a smile, whether you like it or not. The film is a feminist force, and yet, puts everyone on an equal playing field. The younger generation, in roles ranging from boss to fellow interns, learn what it means to be a boss and dedicated employee from the older male intern — and one, it should be noted, that is not dismissive of millennials. They all respect, learn from, and care about, each other, as many (lucky) co-workers end up doing, both in and out of the office.
Thaw out your heart and give this cute movie a chance, because with an open mind, an open heart, and an open evening, The Intern is a great learning experience for students of all ages.
[Watch The Intern on HBO Go]