The Intern

The Intern is a dramedy from 2015 that skillfully brings together an award-studded ensemble cast featuring the luminary talents of Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. The movie lends a fresh perspective on the contemporary corporate landscape, intergenerational friendships, and the complexity wrapped around its engaging premise. It's directed and written by Nancy Meyers, a renowned filmmaker recognized for her insightful creation of relatable, authentic, and articulate characters.

The story illuminates the character of Ben Whittaker, depicted commendably by the icon himself, Robert De Niro. He is a 70-year-old widower who, after retirement, realizes that the life of leisure doesn't quite meet his expectations or his lingering vitality. Finding himself in the throes of mundane loneliness and yearning for purpose, he takes an unconventional approach to refill lost verve in his life and applies to a senior intern program at an online fashion retailer, About the Fit.

Anne Hathaway plays Jules Ostin, the founder and CEO of About the Fit. She's a millennial go-getter entrepreneur who is passionate, dedicated, and intensely devoted to her burgeoning startup. She struggles with the delicate balance of leading a rapidly growing enterprise while also trying to fulfill her role as a wife and mother. When initially introduced to the idea of having an intern, especially one who is a 70-year-old retiree, she is skeptical. However, as the story unfolds, the relationship between the two central characters becomes the heart of the film.

Ben's wealth of experience, both professional and personal, his old-school charm, mixed with a willingness to adapt to a new-age work environment, makes him an unlikely hit in the startup culture. His charisma resonates with everyone in the office, but most notably with Jules. Despite the glaring age and experience gap, an unconventional and heartwarming friendship sees light gradually.

Rene Russo, another veteran actor, plays Fiona, the charismatic in-house masseuse in the startup. Her character is not just a romantic interest for Ben but also serves as a counterpoint to showcase Ben's ability to navigate and adapt to a modern, unconventional work psyche.

The Intern cleverly provides a cross-generational exchange of wisdom, humor, and mutual respect, rejecting the usual clichés regarding age disparity. That's not to say the film lacks laughs - on the contrary, the movie effectively exploits the comedic potential of its premise.

As an adept director and writer, Nancy Meyer deftly molds the narrative by integrating workplace realities, modern relationships, and the fast-paced life of bustling New York City. She manages proficiency in walking the tight-rope of comedy and drama that evolves these characters believably and genuinely. It's not just a tale of an elderly intern and a young CEO, but it's about the unexpected friendships that enrich our lives and the universal pursuit of purpose, regardless of age.

The Intern offers an engaging and entertaining ride with its stylish production design, smooth cinematography, and an upbeat soundtrack that complements the narrative's vibrant tempo. Alongside the brilliant performances set forth by De Niro and Hathaway, the film also benefits from well-etched supporting characters that contribute color, humor, and a great deal of heart to the story.

The film becomes a delightful coming-of-age tale on the one hand, while on the other, it examines the notion of finding a new zeal for life when supposed to be winding down. It asserts that finding purpose, adaptability, and the ability to learn does not just apply to the young, but is a lifelong endeavor. The age and career dynamics seamlessly blend to form an innovative, endearing narrative that offers a fresh and nuanced take on interpersonal relationships and working dynamics in the modern world.

So, whether you're looking for a light-hearted comedy, a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship, or an introspective dive into the realities of today’s working culture, The Intern delivers on all fronts. The narrative remains refreshingly respectful to both generations and wraps itself up as a thought-provoking, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.