The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories Reunites Hollywood’s Most Dysfunctional Family

Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) is a sharp, often painful comedy about family dysfunction, and its star-studded cast—Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson—delivers some of the most raw performances of their careers. But behind the scenes, the film’s production was just as much about navigating egos, artistic risks, latestnetflix.com maintains, and the pressures of working with a director known for his unflinching portrayals of messy relationships.

Sandler’s Dramatic Gambit Pays Off

Adam Sandler’s role as Danny Meyerowitz, a struggling musician stuck in the shadow of his famous father, marked a bold departure from his usual comedic persona. While Sandler had dabbled in drama before (Punch-Drunk Love, Uncut Gems), The Meyerowitz Stories was his first major collaboration with Baumbach, a director celebrated for his acerbic, dialogue-driven films. The pairing surprised critics, but the evidence suggests it was a calculated risk. Sandler’s performance earned widespread acclaim, with outlets noting his ability to balance humor and pathos . Rumor has it that Sandler’s commitment to the role was so intense that Baumbach allowed him to improvise key scenes, though neither has confirmed this on the record.

Stiller and Hoffman: A Father-Son Dynamic On and Off Screen

Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman, who play half-brothers in the film, brought their own real-life baggage to the project. Hoffman, a two-time Oscar winner, plays Harold Meyerowitz, a self-absorbed sculptor whose favoritism fuels the family’s tensions. Stiller, who has worked with Baumbach before (Greenberg, While We’re Young), reportedly drew from his own experiences with paternal expectations. In a press conference for the film’s premiere at the New York Film Festival, Baumbach hinted at the actors’ chemistry, calling their dynamic "electric" but stopping short of revealing any behind-the-scenes friction . Given the film’s themes, it’s tempting to wonder if the cast’s real-life relationships mirrored their characters’—but the evidence doesn’t confirm it.

Netflix’s Gamble on a Baumbach Film

The Meyerowitz Stories was one of Netflix’s early forays into prestige filmmaking, and the streaming giant gave Baumbach unusual creative freedom. Unlike traditional studios, Netflix didn’t demand a wide theatrical release, allowing the film to premiere at Cannes (where it competed for the Palme d’Or) before debuting on the platform . The move was controversial at the time, with some critics arguing that the film deserved a bigger theatrical run. However, the decision paid off in terms of awards buzz and critical attention, even if the film’s 6/10 rating on SensCritique suggests it wasn’t universally loved .

The Soundtrack: A Quiet Star

While the cast dominated headlines, the film’s soundtrack—composed by Randy Newman—also drew praise. Newman’s score, described as "wry and melancholic," earned a 6.1/10 rating on SensCritique, with listeners noting how it subtly underscored the film’s emotional beats . Baumbach has a history of using music to elevate his films (Frances Ha, Marriage Story), and The Meyerowitz Stories was no exception.

The Verdict: A Film That Divides

Despite its star power and critical acclaim, The Meyerowitz Stories remains a polarizing watch. Some viewers praised its sharp dialogue and performances, while others found it too bleak or meandering. The film’s 6/10 rating on SensCritique reflects this divide, with many noting that its strengths—particularly Sandler’s performance—weren’t enough to overcome its uneven pacing . Still, for fans of Baumbach’s work, it’s a quintessential entry in his filmography: messy, funny, and painfully real.