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What is the plot?
Ben Whittaker, a dignified 70-year-old widower, starts the story in his quiet Brooklyn neighborhood, practicing Tai Chi in the park. Though retired from a long career as an executive at DEX One, Ben feels an unshakable emptiness. His voice-over reveals his restlessness: "I'm not unhappy, I just know there's a hole in my life, and I need to fill it." This yearning for purpose leads him to apply for a newly created senior intern position at About The Fit, a fast-growing fashion e-commerce startup headquartered in a modern office building in Brooklyn.
At About The Fit, Jules Ostin, the driven and often overwhelmed CEO in her early thirties, runs the company she founded just eighteen months earlier. Jules is a whirlwind of energy, juggling the demands of her booming startup with the pressures of family life. Her husband, Matt, is a stay-at-home dad caring for their young daughter Paige. The film opens with Jules buried in work, her desk a chaotic mess that mirrors the turmoil in her life. She's skeptical when Ben arrives as one of three senior interns, unsure how a septuagenarian will fit into the fast-paced, youthful environment.
Ben's first days are marked by quiet observation and steady helpfulness. He quickly wins over his coworkers with his old-school manners, impeccable dress, and genuine warmth. One morning, noticing the chaos on Jules' desk, he takes it upon himself to organize it meticulously. This small act of order amid her chaos earns Jules' gratitude and softens her initial wariness. Later, through a window, Ben spots Jules' chauffeur drinking from a paper bag just before a critical meeting. Without hesitation, Ben confronts the chauffeur, persuading him to leave, and offers to drive Jules himself. This marks the beginning of a new dynamic: Ben as Jules' reliable chauffeur and confidant.
Their first drive together is punctuated by Ben's gentle probing of Jules' personal life, which makes her uneasy. She asks her VP and aide Cameron to reassign Ben, wary of his inquisitiveness. However, that evening, Jules discovers that Ben once worked for nearly 40 years in the very same building that now houses About The Fit. This shared connection bridges the generational gap, and the next morning, when Jules learns Ben has been reassigned to a different intern, Doris--who proves to be a terrible driver and a poor fit--she immediately seeks Ben out. Finding him at a coffee shop where he's picking up drinks for the team, she apologizes and admits, "I feel calmer when you're around." Ben graciously returns to his role, now seated closer to Jules and near Becky, a young employee already overwhelmed by the startup's demands.
As Ben settles into his role, he becomes a steadying presence in the office, offering advice on etiquette, work-life balance, and even sartorial tips. He helps younger employees like Becky navigate their insecurities and workloads, and his old-fashioned but sincere demeanor earns him respect and affection. Jules, meanwhile, continues to face mounting pressure. The company's investors, though pleased with About The Fit's success, hint at bringing in an outside CEO to replace her, threatening her control over the company she built. Jules is forced to interview potential replacements, a humiliating and dizzying experience that shakes her confidence.
At home, Jules' personal life is unraveling. Matt, her husband, initially appears supportive but is increasingly distant. One evening, Ben discreetly follows Matt after a party, suspecting infidelity. He watches as Matt leaves with another woman and gets into her car, confirming his suspicions. Ben waits until Matt returns home and quietly drops off a sleeping Paige, showing his protective nature without judgment. Jules confronts Matt about his affair, leading to a tense but necessary confrontation that exposes the fragility of their marriage.
Throughout these challenges, Jules confides in Ben, revealing her fears and vulnerabilities. She admits, "I'm not good with old people," but paradoxically finds herself relying on Ben's wisdom and calm. Ben's presence allows her to confront her insecurities and the impossible balancing act of motherhood, marriage, and CEO-ship. In one poignant moment, Jules shares pizza with Ben late at night in the office, a rare quiet interlude where they connect beyond work. She helps him set up a Facebook account, symbolizing his integration into her world and the modern digital age.
The film's climax centers on Jules' fight to retain control of About The Fit. With Ben's encouragement and strategic advice, she confronts the investors, asserting her vision and leadership. Ben tells her, "The thing to do is be tough and go after what you want." Empowered, Jules rejects the idea of an outside CEO and recommits to her company on her own terms.
In the final scenes, Jules reconciles with Matt, acknowledging the fractures in their relationship but choosing to face them together. Ben remains a vital part of the company and Jules' life, no longer just an intern but a trusted mentor and friend. The film closes warmly with Ben continuing his internship, embodying the bridging of generations and the enduring value of experience, friendship, and resilience.
No characters die in the story; the narrative focuses on personal growth, healing, and the evolving dynamics between characters. The confrontations--Ben with the chauffeur, Jules with Cameron and the investors, Jules with Matt--serve as pivotal moments that deepen character development and propel the story toward its hopeful resolution. The final image is one of mutual respect and connection, with Ben and Jules standing side by side, ready to face the future together.
What is the ending?
At the end of "The Intern," Ben Whittaker, played by Robert De Niro, decides to retire from his internship at the online fashion retailer, About The Fit. He has developed a close bond with the company's founder, Jules Ostin, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Jules, who has been struggling with the pressures of her business and personal life, finds a renewed sense of confidence and direction thanks to Ben's support. The film concludes with Ben attending a wedding, where he reflects on his journey and the friendships he has formed, while Jules embraces her role as a leader and mother.
In a more detailed narrative, the ending unfolds as follows:
As the film approaches its conclusion, we find Ben Whittaker in a contemplative state, reflecting on his time at About The Fit. He has become an integral part of the company, not just as an intern but as a mentor and friend to Jules Ostin. The pressures of running a rapidly growing business have taken a toll on Jules, and she is at a crossroads, feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities as a CEO and a mother.
In a pivotal scene, Ben and Jules share a heartfelt conversation in her office. Jules expresses her fears about the future of her company and her ability to balance her personal life with her professional ambitions. Ben, with his wealth of life experience, offers her wisdom and reassurance, encouraging her to trust herself and her instincts. This moment solidifies their bond, showcasing the deep respect and affection they have developed for one another.
As the story progresses, Jules faces a significant challenge when she is confronted with the possibility of losing her company to a larger corporation. This situation forces her to reevaluate her priorities and the sacrifices she has made. With Ben's guidance, she finds the strength to stand up for her vision and make decisions that align with her values.
In the final scenes, Ben makes the decision to retire from his internship, recognizing that his time at the company has come to an end. He prepares to leave, but not without leaving a lasting impact on Jules and the team. His departure is bittersweet; he has formed meaningful relationships and has been a source of stability for Jules during turbulent times.
The film culminates in a wedding scene, where Ben is seen attending as a guest. He reflects on the friendships he has forged and the lessons he has learned throughout his journey. The atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration, symbolizing new beginnings and the importance of connection. Ben's character arc comes full circle as he embraces the next chapter of his life, content with the knowledge that he has made a difference.
Meanwhile, Jules stands strong, having gained confidence in her abilities as a leader and a mother. She has learned to navigate the complexities of her life with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead. The film closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the themes of mentorship, resilience, and the value of intergenerational relationships.
In summary, Ben Whittaker retires, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and friendship, while Jules Ostin emerges empowered, ready to lead her company and embrace her role as a mother. The ending encapsulates the growth of both characters, highlighting the transformative power of support and understanding.
Is there a post-credit scene?
The movie "The Intern," produced in 2015, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes with a heartfelt resolution, focusing on the growth of the characters and their relationships. After the main storyline wraps up, the credits roll without any additional scenes or content following them. The film ends on a positive note, emphasizing the themes of friendship, mentorship, and the blending of different generations in the workplace.
What is the relationship between Ben and Jules throughout the movie?
Ben Whittaker, played by Robert De Niro, is a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion retailer founded by Jules Ostin, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Initially, their relationship is professional, with Ben providing support and wisdom to Jules as she navigates the challenges of running her business. As the story progresses, they develop a deep friendship, with Ben becoming a mentor and a source of stability for Jules, who is struggling to balance her work and personal life.
How does Jules react to Ben's presence in the office?
At first, Jules is skeptical about having a senior intern like Ben in her fast-paced, youthful company. She worries about how her employees will perceive him and whether he will fit into the modern work environment. However, as she observes Ben's work ethic, kindness, and ability to connect with the team, her attitude shifts. She begins to appreciate his insights and the calm demeanor he brings to the often chaotic atmosphere of her startup.
What challenges does Jules face in her personal life?
Jules faces significant challenges in her personal life, particularly in her marriage to Matt, played by Anders Holm. As she becomes more consumed by her work, the strain on their relationship grows. Jules struggles with feelings of guilt for not being present for her family, especially for their daughter, and she grapples with the pressure of being a successful entrepreneur while trying to maintain her role as a wife and mother.
What pivotal moment occurs during the company retreat?
During the company retreat, a pivotal moment occurs when Jules is confronted with the reality of her work-life balance. After a series of stressful events, she has a breakdown, revealing her vulnerabilities to her team. Ben steps in to support her, offering advice and encouragement. This moment solidifies their bond and highlights the importance of having a support system, as Jules realizes she cannot do everything alone and needs to lean on others.
How does Ben help Jules with her marriage issues?
Ben plays a crucial role in helping Jules navigate her marriage issues with Matt. He listens to her concerns and offers thoughtful advice based on his own life experiences. Ben encourages Jules to communicate openly with Matt and to prioritize their relationship. His calm and wise perspective helps Jules to see the importance of balancing her professional ambitions with her personal commitments, ultimately guiding her towards making more informed decisions about her marriage.
Is this family friendly?
"The Intern," produced in 2015, is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some elements that may be sensitive for children or more sensitive viewers. Here are a few potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:
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Mild Language: The film includes some instances of mild profanity, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.
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Workplace Stress: There are scenes depicting the pressures of a fast-paced work environment, which may be stressful or overwhelming for some viewers.
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Personal Struggles: The main character, Jules, faces personal and professional challenges that include themes of anxiety and the struggle to balance work and family life, which could resonate deeply with sensitive viewers.
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Relationship Issues: There are discussions and depictions of romantic relationships that may include tension or conflict, which could be uncomfortable for younger viewers.
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Death of a Character: A character's passing is mentioned, which could be upsetting for some audiences, particularly children.
Overall, while the film has a positive message about friendship and mentorship, these elements may require parental guidance for younger viewers.