The Intern, released in theaters on September 25, 2015, is a gentle, uplifting exploration of friendship, mentorship, and finding purpose at any stage in life. Led by Academy Award winners Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, the film blends humor and emotional resonance, delivering a workplace story that is less about corporate ambition and more about human connection.
Ben Whittaker (De Niro), a 70-year-old widower, is feeling restless in retirement. Seeking a new challenge, he applies for a senior citizen internship program at About The Fit, a fast-growing e-commerce fashion startup in Brooklyn.
The company is run by Jules Ostin (Hathaway), a dynamic but overextended CEO juggling business expansion with the demands of her young family.
Initially viewed as a charming but outdated presence in the youth-driven office culture, Ben quickly proves himself invaluable—not by mastering the latest tech, but through his life experience, patience, and genuine interest in others.
He becomes a trusted confidant to his younger colleagues, including Adam DeVine as a fellow intern and Anders Holm as Jules’ supportive but strained husband.
Ben also shares a warm romantic subplot with Rene Russo’s company masseuse Fiona, adding a touch of lighthearted charm.
As Jules faces mounting stress, investor pressure, and personal challenges, Ben’s steady demeanor and wisdom help her navigate difficult decisions.
What begins as a transactional internship evolves into a deep friendship that bridges their generational gap.
Whether driving Jules through Brooklyn or offering quiet counsel on life’s choices, Ben becomes crucial to her ability to balance her passions with her personal happiness.
Anne Hathaway in The Intern (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Performances and Direction
De Niro delivers a tender, understated performance, playing against his more aggressive screen persona to embody warmth, reliability, and understated humor.
Hathaway is radiant as a driven business leader struggling to keep her personal life intact, finding a natural rapport with De Niro that carries the heart of the film.
Nancy Meyers’ direction favors clean visuals, inviting interiors, and a tone that embraces optimism without shying away from realistic issues in modern work-life dynamics.
Reception for The Intern
The Intern grossed $17.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film remained in the top 10 for five weeks en route to grossing $194.8 million worldwide.
Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Intern earned praise for its positive depiction of intergenerational friendship and earned solid box office returns.
Over time, it has remained a feel-good favorite for viewers seeking an alternative to cynical corporate dramas, offering a reminder that collaboration across age groups enriches both personal and professional worlds.
Meyers’ warm storytelling and the irresistible chemistry between De Niro and Hathaway make The Intern a modern comfort film that resonates well beyond its release.
