The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) concludes with the dysfunctional Meyerowitz family finding a fragile but meaningful reconciliation after the death of their patriarch, Harold (Dustin Hoffman). His three adult children - Danny (Adam Sandler), Jean (Elizabeth Marvel), and Matthew (Ben Stiller)—grapple with their unresolved grief, artistic insecurities, and familial tensions, ultimately finding solace in their shared history. The film ends ambiguously, suggesting that while the family's wounds may never fully heal, they can still find moments of connection and understanding. Harold's artistic legacy, once a source of rivalry, becomes a unifying force as his children honor him in their own ways.*
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of The Meyerowitz Stories is a poignant meditation on family, legacy, and the imperfect ways we cope with loss. After Harold suffers a serious fall and slips into a coma, his children - Danny, Jean, and Matthew-are forced to confront their fractured relationships with him and each other. Harold's eventual death leaves them adrift, each processing their grief differently. Danny, the underachieving musician, finally finds validation when his song is performed at Harold's memorial. Jean, the overlooked middle child, asserts herself by organizing the event. Matthew, the financially successful but emotionally distant son, reconciles with Danny, acknowledging their shared pain. The film's final scenes show the siblings bonding over Harold's artwork, suggesting that his legacy, once a divisive force, now serves as a bridge between them.
The memorial scene is particularly significant. Danny's song, which Harold once dismissed, is now celebrated, symbolizing Danny's belated recognition as an artist in his own right. Jean's quiet but firm leadership in arranging the memorial highlights her emergence from the shadows of her brothers. Matthew, who spent much of the film resenting Danny and Harold, softens, realizing that his father's approval was never the key to happiness. The siblings' shared laughter and reminiscing at the end imply a tentative but hopeful future for their relationships. The film doesn't offer a neat resolution but instead a realistic portrayal of how families navigate love, resentment, and loss.
Unresolved Questions
- Did Harold ever truly love his children, or was he too self-absorbed?
- Possible Answer: Harold likely loved them in his own way but was too consumed by his artistic insecurities to express it healthily. His competitive nature with his children suggests he saw them as extensions of his own legacy rather than individuals.
- Will Danny's musical career finally take off after the memorial?
- Possible Answer: Probably not in a conventional sense, but the performance may give him the confidence to pursue his art without seeking Harold's approval.
- What will happen to Harold's artwork?
- Possible Answer: It may gain posthumous recognition, but the siblings seem more interested in preserving it as a family relic than monetizing it.
- Can Matthew and Danny maintain their reconciliation?
- Possible Answer: Their bond is fragile, but Harold's death has removed a major source of tension, making their relationship more sustainable.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
I found the ending of The Meyerowitz Stories deeply moving in its understated realism. Noah Baumbach avoids sentimental resolutions, instead opting for a bittersweet acknowledgment that family wounds never fully heal but can be soothed through shared history and small acts of kindness. The performances-especially Sandler's vulnerable turn as Danny-elevate the material, making the characters' flaws and fleeting moments of connection feel authentic. The film's exploration of artistic insecurity and parental neglect resonates long after the credits roll. While some might crave a more definitive conclusion, the ambiguity feels true to life, leaving room for the characters (and the audience) to reflect on their own familial relationships.
Ultimately, The Meyerowitz Stories is a masterful blend of humor and heartache, capturing the messy, contradictory nature of family dynamics. The ending doesn't tie everything up neatly, but it offers enough hope to suggest that the Meyerowitzes might, in time, find a way to love each other despite their shared scars. It's a testament to Baumbach's skill that such a low-key finale lingers so powerfully.