The Comeback of De Niro: An Unexpected Streaming Sensation

Ah, 2023—a year that has not been particularly kind to Robert De Niro. Just as he was trying to bounce back from the less-than-stellar reception of The Alto Knights, a delightful twist of fate landed in the form of a decade-old film that seemingly evaporated from our collective memory. Enter The Intern, a charming little comedy that has somehow clawed its way back to the top of the streaming charts, much like a geriatric cat chasing an elusive laser pointer.

In The Intern, De Niro assumes the role of Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who embarks on a thrilling foray into the world of online fashion—because who doesn’t need a senior citizen navigating the whims of millennials while wearing khakis? Alongside him are Anne Hathaway and Rene Russo: a trio that could either save your career or convince you to give up on your dreams entirely in the most heartwarming way possible.

Released for streaming on Netflix like a surprise party nobody asked for, The Intern quickly vaulted to the number one spot in America. Apparently, nothing screams “viewership” quite like the prospect of watching De Niro try to figure out Instagram. As of now, it’s sitting pretty atop the charts, creating the illusion that we are all in desperate need of more elderly workplace shenanigans.

The film grossed an impressive $194 million against a modest budget of $35 million. Quite the hefty return if you consider that the same amount could buy a small yacht—or perhaps an elderly intern’s gratitude. With a critic rating of 60% and an audience score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Intern carries the distinction of being “slightly better than lukewarm.” You might say it’s the cinematic equivalent of a beige cardigan: not offensive, but not exactly ruffling any feathers either.

Nancy Meyers, the mastermind behind this timeless classic, concocted the script and directed it without any outsider interference. She clearly possesses the rare ability to create feel-good films that inspire as much as they confuse. How does one become a celebrated director, while simultaneously making us wonder why we even tuned in? The answer, my friends, remains a mystery wrapped in an apron, possibly for baking cookies.

While other filmmakers are busy crafting epic blockbusters that challenge societal norms, Meyers decided to check the “senior intern” box instead. Because nothing embodies the zeitgeist quite like a retired man delivering life lessons while sipping herbal tea in a coworking space. Perhaps it’s a commentary on how our lives become work at any age, or maybe it’s just a very elaborate excuse to feature vintage hairstyles.

Overall, The Intern is more than just a forgotten film making a cheeky return to streaming—it’s a reminder that no matter how far we drift into obscurity, nostalgia and a good dose of irony can bring us back. So here’s to De Niro, who, much like your uncle at a family reunion, continues to show that life’s not over at seventy; it just becomes a little more… interesting. And aren’t we lucky we get to watch it unfold?