Brad's Status

Brad Sloan lives a predictable suburban life in Sacramento, with a satisfying job and a supportive wife. Yet the memory of college glory lingers, nudging him to question what success really means. When his musically gifted son starts touring colleges, Brad follows along and finds himself judging his own path by the markers of his old friends. He reconnects with four college classmates who seem to have forged more glamorous, wealthier lives, and the encounter stirs old ambitions and insecurities. The film tracks his alternating pride and anxiety as he weighs comfort against risk, friendship against responsibility, and the image of a perfect life against the imperfect one he actually leads, all without losing his sense of humor.

Directed by Mike White, Brad's Status offers his characteristic dry wit and keen social observation. Its Sacramento setting grounds the satire in everyday suburbia, while the performances give the characters nuance. The film features Ben Stiller as Brad, with Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen, Jemaine Clement, and Austin Abrams in supporting roles.

Box Office: The indie drama earned around 2.4 million dollars worldwide, reflecting a limited release and its niche appeal among adult audiences and college crowds watching for its introspective vibe.

Reception and themes: Critics described the film as a steady, low key examination of midlife anxieties with thoughtful humor. It pushes Brad to confront the dissonance between comfortable suburbia and the glamorous lives he imagines for his old friends, highlighting the cost of constant comparison and the value of honest connections. Some reviewers praised the balance between wit and warmth, noting Stiller's grounded performance as key to the film's intimate tone.

Awards: Brad's Status did not receive major nominations, though some critics singled out Stiller for a restrained, truthful portrayal. The film's quiet approach earned it audiences who enjoy character driven dramas rather than splashy comedies.