Greenberg

Roger Greenberg, a once hopeful musician now earning a living as a carpenter, heads back to Los Angeles to house-sit for his brother. He has limited mobility and relies on others to get around, which makes his temporary return feel like a trap. In his quiet period of self-imposed exile, he runs into Florence, the brother's assistant, who is also flailing in her own way. The two outsiders form an uneasy, sometimes brittle bond that gives Roger a fragile spark of happiness he hasn't felt in years. As they navigate awkward conversations, snappy mutterings, and lingering regrets, their connection becomes a lifeline, fragile yet real.

Released in 2010 and directed by Noah Baumbach, Greenberg comes from his own screenplay. It features Ben Stiller and Greta Gerwig delivering awkward, intimate performances that anchor its dry humor and uneasy romance. The film marks Baumbach's continued exploration of neurotic adults in urban settings and his collaboration with Gerwig, who elevates the material with a subtle, understated realism.

Although it did not garner major nominations, the film earned attention in indie circles for Baumbach's sharp dialogue and Gerwig's breakout presence. Critics praised its tonal precision and patient pacing, and several noted its candid take on awkward selfhood and the quiet tension that fuels its relationships.

Not a blockbuster, Greenberg helped cement Baumbach's reputation for intimate character studies and contributed to Greta Gerwig's rise as a distinctive indie voice. The film is often cited by fans for its dry wit and unvarnished portrayal of late bloomers, and it's viewed as a precursor to Baumbach and Gerwig's later collaborations.

Reception and themes: Critics highlighted the film's dry humor, patient pacing, and its focus on loneliness, isolation, and awkward romance. The overall critical consensus is mixed, with some praising Baumbach's restraint and Stiller's surprising warmth, while others found the tone habitually tense. On IMDb the film sits around 5.9, reflecting a divided audience reception, but many viewers connect with the quiet honesty at its core and the believable chemistry between Stiller and Gerwig.