Something in Common

When a younger man starts dating a woman in her forties, the relationship upends expectations at home and among friends. Nick, earnest and sincere, falls for Shelly, who brings warmth and a different perspective to his life. His mother, Lynn, reacts with shock and deep discomfort when she learns about the romance, and a meeting between the two women is tense and awkward. The film tracks how each character handles judgment, pride, and affection, focusing on conversations and small moments rather than spectacle, and it keeps the resolution private so the viewer can follow the emotional shifts without spoilers.

Released in 1986 as a made for television movie, Something in Common was directed by Glenn Jordan and created by Susan Rice. The production features established actors, including Ellen Burstyn as Lynn Hollander, Tuesday Weld as Shelly Grant, Patrick Cassidy as Nick Hollander, plus Don Murray and Eli Wallach in supporting roles.

As a TV movie it did not have a theatrical run, so there are no box office figures to report. It was presented to television audiences rather than cinemas, which shaped its budget and distribution model.

On a cultural level the film touched on subjects that were less common in mainstream TV drama at the time, namely age gap romance and maternal influence over an adult child's choices. Viewers and some commentators have remembered the film for its domestic realism and for giving experienced performers scenes that emphasize dialogue and subtle emotion over spectacle.

Critical and audience reaction was mixed to positive, with particular praise aimed at the performances by Burstyn and Weld, who bring nuance to awkward and emotional exchanges. The pace and television format led some reviewers to call it modest and restrained rather than flashy, while others appreciated the focus on character and social expectations. It currently holds a modest user rating around 6.0 out of 10, reflecting a niche audience that values its quiet, character driven approach.