The Daytrippers

Eliza D'Amico thinks her marriage to Louis is solid until a mysterious note to Louis prompts doubt. Rather than face it alone, she enlists her parents, her sister Jo, and Jo's boyfriend, piling into a station wagon for a road trip to the city. Along the way, the group probes their own desires, resentments, and the ways they define commitment. They strike up conversations with a parade of quirky strangers and end up learning more about each other than about the alleged affair. The trip blends comedy with warmth as the family negotiates honesty, pride, and belonging in a small, revealing portrait of modern kinship. Along the way, city lights, street talk, and late night chats sharpen honesty.

Directed by Greg Mottola, The Daytrippers arrives as a written indie comedy drama based on an original screenplay. Released in the 1990s, it stands out for its ensemble performance and low budget energy that helped launch its playful tone, and it helped shape independent cinema dialogue.

The film earned approximately 2,099,677 in box office on a production budget of 600,000, highlighting its status as a modest but successful indie release rather than a blockbuster. This limited haul reflects its cult festival appeal more than mainstream reach.

Though not a wide hit, The Daytrippers earned a quiet place in 90s indie cinema. It helped bring Parker Posey into a string of performances and is a touchstone for ensemble road movies about families. The film is cited by fans of offbeat urban comedies and has inspired new voices.

Critics embraced the film for its brisk humor and warm, observational mood. It examines trust, jealousy, and the pressure to present a perfect life, while staying playful. The tone blends comedy with drama, offering a candid look at family bonds, secrets, and imperfect communication on the road.