Why Nancy Meyers' 2009 romantic comedy became a surprising box office success
In short: Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, It's Complicated stars Meryl Streep as a bakery owner caught between her ex-husband and a new architect. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film resonated with audiences, grossing over $219 million worldwide and becoming one of Meyers' highest-grossing projects to date.
Released on December 25, 2009, the film follows Jane Adler, a Santa Barbara bakery owner who begins a secret affair with her ex-husband, Jake, ten years after their divorce. The narrative complicates when she simultaneously develops a relationship with Adam, the architect hired to remodel her home. While the plot was criticized by some reviewers as predictable, the film found significant commercial success, earning $112.7 million in North America and $219.1 million globally by the time it closed in April 2010.
The production process was a complex logistical undertaking. Although set in Santa Barbara, the majority of the film was shot in New York City, beginning in February 2009. The team utilized various locations, including Brooklyn's Broadway Stages and Prospect Park, to recreate the protagonist's world. The production design by Jon Hutman focused on a 1920s Spanish-ranch-style adobe house, aiming for a functional, lived-in aesthetic that reflected the character's budget and lifestyle.
Critical reception remained divided. Some reviewers, such as Wesley Morris, praised the emotional sophistication and the chemistry between Streep and Alec Baldwin, while others like Roger Ebert viewed it as a familiar entry in Meyers' established genre of middle-aged romance. Despite the mixed consensus, the film earned three Golden Globe nominations and maintained strong audience appeal, evidenced by an A- grade from CinemaScore. It remains a notable example of the commercial viability of romantic comedies centered on middle-aged protagonists.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: It's Complicated (film)
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