Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged and your perceptions challenged, because Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost is not just a documentary—it’s a love letter, a time capsule, and a masterclass in the complexities of love, art, and family. Directed by their son, Ben Stiller, this film shines a spotlight on Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, the husband-and-wife comedy duo who lit up stages and screens in the ’60s and ’70s. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while the film is undeniably adoring, it’s also surprisingly honest, peeling back layers of their lives to reveal a story that’s as bittersweet as it is inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it possible to celebrate a subject without veering into hagiography? And this is the part most people miss—the film’s sugary reverence might initially feel overwhelming, but stick with it, because it transforms into something far more profound.
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were the epitome of a showbiz odd couple: he, a Jewish crank with a comedic edge, and she, a sunny Irish charmer with a sharp wit. Their stand-up repartee, a blend of affectionate sparring and stark personality contrasts, felt ahead of its time, foreshadowing the likes of Annie Hall. Yet, despite their success, they never quite reached superstar status. A bold question to ponder: Does their lack of mega-fame make their story more relatable, or does it diminish their legacy in the eyes of history? The documentary doesn’t shy away from this tension, showcasing their most iconic routines—like the 1966 computer dating satire and the ahead-of-its-time “Hate” sketch—while also admitting there’s not much more to uncover about their comedic genius.
What truly sets this film apart is its dual identity: it’s both a definitive career retrospective and an intimate family portrait. Shot after Jerry’s death in 2020 (Anne passed in 2015), much of the documentary takes place in the Upper West Side apartment where Ben and his sister, Amy, grew up. The space is a treasure trove of memorabilia, thanks to Jerry’s obsession with documenting their lives—home movies, diaries, and everyday recordings that give the film’s subtitle, Nothing Is Lost, its poignant meaning. And this is the part most people miss: Amid the warmth and nostalgia, there’s a subtle undercurrent of complexity. Anne’s struggle with alcohol, Jerry’s perfectionism, and their frequent clashes are acknowledged, but never sensationalized. The question lingers: Were they a happy family, or just really good at keeping up appearances?
Midway through, the film shifts gears, evolving from a likable entertainment profile into a novelistic exploration of their life-and-art marriage. Their 62-year union was happy but complicated, fueled by fights, temperamental clashes, and a shared tribal identity that transcended their cultural differences. Here’s a thought-provoking counterpoint: Had they achieved greater fame, would their marriage have survived? The film suggests that their relative obscurity allowed them to compartmentalize their professional lives, prioritizing family over stardom. Is this a heroic choice, or a missed opportunity? Their kids’ appearances on talk shows and the couple’s on-camera interviews, where disagreements surface only to be laughed away, offer a glimpse into their unique brand of therapy.
Ben Stiller’s inclusion of his own family—his children, Eva and Quinlan, and his wife, Christine Taylor—adds another layer, as he reflects on how his flaws mirror his father’s. Yet, his portrayal as a benign, accommodating figure softens the impact of the generational-demons theme, leaving it feeling more like a footnote than a central conflict. A question for the audience: Does this make the film more relatable, or does it sidestep the darker truths of family dynamics?
As the documentary concludes, it’s clear that Jerry and Anne’s legacy isn’t just in their comedy, but in their unwavering devotion to each other and their belief in something bigger than themselves. Whether you see them as flawed humans or comedy icons, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost invites you to reflect on the messy beauty of love, art, and family. Final thought-provoking question: In celebrating their story, are we romanticizing the past, or honoring the resilience it takes to build a life together? Streaming on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 24, this is one documentary that will leave you laughing, crying, and questioning everything you thought you knew about fame, family, and the enduring power of love.
