Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- sincere
- breezy
- lazy sunday
- lighthearted group viewing
What critics said
Critics found the comedy uneven but broadly appealing because of its charm, humane treatment of its characters, and Paul Rudd's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ned's directness brings infidelity, workplace misconduct, romantic dishonesty, and domestic resentment into the open without deliberate investigation.
Ned's stay with his sisters connects multiple relationship problems across the Rochlin family rather than focusing on one isolated conflict.
Ned's organic farming, open-hearted honesty, and attachment to his dog embody a gentle hippie worldview that contrasts with his sisters' guarded pragmatism.
Although his sisters regard him as an idiot, Ned's unworldly behavior ultimately produces positive change throughout the family.
Films like Our Idiot Brother, and why
The Savages
Shared warm ensemble comedy, sibling relationship tensions, romantic complications, and an unconventional idealist who disrupts social conventions.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Shared family comedy-drama structure, eccentric relatives, relationship dysfunction, and an ultimately compassionate view of flawed characters.
Dan in Real Life
Shared feel-good dramedy tone, unconventional protagonist, family conflict, and revelations that gradually repair damaged relationships.
Movie Details
- Director
- Jesse Peretz
- Release Date
- 2011-08-26
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (1072)
Cast
- Paul Rudd
- Elizabeth Banks
- Zooey Deschanel
- Emily Mortimer
- Steve Coogan
- Rashida Jones
- Kathryn Hahn
- T.J. Miller
- Shirley Knight
- Adam Scott
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Our Idiot Brother about?
- A guileless organic farmer inadvertently disrupts his sisters’ carefully managed lives and helps their family recover its moral balance.
- What is Our Idiot Brother like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Our Idiot Brother as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Our Idiot Brother violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Our Idiot Brother.
- What did critics think of Our Idiot Brother?
- Critics found the comedy uneven but broadly appealing because of its charm, humane treatment of its characters, and Paul Rudd's performance.
- Which films are like Our Idiot Brother?
- Films with a similar feel include The Savages, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Dan in Real Life.
- How long is Our Idiot Brother?
- Our Idiot Brother runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Our Idiot Brother?
- In United States, Our Idiot Brother streams on fuboTV, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Howdy Amazon Channel.
