Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- wistful
- tense
- witty
- date night
- couples movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the marriage drama dull and predictable, arguing that the central relationship lacked convincing chemistry and emotional authenticity.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ben and Katie stay married for fifteen years but begin living separately after their children leave for summer camp.
The film stages Ben and Katie's failing marriage through confrontations, sarcasm, and escalating household frustrations.
Living apart prompts both Ben and Katie to reflect on their relationship before deciding how to address their separation.
Ben and Katie prepare to tell their children about the separation and ultimately weigh their family responsibilities in deciding what to do.
Films like The Story of Us, and why
Hope Springs
shared focus on marital breakdown, emotional reconciliation, and romantic comedy shaped by domestic conflict
The War of the Roses
shared mature relationship drama, marriage counseling, and bittersweet humor about long-term intimacy
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
shared blend of romantic comedy and domestic drama centered on a couple reassessing their marriage
Enough Said
shared middle-class relationship conflict, wistful tone, and emphasis on communication within a failing marriage
Movie Details
- Director
- Rob Reiner
- Release Date
- 1999-10-14
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (383)
Cast
- Bruce Willis
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Rob Reiner
- Colleen Rennison
- Jake Sandvig
- Julie Hagerty
- Rita Wilson
- Paul Reiser
- Red Buttons
- Betty White
Where to watch in United States
- 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 The Story of Us about?
- A long-married suburban couple confronts emotional estrangement and the difficult possibility of rebuilding their family life.
- What is The Story of Us like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Story of Us as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Story of Us violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Story of Us.
- What did critics think of The Story of Us?
- Critics broadly found the marriage drama dull and predictable, arguing that the central relationship lacked convincing chemistry and emotional authenticity.
- Which films are like The Story of Us?
- Films with a similar feel include Hope Springs, The War of the Roses, Crazy, Stupid, Love., and Enough Said.
- How long is The Story of Us?
- The Story of Us runs 96 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Story of Us?
- In United States, The Story of Us is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
