Here’s a bold statement: not every documentary about comedy legends needs to dig up dirt to be compelling. But when it comes to Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, Ben Stiller’s heartfelt tribute to his parents, the lack of scandal might just be its most intriguing feature. And this is the part most people miss—this film isn’t just a celebration; it’s a nuanced exploration of love, art, and the complexities of a life lived in the spotlight. But let’s be honest, after the first 30 minutes, I was worried it might drown in its own adoration. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Instead, it transforms into something unexpectedly profound.
Directed by their son, Ben Stiller, the documentary shines a spotlight on Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, the husband-and-wife comedy duo who rose to fame in the ’60s and ’70s. You might remember them from The Ed Sullivan Show or their nightclub routines. They weren’t exactly household names like Lucille Ball or Woody Allen, but their sweet-and-sour dynamic—a Jewish crank paired with a sunny Irish lass—was undeniably ahead of its time. Think of them as the precursors to Annie Hall, but with more bickering and a dash of cultural contrast that left even Johnny Carson marveling at their real-life marriage.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while Stiller and Meara were groundbreaking in their own right, their comedy, at least to me, always felt a tad lightweight. Sure, their routines like the 1966 computer dating satire and the “Hate” sketch were clever, but beyond those highlights, there isn’t much comedic depth to uncover. Yet, the documentary treats them like comedy royalty, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the reverence. Is this blind adoration, or is there something more?
Shot after Jerry’s death in 2020 (Anne passed in 2015), the film doubles as a tender family portrait. Ben and his sister, Amy, reminisce in the Upper West Side apartment where they grew up, surrounded by memorabilia that Jerry, a self-proclaimed pack rat, meticulously collected. Home movies, diaries, and everyday recordings—it’s all there, giving the subtitle Nothing Is Lost a poignant double meaning. The family dynamic is surprisingly wholesome, with Jerry and Anne’s genuine love and creative nurturing shining through. But where’s the drama? Even Anne’s struggles with alcohol are handled with a light touch, leaving some viewers wondering: Is this too polished?
Midway through, the film takes a turn. It evolves from a likable profile into a novelistic exploration of their life-and-art marriage. Yes, they fought. Yes, their personalities clashed. But here’s the kicker: their lack of superstar status might have saved their marriage. What if their success had been bigger? Would fame and fortune have torn them apart? It’s a thought-provoking question that lingers long after the credits roll.
Their commitment to family over fame is both heroic and endearing. They paraded their kids on talk shows (Ben and Amy’s violin rendition of “Chopsticks” is priceless), but their on-camera interviews reveal a deeper truth—their disagreements were a form of therapy, channeled into laughter and, later, couples’ counseling. Even Ben’s own family struggles, including his separation and reconciliation with wife Christine Taylor, echo this theme of imperfection and resilience.
By the end, Stiller & Meara isn’t just about two comedians; it’s about the messy, beautiful reality of a partnership that endured for 62 years. Neither saint nor sinner, Jerry and Anne were devoted to each other and to something bigger than themselves. So, here’s the question for you: Does a documentary need scandal to be meaningful, or is there power in celebrating the quiet, complicated truths of a life well-lived? Stream it on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 24 and decide for yourself.
