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The Daytrippers

Play trailer Poster for The Daytrippers R 1996 1h 28m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Eliza D'Amico's seemingly idyllic marriage to Louis changes dramatically when she discovers what she believes to be a love letter to him from someone else. Going home to her family for comfort, Eliza sets out with her mother, father, sister and her sister's boyfriend in the family car to track down and confront Louis. Always one step behind him, the family learns a lot about each other in the process.
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The Daytrippers

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Critics Consensus

Its modest scale and scabrous sense of humor may feel more punishing than funny for some, but an excellent cast and authentic sense of place make The Daytrippers a smooth ride.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek Nov 20, 2008
Thanks to the superb cast and Mottola's deft touch, this modest-looking comedy proves quite memorable. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy Variety Jun 10, 2006
3/5
A spirited cast, including old pros Amma Meara and younger talent Parker Posey and Stanley Tucci, elevates this claustrophobic sitcom (most of whiche is set in a car) into something fluffier and funnier than it actually is. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000
2/4
I do not mean to criticize Meara herself. She is, almost by definition, superb at her assignment here, which is to create an insufferable mother. The film's problem is that she does it so well. Go to Full Review Sarah Boslaugh TheArtsStl Jun 7, 2025
6/10
...a pleasant little film, nicely put together on a low budget... Go to Full Review Mike Davies Birmingham Post Jun 21, 2023
Deadpan and extremely funny while also providing moments of intense poignancy, Mottola's screenplay serves up some insightful observations on family and lies we tell ourselves, while finding affection within its heart for all. Go to Full Review Evan Dossey Midwest Film Journal Dec 2, 2019
Criterion's new release allows this bittersweet tale of becoming to reach a wider audience. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Yash B @yashbansal May 18, 2026 "The Daytrippers" is a movie that shines primarily due to its characters. I felt like pretty much all of the characters are fully realized, and there is a good mix of comedy and drama in the story. The movie is simple and to the point, but it still ends up being a memorable one, showing flawed characters that all feel human. The direction the movie takes ends up being fairly sad, and I may have just not felt prepared for that, considering some of the lighter moments leading up to it. Overall, it is a quirky and interesting movie that is an engaging watch, full of great experiences. See more Henry D @Henry_Domke May 13, 2026 Shockingly good. Great script and well acted. Funny, touching, real. See more Kalissa H. @kali_416 Dec 11, 2025 I was entertained. Great acting. See more Soleil C. @bysoleilceline Dec 3, 2025 A little story about a family going rogue on Thanksgiving to help one of the daughters track down if her husband is cheating on her. Takes the family roadtrip and turns it inside out by crisscrossing through the city and incorporating different destinations and fun characters as she tries to find the truth. See more Mason M @RT73597940 Nov 17, 2024 An extremely enjoyable and fun addition to the 1990s "movie about nothing" movement. The Daytrippers is an amazingly well done comedy with hilariously clever writing and dialogue, with the whole cast making the interesting family dynamic a delight to watch. This is one of the better films I've seen of its style, and an amazing and hilarious comedy that's bound to put you in a good mood. See more noa r @RT16325647 Apr 13, 2024 felt very wes anderson and more my sense of humour. i admire the concept and feel so much, very "little miss sunshine (2006)" meets "the royal tenenbaums (2001)." when it comes to parker posey, i am seated. THE INDIE QUEEN. i've never seen any of greg mottola's work before, so this has inspired me to watch more. See more Read all reviews
The Daytrippers

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Cast & Crew

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Greg Mottola

Director

Hope Davis

Eliza Malone D'Amico

Pat McNamara

Jim Malone

Anne Meara

Rita Malone

Parker Posey

Jo Malone

Liev Schreiber

Carl Petrovic

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The Daytrippers

The Daytrippers (1996) The Daytrippers (1996) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Eliza D'Amico's seemingly idyllic marriage to Louis changes dramatically when she discovers what she believes to be a love letter to him from someone else. Going home to her family for comfort, Eliza sets out with her mother, father, sister and her sister's boyfriend in the family car to track down and confront Louis. Always one step behind him, the family learns a lot about each other in the process.
Director
Greg Mottola
Producer
Nancy Tenenbaum, Steven Soderbergh
Screenwriter
Greg Mottola
Production Co
Trick Productions, Cinépix Film Properties (CFP), Fiasco Photoplays, Alliance Communications Corporation
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.1M
Runtime
1h 28m
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