🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sebastián Lelio
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Music
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 42min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (28K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A woman deals with the struggles of dating a divorced guy whose adult daughters still treat him like their personal ATM, so she expresses her feelings with a paintball gun.
🍿 Gloria Bell: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Gloria Bell
Gloria Bell, a vibrant woman in her 50s, navigates the single life in Los Angeles. Divorced for a decade, she fills her days with a job at an insurance company and maintains connections with her grown children. However, her nights come alive as she frequents dance clubs, seeking connection and romance amidst the disco lights and pulsating beats.

Meeting Arnold and Complications
At one of these clubs, Gloria meets Arnold, a recent divorcee. They quickly connect, drawn to each other’s vulnerability and shared experiences. As their relationship deepens, Gloria discovers Arnold’s lingering ties to his ex-wife and daughters, who heavily rely on him financially and emotionally. His inability to fully commit creates tension and challenges their bond.

The Vegas Getaway and the Breakup
Hoping to reignite their romance, Gloria and Arnold embark on a trip to Las Vegas. However, Arnold’s family obligations constantly intrude, culminating in him abruptly leaving Gloria stranded in Vegas to tend to his daughters’ needs. This abandonment marks the end of their relationship, leaving Gloria hurt and disillusioned.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore): A free-spirited divorcee in her 50s, Gloria seeks love and connection on the LA dance floor while navigating the complexities of family and relationships.
- Arnold (John Turturro): A recently divorced man with heavy family baggage, Arnold struggles to balance his newfound romance with Gloria and the demands of his ex-wife and daughters.
- Anne (Caren Pistorius): Gloria’s pregnant daughter, Anne grapples with her own life choices and prepares to move to Sweden.
- Peter (Michael Cera): Gloria’s son, Peter struggles with single parenthood after his partner leaves him to find herself.
- Hillary (Holland Taylor): Gloria’s mother, Hillary provides support and advice to her daughter as she navigates the challenges of life and love.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Gloria: “When Peter was little, he went into my purse and made a gun out of a tampon.” – Gloria shares a humorous anecdote about her son’s childhood during a family gathering.
- Gloria: “I go down dancing.” – Gloria states her intention to live life to the fullest, even if the world ends.
- Arnold: “I’m sorry.” – Arnold often apologizes to Gloria for his inability to fully commit due to family obligations.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15 million
- Domestic Gross: $5.6 million
- Worldwide Gross: $11.1 million
💥 Gloria Bell Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘Gloria Bell’! Julianne Moore is incredible. She made me feel every emotion Gloria was experiencing from the joy of finding new love to the frustration of dealing with her partner’s baggage. The dance scenes were so uplifting, and the ending where she dances to ‘Gloria’ was perfect. I left the theater feeling empowered and ready to embrace life!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Julianne Moore”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
- “Adults navigating mid-life challenges”
- “Individuals seeking stories of self-discovery”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Nudity”
- “Mature themes”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Indiewire: “Julianne Moore shines as Gloria, capturing the joy and heartbreak of rediscovering oneself. Director Sebastián Lelio masterfully balances humor and pathos, making for a deeply human and relatable film. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the importance of dancing through life’s challenges.
- Variety: “Lelio’s remake is a triumph, largely due to Moore’s magnetic performance. She embodies Gloria’s spirit, vulnerability, and unwavering optimism. The film resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost and is a testament to the power of resilience. The soundtrack is amazing.
Audience Reactions
Julianne Moore’s acting is phenomenal; she embodies the character completely.: Viewers praised Moore’s performance, the relatable themes of aging and finding love, and the film’s excellent soundtrack.
The movie resonates deeply with viewers who have experienced similar life challenges.: Many found the movie to be an honest and moving portrayal of a woman’s journey to self-discovery.
Overall Consensus: ‘Gloria Bell’ is a well-acted and emotionally resonant film, that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, particularly appealing to mature audiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Gloria Bell is a remake of a 2013 Spanish-language Chilean film also titled ‘Gloria,’ directed by Sebastián Lelio, who also directed this English-language version.”
- “Julianne Moore’s performance was highly praised, with many considering it one of the best of her career.”
- “The poem that Arnold reads to Gloria is “For a Young Friend Who Tried to Take His Own Life” by Chilean poet Claudio Bertoni.”
🖥️ How to Watch Gloria Bell?
Gloria Bell is available to rent or buy on demand from platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential cable or satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Gloria Bell, you might like these similar films:
- Frances Ha (2012): Captures the messy, evolving life of a woman navigating adulthood and relationships.
- Beginners (2010): Explores love and relationships later in life with a focus on personal growth and acceptance.
- Shirley Valentine (1989): A middle-aged woman rediscovers herself on vacation, similar to Gloria’s journey of self-discovery.
🛒 Gloria Bell Related Products
- Gloria Bell [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience Julianne Moore’s powerful performance in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
- Gloria Bell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Download the official soundtrack featuring iconic disco and pop hits that define Gloria’s spirit and journey. Includes tracks by Laura Branigan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more.
- Disco Fever Adult Costume: Step into the world of Gloria Bell with this 70s-inspired disco costume. Includes a shimmering jumpsuit, platform shoes, and hoop earrings.
- Paintball Gun Kit: This paintball gun kit includes a semi-automatic marker, mask, hopper, and CO2 tank. Recreate Gloria’s iconic paintball scene with friends.
🎧 Soundtrack
Gloria Bell features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Gloria” – performed by Laura Branigan
- “September” – performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – performed by Queen
- “I Will Survive” – performed by Gloria Gaynor
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Gloria Bell is a remake of the 2013 Chilean-Spanish film ‘Gloria’, directed by the same director, Sebastián Lelio.
Gloria Bell was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
The stray cat represents Gloria’s own loneliness and search for connection. Initially, she tries to reject it, but eventually embraces its presence, symbolizing her acceptance of her own solitude and a newfound sense of self-sufficiency.
🔥 Bonus Content
Instant Regret 😂
Ever feel like your kids are little climbers? This short clip perfectly captures that ‘uh oh’ moment when their adventurous spirit backfires. I couldn’t stop laughing!
This kid is so funny at the church 😂😂😂
Kids in church are always a recipe for laughter. This short video shows a funny moment that will have you smile!
The Look Beyoncé Gave Jay-Z 😳
Celebrity relationships are full of funny moments. In this case, this is what happens when two celebrities are in the spotlight and make funny faces.
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