🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jay Duplass
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2010
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (101k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A lonely guy tries to date a woman, but her overgrown, man-child son wants to keep her all to himself, leading to awkward shoe-hiding and passive-aggressive synthesizer music.
🍿 Cyrus: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Lonely John Meets Molly
John (John C. Reilly), a depressed and recently divorced man, is encouraged by his ex-wife Jamie (Catherine Keener) to attend a party. Still hung up on his ex, John feels awkward until he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei). They quickly connect, and Molly seems genuinely interested in him, which is a welcome change for the downtrodden John.

Molly’s Secret: Cyrus
Their relationship blossoms quickly, but Molly is strangely hesitant to take things further, always leaving in the middle of the night. John, curious and smitten, follows her home and discovers the reason for her reluctance: Cyrus (Jonah Hill), her overprotective and somewhat codependent 21-year-old son. Cyrus still lives at home and shares a very close relationship with his mother.

A Battle of Wills
John attempts to integrate into Molly and Cyrus’s unusual dynamic, but it soon becomes clear that Cyrus is not welcoming of John’s presence. A subtle but intense battle of wills begins between John and Cyrus, as Cyrus subtly sabotages John’s attempts to connect with Molly. The conflict escalates as John becomes more determined to win Molly’s affection and break through Cyrus’s possessiveness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John (John C. Reilly): A lonely and somewhat immature divorcé who unexpectedly finds a connection with Molly.
- Molly (Marisa Tomei): A free-spirited single mother who is caught between her new relationship and her co-dependent son.
- Cyrus (Jonah Hill): Molly’s possessive and manipulative adult son who sabotages his mother’s relationship with John.
- Jamie (Catherine Keener): John’s supportive ex-wife who encourages him to move on and find love.
- Tim (Matt Walsh): Jamie’s fiancé who often finds himself in awkward situations with John.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- John: “What are you doing here in the forest with Shrek?” – John says this jokingly to Molly when he finds her and Cyrus in the forest.
- Cyrus: “You’re not gonna take her away from me.” – Cyrus drunkenly mumbles this to John before attacking him at the wedding.
- Cyrus: “I love you so much, mom” – Often says it in an awkwardly intimate way, highlighting the unhealthy attachment.
- Molly: “He’s just sensitive.” – Molly’s constant explanation for Cyrus’s manipulative behavior, highlighting her denial.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $7,468,936
- Worldwide Gross: $9,933,873
💥 Cyrus Reviews
Personal Review
I was hooked by the awkwardness of it all! The dynamic between John, Molly, and Cyrus felt so real and uncomfortable, yet also kind of funny. When Cyrus stole John’s shoes, I literally gasped! It’s a movie that stays with you because you can’t help but wonder what you would do in that situation. Marisa Tomei performance made me love her even more.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent films”
- “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
- “Those interested in dark comedies with awkward humor”
- “Admirers of John C. Reilly, Marisa Tomei, and Jonah Hill”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Language”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Brief drug use”
- “Emotional manipulation”
- “Adult themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Cyrus is not just a comedy; it’s a keenly observed study of loneliness and co-dependence. Reilly and Hill deliver career-best performances, making this quirky indie a must-see.
- The New York Times: “The Duplass brothers bring their signature mumblecore style to a more mainstream setting, creating a film that is both funny and unsettling. The performances are authentic and the story, while unconventional, resonates with emotional truth.
- Los Angeles Times: “Cyrus is a brave film that tackles uncomfortable subjects with surprising sensitivity. While it’s not always easy to watch, the performances of Reilly, Tomei, and Hill make it a rewarding experience.
Audience Reactions
The offbeat humor and uncomfortable situations made it a unique viewing experience.: Viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of relationships and the struggles of single parenthood.
Jonah Hill’s performance as Cyrus was surprisingly nuanced and unsettling.: Many praised the film’s cast and their ability to bring depth to their characters.
Overall Consensus: Cyrus is a quirky and often uncomfortable comedy-drama that explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges of letting go. While not for everyone, the film’s strong performances and unique tone make it a memorable viewing experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was shot in sequence, which is relatively rare for film productions, allowing the actors to develop their characters organically.”
- “The Duplass brothers, known for their ‘mumblecore’ style, encouraged improvisation from the actors, contributing to the film’s naturalistic feel.”
- “Despite being marketed as a comedy, the film delves into deeper themes of codependency and dysfunctional relationships, surprising some viewers expecting a lighthearted experience.”
- “The film’s budget was estimated to be $7 million, which is relatively low compared to other mainstream comedies with similar star power.”
🖥️ How to Watch Cyrus?
As of October 2024, “Cyrus” is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on other streaming services or cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can often be found at major retailers and online marketplaces, offering an alternative for collectors or those without reliable internet access.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Cyrus, you might like these similar films:
- Step Brothers (2008): Features a similar theme of adult-children interfering with their parents’ lives and relationships, but with a broader, more overtly comedic approach.
- Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011): Another Duplass brothers film exploring themes of arrested development and family dynamics, though with a slightly different tone.
- The King of Staten Island (2020): Features a young man, struggling with the loss of his father, attempts to sabotage his mother’s new relationship.
- Humpday (2009): Another mumblecore film with Mark Duplass, known for its improvisational style and exploration of complex relationships.
🛒 Cyrus Related Products
- John C. Reilly: Hilarious Performances 3-Movie Collection (Step Brothers, Talladega Nights, Walk Hard): A digital collection of John C. Reilly’s comedic roles, showcasing his talent for awkward humor and physical comedy that fans of ‘Cyrus’ will appreciate.
- Marisa Tomei Signed Autograph 8×10 Photo – COA Certified: A signed photograph of Marisa Tomei, a must-have for fans who admire her talent and versatility in ‘Cyrus’ and other films. COA-certified for authenticity.
- Synthesizer Music Production Starter Kit: A starter kit for aspiring musicians to emulate Cyrus’s unique synthesizer compositions. Includes a beginner-friendly synthesizer, software, and tutorials.
- Cyrus Movie Poster – Limited Edition Print: A high-quality, limited edition print of the ‘Cyrus’ movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or fan cave with a unique piece of film memorabilia.
🎧 Soundtrack
Cyrus features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While “Cyrus” has comedic elements, particularly in the awkward interactions between John and Cyrus, it’s more accurately described as a dark dramedy. The film explores themes of loneliness, codependency, and dysfunctional family dynamics, which contribute to its more serious and introspective tone.
Mumblecore is a subgenre of independent film characterized by low budgets, naturalistic acting, and improvised dialogue. The Duplass brothers, the writers and directors of “Cyrus,” are prominent figures in the mumblecore movement, though “Cyrus” features a slightly more polished production than their earlier work.
Yes, Cyrus is portrayed as a manipulative character who subtly sabotages John’s relationship with Molly. His actions stem from his codependent relationship with his mother and his fear of losing her affection.
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