Ben Stiller Reflects on Parents in New Documentary ‘Nothing Is Lost’

New York, NY — Ben Stiller’s first documentary, ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,’ explores the lives and careers of his parents, comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. The film examines their impact on comedy and family through personal reflections.

The documentary begins with Ben and his sister, Amy Stiller, returning to their parents’ empty apartment. The space is filled with memories, including photos, clippings, and videos from Jerry and Anne’s careers. Jerry Stiller’s extensive footage showcases their television appearances and the dynamics of their onstage and offstage lives.

Ben expresses that although he admired his parents, he wanted to carve out his own path in comedy, separate from their legacies. Jerry Stiller’s personal struggle for success and Anne Meara’s ambitions as a comedian are central themes in the film. The Stiller family reflects on the challenges of balancing work and home life.

In a crucial moment, Ben discusses how his parents’ example helped him navigate his own marital struggles, including his separation from his wife in 2017. The reunion during COVID allowed him to reassess his own issues as a father and partner. He and his children, Ella and Quinn, draw lessons from their grandparents’ experiences that shape their views today.

Ben takes an introspective look at his upbringing, realizing the importance of acknowledging his parents’ struggles alongside their successes. While showcasing humor throughout, the documentary also deals with serious themes of family legacy and personal growth.

<p'Nothing Is Lost' is both a tribute to Jerry and Anne and a study of how one generation influences the next. The film is currently playing in theaters and will be available on Apple TV on October 24.