The story of And So It Goes
And So It Goes follows Oren Little, a successful but deeply self-absorbed real estate agent living in a waterfront Connecticut home who's built his entire life around avoiding messy human connection. When his estranged son suddenly appears at his door and leaves behind a granddaughter he didn't know existed, Oren finds himself thrust into the one situation he's spent decades avoiding: responsibility for another person. The setup is familiar territory for romantic comedies, but what unfolds is a quieter story about how even the most guarded hearts can crack open when given no choice but to let someone in. His neighbor Leah, a widow with her own quiet grief, becomes an unexpected partner in this unlikely arrangement, and their relationship becomes the emotional anchor for Oren's transformation.
Behind the making of And So It Goes
Director Rob Reiner, known for his work on films like When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, brought his signature warmth to this 93-minute ensemble piece. The film reunites two legendary performers at different points in their careers—Michael Douglas, fresh off his role in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, and Diane Keaton, who'd spent decades proving her range across comedy and drama. The supporting cast includes Sterling Jerins as the granddaughter, Paloma Guzmán, Frances Sternhagen, and a surprising appearance from rock legend Frankie Valli, who lends the film a touch of nostalgic charm.
The film arrived in 2014 with modest box office expectations and delivered exactly that: $15.2 million domestically on what appears to have been a relatively contained budget. It earned one awards nomination, though it didn't become the awards-season darling some might have hoped for. The Motion Picture Association rated it PG-13, making it accessible to a broader audience than many adult-focused romantic comedies. Critics were divided—Metascore pegged it at 38/100, while Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 16% rating—but those numbers don't always capture what a film is actually trying to do, especially when it's aiming for something as unfashionable as earnest sentiment.
What makes And So It Goes stand out
What's striking about And So It Goes is how it refuses to apologize for being a film about older people falling in love. That's not trendy. That's not what streaming algorithms typically promote. Yet there's something genuinely moving about watching Michael Douglas—playing a character who's spent his life perfecting the art of emotional distance—slowly realize that his carefully constructed walls have left him completely alone. The film understands that arrogance and loneliness often live in the same person, and that sometimes it takes a grandchild and a persistent neighbor to crack through years of defensive behavior.
Douglas brings a particular weariness to Oren, a man who's achieved everything he thought he wanted and discovered it was all empty calories. Diane Keaton, meanwhile, doesn't play the typical "manic pixie dream woman" designed to save the damaged man—she's a fully realized person with her own loss, her own reasons for keeping people at arm's length. When their characters finally begin to understand each other, it doesn't feel unearned. The film takes time with these moments. It's patient in a way that modern romantic comedies often aren't, which might explain why it didn't light up the box office or win over critics looking for sharper wit or edgier material.
There's a scene where Oren attempts to help his granddaughter with homework, and his complete incompetence at this simple task becomes both comedic and genuinely touching—it's the kind of small, specific character moment that grounds the whole film. What nobody mentions is how much the film relies on these quiet beats rather than manufactured conflict or contrived obstacles.
Where to stream And So It Goes online
If you're in the mood for a low-key romantic comedy with genuine heart, And So It Goes is currently available on Netflix. You can check Movie OTT's "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page for the most up-to-date availability across all streaming platforms in your region—streaming rights shift frequently, and Movie OTT tracks those changes so you don't have to. Netflix remains the primary home for this film, making it easy to add to your queue if you've got a subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed And So It Goes?
Rob Reiner directed the film. He's known for romantic comedies and ensemble pieces like When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, bringing his characteristic warmth to this 2014 story.
Q: What is the plot of And So It Goes?
The film centers on Oren Little, a self-absorbed realtor who suddenly becomes guardian to his estranged son's daughter. With help from his widow neighbor Leah, he learns to balance his carefully constructed solitary life with unexpected family responsibility.
Q: Is And So It Goes based on a true story?
No, it's an original screenplay, though the themes of estrangement, second chances, and unlikely connections are universal enough to feel authentic.
Q: Who stars in And So It Goes?
Michael Douglas plays the lead role of Oren Little, with Diane Keaton as his neighbor Leah. Sterling Jerins plays his granddaughter, alongside Frances Sternhagen, Paloma Guzmán, and Frankie Valli in supporting roles.
Q: How long is And So It Goes?
The film runs 93 minutes and is rated PG-13, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Final thoughts on And So It Goes
Don't expect And So It Goes to knock your socks off with originality or critical acclaim. The reviews speak for themselves—this isn't a film that critics championed. But there's real value in watching two seasoned actors inhabit characters who've built walls around their hearts and slowly, convincingly, learn to let someone in. It's a film about second chances that doesn't pretend second chances are easy. If you appreciate gentle romantic comedies with older protagonists and you're not looking for irony or snark, it's worth your 93 minutes.
