On October 12, 2025, the 63rd annual New York Film Festival played host to a deeply personal cinematic event: the world premiere of "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost," a documentary directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ben Stiller. The film, which delves into the lives and legacy of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—one of comedy’s most beloved couples—has already sparked anticipation among fans and critics alike, not least because it offers an intimate look at the family behind the laughter.
For those eager to see the film before its official theatrical release, there’s an added thrill: a contest is underway for a pair of passes to an advanced screening at AMC Cherry Hill on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7pm, according to 92.5 XTU. This screening offers a rare opportunity to experience the documentary in the company of fellow fans, just days ahead of its broader debut in theaters on October 17 and its subsequent streaming release on Apple TV+ beginning October 24.
So, what makes "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost" stand out in the crowded field of family documentaries? The answer lies in its unique blend of archival footage—much of it filmed by Jerry Stiller himself—and candid interviews with family members and friends. Viewers will hear firsthand from Amy Stiller, Christine Taylor, Ella Stiller, and Quinn Stiller, each offering their own perspectives on the couple whose careers and home life were so tightly interwoven.
Ben Stiller, best known for his comedic acting and directing, steps behind the camera in a different way this time. He turns the lens on his own family, seeking to understand not only his parents’ influence on popular culture, but also their impact at home. As reported by The Knockturnal, Stiller reflected on the challenges of this dual role: “One of the biggest questions for me was how much I include of my personal life. It was trying to navigate that and imagine also what my parents would think as I did this.”
That sense of vulnerability and self-examination is woven throughout the film. Stiller admitted that another major challenge was “to find that balance of telling a story that reflected their entire life and not just certain elements of it.” The documentary doesn’t shy away from the complexities and contradictions that come with a life lived in the public eye—and the private moments that shaped the family dynamic.
According to The Knockturnal, the film shines brightest in its moments of personal reflection, particularly those involving other members of the Stiller family. Ben Stiller explained, “It’s about parents and kids. And when you screw up, and how you want to be better and where you go from there.” This theme of growth, forgiveness, and generational learning resonates throughout the documentary, making it more than just a tribute to comedy icons—it’s a meditation on family, legacy, and the lessons we all inherit from those we love.
The documentary’s title, "Nothing Is Lost," hints at the enduring nature of those lessons, even as time marches on. For Ben Stiller, the process of making the film was as much about discovery as it was about remembrance. He’s candid about his uncertainty regarding how his parents would have reacted to the finished product. After the film’s premiere, when asked by Dennis Lim, NYFF Artistic Director, Stiller said, “I did think my dad would have some issues with how much we talked about their stuff. I think my mom would be okay with it.”
His sister, Amy Stiller, brought some levity to the moment, joking, “Oh, I think they’d love it,” before adding, “They’d hate it.” This blend of humor and honesty is emblematic of the Stiller-Meara family’s approach to both their craft and their relationships—a dynamic that the documentary captures with warmth and clarity.
But the film isn’t just for the family or diehard fans of classic comedy. As 92.5 XTU points out, "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost" explores the universal lines between creativity, family, life, and art—lines that often blur in ways both beautiful and challenging. The documentary invites viewers to reflect on their own family histories, the lessons passed down through generations, and the ways in which we all strive to be better parents, children, and partners.
The release of the film comes at a time when audiences seem especially hungry for stories that blend nostalgia with honest introspection. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara’s careers spanned decades, from their early days as a comedy duo on television variety shows to their later successes in film and on Broadway. Their partnership—both on stage and off—became a model for balancing professional ambition with personal connection, even as it wasn’t always easy.
Ben Stiller’s documentary doesn’t gloss over the rough patches. Instead, it embraces the reality that even the most celebrated families face challenges. The film’s use of archival material, including home movies and behind-the-scenes footage, offers a rare glimpse into moments that are both ordinary and extraordinary. The inclusion of interviews with family members like Christine Taylor (Ben’s wife), Ella and Quinn Stiller (his children), and Amy Stiller (his sister) adds layers of perspective, showing how Jerry and Anne’s influence continues to ripple outward.
For those who grew up watching Jerry Stiller as Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld" or as Arthur Spooner on "The King of Queens," or who remember Anne Meara’s sharp wit and dramatic range, the documentary serves as both a celebration and a revelation. It’s a reminder that behind every punchline and performance, there are stories of love, struggle, and growth.
And for Ben Stiller, the act of making the film was itself a journey of understanding. As he told The Knockturnal, navigating the balance between public and private, past and present, was no small feat. The result is a documentary that feels both deeply personal and broadly relatable—a testament to the power of storytelling across generations.
With its official theatrical release set for October 17, 2025, and streaming availability on Apple TV+ starting October 24, "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost" is poised to reach a wide audience. The advanced screening contest at AMC Cherry Hill on October 20 offers a lucky few the chance to experience the film on the big screen, surrounded by others who appreciate the enduring magic of a great family story.
In chronicling the lives of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, Ben Stiller has crafted more than a documentary—he’s created an invitation to reflect on what we inherit, what we pass on, and how, in the end, nothing truly is lost.
