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The Door in the Floor

Play trailer Poster for The Door in the Floor R 2004 1h 51m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
67% Tomatometer 141 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
The lives of Ted (Jeff Bridges) and Marion Cole (Kim Basinger) are thrown into disarray when their two adolescent sons die in a car wreck. Marion withdraws from Ted and Ruth (Elle Fanning), the couple's daughter. Ted, a well-known writer, hires as his assistant a student named Eddie (Jon Foster), who looks oddly similar to one of the Coles' dead sons. The couple separate, and Marion begins an affair with Eddie, while Ted has a dalliance with his neighbor Evelyn (Mimi Rogers).
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The Door in the Floor

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Critics Consensus

Though uneven in tone, this is one of the better adaptations of John Irving's novels, with Jeff Bridges giving one of his best performances.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek Mar 13, 2018
Jeff Bridges is extraordinary as Ted Cole...this hothouse tale of grief, sex and betrayal is told with a cool detachment that renders it commendably unsentimental--and slightly remote. Go to Full Review Jeannette Catsoulis Las Vegas Mercury Sep 9, 2004
4/5
It takes nerve to use dead children as apologists for adult misbehavior, but nerve is something novelist John Irving has never lacked. Go to Full Review Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Aug 7, 2004
Since when are dullness and realism synonymous? Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jan 26, 2026
3/4
The Door In the Floor is one of those movies that screws up the small details while tapping into the larger issues. Go to Full Review Miles Fielder The List Apr 23, 2019
4/5
The Door in the Floor's leads have remained largely and woefully under-appreciated actors... Here, they both give career best performances. Go to Full Review Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine Mar 28, 2019
The female characters are either preposterous or pathetic. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 4 days ago This is a *3* star Movie! See more Ed B. @EdLee Apr 13, 2026 The Door in the Floor , is a very well acted out film. Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger play Bereaved parents of two teenage sons. The minor explores their torment in dealing with tragedy . Elle Fanning delivers a wonderful role as the baby sister. Overall movie is melancholy, but worth watching. See more Bob D @RT18656422 Feb 24, 2025 Young Ms. Fanning truly outshines all other performances in this movie. The story is, after-all, about her character, Ruthie Cole. Elle's insight into the life and demands placed upon this troubled little girl (Ruth Cole) is genius. See more John A @ExcessMale Nov 9, 2023 Begins fairly well but ultimately goes nowhere interesting with what is established so firmly in the first act. The cast is great. See more Marc Z @TKDLife Jul 29, 2021 The real strength of this movie is the performances by Basinger and Bridges. They play two eccentric East Enders whose life is dismantled by the death of their two sons. Both are Oscar worthy. What unfolds is a tale of a young writing assistant that comes to apprentice with Bridges and falls in love with Basinger. While it is twisted and decedent in spots; its dysfunction feels real. How do people get past such a tragedy? The film's Hamptons setting is as much a character as anyone in the film. It is tragic. Seen through the confusion of a young man, coming of age, it works. Elle Fanning is good. I love Mimi Rogers but she was underutilized in this one. This is based, in part, on a John Irving piece. See more Jun 18, 2021 Bueno pienso que podria haber sido algo mejor 5/10 See more Read all reviews
The Door in the Floor

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Cast & Crew

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Tod Williams

Director

Jeff Bridges

Ted Cole

Kim Basinger

Marion Cole

Jon Foster

Eddie O'Hare

Mimi Rogers

Eleanor Vaughn

Elle Fanning

Ruth

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Movie Info

Synopsis The lives of Ted (Jeff Bridges) and Marion Cole (Kim Basinger) are thrown into disarray when their two adolescent sons die in a car wreck. Marion withdraws from Ted and Ruth (Elle Fanning), the couple's daughter. Ted, a well-known writer, hires as his assistant a student named Eddie (Jon Foster), who looks oddly similar to one of the Coles' dead sons. The couple separate, and Marion begins an affair with Eddie, while Ted has a dalliance with his neighbor Evelyn (Mimi Rogers).
Director
Tod Williams
Producer
Anne Carey, Michael Corrente, Ted Hope
Screenwriter
John Irving, Tod Williams
Distributor
Focus Features
Production Co
This Is That Productions, Good Machine, Revere Pictures, Focus Features
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Images|Strong Sexuality)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 14, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$3.8M
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS
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