
Metropolitan 1990
"Finally... A film about the downwardly mobile."
Whit Stillman's sharp debut *Metropolitan (1990)* immerses us in the glittering but brittle world of Manhattan's young elite, where intellectual debates and bridge games mask deeper anxieties about class and purpose.
Director: Whit Stillman
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metropolitan (1990) about?
*Metropolitan* follows a group of privileged young adults in 1990s New York whose carefully curated lives of intellectual debates and bridge games are upended when an outsider joins their circle. The arrival of a new member forces each of them to confront their own hypocrisy and the emptiness behind their polished facades.
Who directed Metropolitan?
Whit Stillman directed *Metropolitan*, establishing his signature style of witty, dialogue-rich social satires that explore class and youth culture.
Who stars in Metropolitan?
The film features Edward Clements, Chris Eigeman, Carolyn Farina, Taylor Nichols, and Isabel Gillies in its core ensemble.
Is Metropolitan (1990) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you love clever, dialogue-driven character studies with a dash of social commentary, *Metropolitan* is a must-see. Its razor-sharp script and insightful look at privilege make it a standout of early '90s indie cinema, earning it a devoted following over the decades.
How long is Metropolitan?
The runtime for *Metropolitan* is 99 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Metropolitan (1990) — A sharp comedic look at class, privilege, and the search for meaning
Whit Stillman's sharp debut *Metropolitan (1990)* immerses us in the glittering but brittle world of Manhattan's young elite, where intellectual debates and bridge games mask deeper anxieties about class and purpose. The story follows a band of privileged twentysomethings who convene in a cozy Upper East Side apartment to dissect society with the detached sophistication of Fourier's utopian socialism—until an outsider enters the fold and challenges their carefully constructed worldview. Edward Clements stars as the outsider whose arrival disrupts their ritualized evenings, forcing each character to confront their own hypocrisy and unexamined privilege.
This witty, dialogue-driven comedy-drama captures the nervous energy of post-college life, where ambition and disillusionment intertwine. With its razor-sharp script and ensemble cast—including Chris Eigeman's effortlessly smug Nick and Carolyn Farina's poised Audrey—*Metropolitan* remains a cult classic for fans of intelligent, character-driven cinema that finds humor in the absurdities of social climbing.