Whatever Works (2009)
A cynical New Yorker's life gets upended by a naive Southerner, leading to witty, romantic chaos.
Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."
How intense is Whatever Works?
Whatever Works has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is measured, and it is a comfort watch and a full-attention watch. The humor runs dry and dark. Rated PG-13.
What Whatever Works feels like
- Tone
- satiricalromanticearnest
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- dry and witty, dark and satirical
- Best for
- Comfort watchFull attention
Where to stream Whatever Works
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Whatever Works for you?
Is Whatever Works scary?
No. Whatever Works is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Whatever Works gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Whatever Works sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is Whatever Works OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is Whatever Works?
Whatever Works runs 1h 32m.
Where can I stream Whatever Works?
Whatever Works is streaming on Prime Video.
Does Whatever Works have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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