The idea of a “cougar,” an older woman prowling on a much younger man, is a relationship that isn’t often portrayed positively in modern media. Shows like “Cougartown” make the idea of cougar-dom something to be mocked.

The idea of a cougar is explored in Michael Showalter’s “Hello, My Name Is Doris.” Sally Field plays Doris, an offbeat woman attracted to John (Max Greenfield), the art director at her office. The odds are against her because she’s in her 60s and he’s young.

Doris herself is odd, and nearly all of her interactions with John are uncomfortable. Still, she goes out of her way to get his attention. Doris lives on Staten Island and works in Manhattan, taking the ferry to and from work. The movie opens following the death of her mother, the woman Doris has lived with and taken care of for years. Now, Doris lives alone in the house, which is overflowing with stuff from years of hoarding.

Field aptly channels Doris’ strange personality and her daydreams. Doris is vulnerable without being helpless, and no matter how likable or strange she is, we don’t want to see her get hurt. She befriends John, who believes she’s “a good weird.” But even so, it seems inevitable that he will hurt her sooner or later.

Greenfield’s John is the kind of guy who, though intrigued by Doris, is unlikely to reciprocate her feelings. He sends mixed signals, keeping Doris alert and eager to impress him. The generational divide makes the film interesting to watch. I wanted to see if the age gap was insurmountable and if it would render John incapable of liking Doris.

Doris has friends who look out for her and each other, and they contrast with the young hipsters Doris sees when she’s with John. Tyne Daly played Roz, Doris’ friend who is the same age. Roz is upset when Doris says she’ll miss their traditional Thanksgiving to be with John and his friends. Angry and hurt, Roz and Doris argue, and Doris accuses Roz of being unable to move past her husband’s death years earlier. Their dispute is one of the movie’s most engaging scenes, and it’s intense enough that you question whether the argument will permanently damage Roz and Doris’ relationship.

Doris is definitely not a lovable character. At one point, she hurts John in a way that’s unfair and unjustified, and I wasn’t sure if I was still supposed to like her afterward. While her family doesn’t appreciate the fact that she spent so much time caring for her mother and she’s an underdog when it comes to liking John, she still inserts herself into John’s private life in a way that leaves him hurting. I wish she would have held herself accountable.

“Hello, My Name is Doris” is a personal account of its characters’ insecurities and strengths. Although it’s not the best film ever, it is a funny, somewhat-inspiring movie with a strong performance by Sally Field.

**MOVE gives “Hello, My Name is Doris” three out of five stars.**

_Edited by Katie Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_