We’re used to seeing Robert De Niro as a brooding gangster, a tortured soul, or — more recently — your grumpy grandpa who still might have mob ties. But in his latest (and undeniably odd) Netflix release, he throws audiences a curveball. And somehow, instead of shrugging it off, people are… hooked.
That’s right: the movie critics initially wrote off as “confusing” or “tonally weird” is suddenly climbing Netflix’s trending charts. TikTokers are quoting lines. Reddit is debating what genre it even belongs to. And people can’t stop asking each other:
“Did you watch that weird De Niro movie yet?”
Let’s break down exactly what this offbeat Netflix flick is, why it’s got everyone weirdly obsessed, and how De Niro somehow made it work.
The Film: The Formula (Fictional for Tone Matching)
First things first: the title is The Formula — a genre-bending thriller about a reclusive retired chemist (played by De Niro) who gets dragged into a pharmaceutical conspiracy involving… wait for it… memory-erasing gum, a secret society of aging billionaires, and a sentient AI built into a fridge.
Yeah. It’s that weird.
What starts like a science-based drama quickly spirals into something part Black Mirror, part Burn After Reading, and part Father of the Bride with a midlife crisis twist. Is it a thriller? A satire? A surrealist comedy? The answer is: yes. Kind of all of it.
De Niro Like You’ve Never Seen Him
This isn’t brooding De Niro. It’s not even self-aware, Meet the Parents De Niro.
In The Formula, he plays Dr. Albert Raskin — a man with zero social skills, an obsession with antique glassware, and a bizarre habit of humming ‘80s sitcom themes under stress. He’s awkward, twitchy, but somehow sincere.
And you just can’t stop watching him.
His wardrobe? Chunky slippers, a lab coat over a “This is My Happy Hour Shirt” tee, and reading glasses held together with tape. He’s giving weird uncle energy in the most committed way possible — and it works.
Why People Are Weirdly Obsessed
1. It’s a “What am I watching?” Movie — But in a Good Way
You know those movies where nothing quite fits, yet you can’t look away? That’s The Formula. Every scene feels like it was directed by someone different, but somehow, it builds into something coherent, even charming.
There’s a chase scene involving senior citizens in motorized scooters. There’s a dinner party that turns into a psychedelic fever dream. There’s a moment where De Niro has a heartfelt conversation with a talking fridge voiced by Zendaya (yes, really — in this imagined version).
And weirdly… It’s kind of brilliant.
2. It Taps Into “Late De Niro” Appeal
In the past decade, De Niro has leaned into his legacy — sometimes with gritty powerhouse roles (The Irishman), other times with grandpa comedies (Dirty Grandpa, The War with Grandpa).
But this one feels different. He’s not playing “old De Niro” as a joke or tragedy. He’s playing him as an eccentric wildcard — and it’s wildly fun to watch.
People online are loving how free he feels in this role. No macho posturing. No cool guy vibes. Just pure, left-field character work. And that, honestly, might be his boldest move yet.
3. The Meme Factor Is Real
Social media LOVES this movie. Not because it’s great cinema, but because it’s great content.
Clips of De Niro yelling “You can’t chew memories!” at a lab intern have gone viral. So, have the out-of-context screenshots:
- De Niro cradling a rubber chicken like Hamlet.
- De Niro riding in a Roomba-powered sidecar.
- De Niro is arguing with a paper shredder about ethics.
These aren’t spoilers. They’re meme fuel.
4. It’s Low Stakes — and That’s a Relief
After years of intense dramas, political thrillers, and end-of-the-world films, The Formula is refreshingly… strange. It’s not trying to change the world or win Oscars.
It just wants to be bizarre and entertaining — and in 2025, that’s a mood.
People are drawn to it because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And somehow, that makes it easy to rewatch, quote, and share with friends.
Critics vs. Viewers: A Growing Divide
Interestingly, critics were lukewarm on The Formula. They called it “tonally chaotic” and “a misstep for De Niro.” But audiences on TikTok and Letterboxd are telling a different story:
“It’s like Don’t Look Up but made by a film student on mushrooms.”
“I watched it twice, and I’m still not sure if it’s genius or garbage. But I loved every minute.”
“This is De Niro’s Everything Everywhere All At Once — chaotic good cinema.”
It’s one of those rare moments where the mess is the magic.
Bonus: The Netflix Effect — Why We Keep Clicking “Play”
Part of what fuels the obsession with The Formula isn’t just De Niro — it’s how we stream now. In a sea of algorithm-suggested titles, this movie stands out like a neon flamingo in a beige office. It’s weird, unpredictable, and doesn’t feel like the usual Netflix fare.
For many viewers, that alone makes it worth clicking. And once they do? They either bail after 10 minutes or fall into a rabbit hole of “What did I just watch?” discussions. And that shareability is gold in 2025.
Final Thought: Maybe the Odd Ones Stick the Longest
There’s something delightful about seeing a legend like De Niro break form and just… be weird. Not prestige weird. Not Oscar-bait weird. Just unapologetically strange and entertaining.
The Formula may not go down in his top 10 performances, but it might be the one that people remember most from this chapter of his career. Because while anyone can be good, only De Niro can be this weird and still keep you watching.
So if you haven’t watched it yet — log into Netflix, prepare to be confused, and maybe embrace the chaos. It’s not high art. It’s not deep.
But it’s De Niro, and it’s unforgettable.
