When You Finish Saving the World

Feel free to roll your eyes at another exploration of relationship travails among the privileged upper-middle class, although When You Finish Saving the World broadly captures the essence of intergenerational strife in the social-media age without turning pretentious.

Indeed, intriguing character dynamics drive this compassionate and well-acted directorial debut from actor Jesse Eisenberg, which modulates tenderness with sharply observed satire. The result is a modest yet compelling portrait of a mother and son who are passionate about helping others but struggle to find common ground in their own house.

Evelyn (Julianne Moore), the administrator for a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse, is engaged in a psychological power struggle with her teenage son, Ziggy (Finn Wolfhard), a guitarist trying to monetize his folk-rock tunes by livestreaming on an online channel to his moderate fanbase, primarily from overseas.

The source of their contention is unclear, but they know how to push each other’s buttons. Ziggy tunes out Evelyn’s pampering and nagging as an intrusion, instead pushing for his independence while expressing himself through music.

Rather than acting as referee, the third member of their family, husband and father Roger (Jay O. Sanders), is casually condescending. “Everyone around is a narcissist,” he observes.

So they each awkwardly gravitate toward outsiders in hopes of rediscovering the happiness they’re missing as they’ve grown apart. Evelyn becomes obsessed with nurturing a teenager (Billy Bryk) whose mother is a new resident at the shelter, while Ziggy is drawn to a classmate (Alisha Boe) with a precocious sense of political awareness.

Deeply felt performances bolster this glimpse into cynical contemporary teens butting heads with their exasperated parents, as viewed from both perspectives with limited judgment. Moore finds balance as a woman seeking fulfillment in middle age, especially as it relates to her maternal instincts.

At its core, Eisenberg’s richly observed screenplay — adapted from his audio drama of the same name — is a broader look at communication and human connection. Despite some excessive quirks and mild contrivances, it remains emotionally grounded.

While its characters are difficult targets for sympathy, When You Finish Saving the World is a gently amusing and moderately affecting navigation of familiar domestic territory.

Rated R, 88 minutes.