In a tragic twist that has left Hollywood and the nation reeling, the youngest daughter of legendary director Rob Reiner shared a simple yet profoundly poignant social media post just hours before making the unimaginable discovery of her parents’ bodies in their Brentwood home. On Sunday, December 14, 2025, 28-year-old Romy Reiner posted an Instagram Story featuring posters for her father’s iconic films, captioning it with two encouraging words: “Go watch.”

The post highlighted “This Is Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 1984 cult classic mockumentary that Rob Reiner directed, alongside the original “This Is Spinal Tap.” At the time, it appeared as nothing more than a proud daughter’s endorsement of her father’s latest work—a lighthearted nudge to fans to stream or revisit his comedic genius. In hindsight, those two words have taken on a haunting resonance, serving as an unwitting final public tribute before tragedy struck.

Romy, an aspiring actress and artist known for her close bond with her father, had no idea that later that afternoon she would be the one to find Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 70, dead in their luxurious Los Angeles residence. Alerted by a massage therapist who arrived for a scheduled appointment and received no answer, Romy rushed to the home with a roommate. She entered to a gruesome scene: her parents had suffered fatal stab wounds in what authorities quickly classified as a homicide.

The discovery shattered a family already navigating complex dynamics. By Monday evening, police arrested Romy’s 32-year-old brother, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. He was later charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with special circumstances that could lead to life without parole or the death penalty. Investigators described the incident as a “family matter,” noting no signs of forced entry and pointing to longstanding concerns about Nick’s mental health and substance abuse struggles.

The Reiners had been open about their efforts to support Nick through years of addiction, rehab stints, and relapses. In 2015, they collaborated on the semi-autobiographical film “Being Charlie,” which Nick co-wrote and which drew from his experiences. Rob and Michele often spoke candidly about the challenges, expressing regret for times they prioritized professional advice over their son’s pleas. Yet friends described the family as tight-knit, with Rob and Michele devoted parents who welcomed extended stays from collaborators and insisted on family unity.

The night before the killings, tensions reportedly surfaced at a star-studded holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien. Attendees recounted Nick acting erratically, culminating in a heated argument with his father that prompted Rob and Michele to leave early, visibly upset. Bill Hader, among the guests, had a brief awkward exchange with Nick, later appearing distraught outside his own home as news broke.

Romy’s “Go watch” post, ephemeral by nature as an Instagram Story, captured a moment of normalcy and affection. It reflected the deep admiration she held for her father’s legacy—a career spanning acting triumphs like his role as “Meathead” on “All in the Family” to directing masterpieces such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Stand by Me,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Misery.” Rob’s films weren’t just box-office hits; they defined genres, delivered unforgettable lines—”As you wish,” “I’ll have what she’s having,” “You can’t handle the truth”—and touched generations with themes of friendship, love, justice, and humanity.

Just weeks earlier, on December 1, Romy had shared a more extensive Instagram post from a family beach vacation, captioning photos of her parents looking relaxed and joyful with words of gratitude: “Thankful for family, health, and followers of any age.” Images showed Rob swimming in clear waters, Michele posing happily, a stark contrast to the violence that would soon end their lives.

The family’s grief has been compounded by public scrutiny. Eldest sibling Tracy Reiner, 61—whom Rob adopted during his marriage to Penny Marshall—spoke briefly, saying, “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.” Brother Jake Reiner, a former journalist, has remained private amid the chaos.

Hollywood’s outpouring has been overwhelming. Tributes flooded in from collaborators like Billy Crystal, who arrived at the scene to support the siblings; Cary Elwes, who posted empty director’s chairs with “No words”; and Mandy Patinkin, reflecting on lessons from “The Princess Bride.” Political figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama (who was scheduled to dine with the couple that evening) and Bill Clinton, mourned the loss of a passionate advocate for liberal causes.

Michelle Obama shaded controversial remarks from President Trump, emphasizing that Rob and Michele were “not deranged or crazed” but kind, empathetic souls. Flowers piled up at Rob’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and memorials formed outside the sealed Brentwood home.

For Romy, the weight is unimaginable. Not only did she discover the bodies, but she now navigates loss alongside her brother’s arrest. Sources close to the family describe her as devastated yet surrounded by support from friends and industry figures. Her recent social media activity—selfies, a dog cuddle, even a humorous “Finding Bigfoot” reference—underscored a vibrant young life abruptly darkened.

The “Go watch” caption, urging appreciation of her father’s work, now feels prophetic. Fans have heeded it posthumously, with streaming numbers for Reiner classics surging. It encapsulates a daughter’s love: simple, direct, encouraging others to celebrate what made her dad extraordinary.

As investigations continue—raids uncovering potential evidence, Nick on suicide watch—the case raises painful questions about mental health, family intervention, and the hidden fractures beneath glamorous facades. Rob and Michele, partners since meeting on “When Harry Met Sally…” (where Michele influenced the iconic ending), built a life of creativity and activism.

In quieter reflections, Romy’s post stands as a bittersweet testament. Two words that once promoted joy now evoke profound sorrow—a final, innocent cheer for a father whose stories taught the world to dream bigger, love deeper, and stand firm. Amid heartbreak, they remind us to cherish the light before darkness falls.

The Reiner family has requested privacy as they grieve. Vigils and messages of condolence continue, with many echoing Romy’s unintended farewell: go watch, remember, honor a legacy that endures.