The Farewell
The brief
Lulu Wang turns a deeply personal family story into something that feels both intimately specific and universally recognizable, anchored by Awkwafina's most restrained and genuine performance yet. The film moves at the pace of real family gatherings, full of awkward silences, forced celebrations, and those moments where grief and joy blur together in confusing ways. Zhao Shuzhen is magnetic as the unknowing grandmother, bringing warmth and stubborn charm to what could have been a maudlin setup. If you loved the cultural specificity of Minari or the family dynamics of Little Miss Sunshine, this will hit you right in the chest.
The verdict
If you appreciate quiet family dramas that find humor and heartbreak in cultural clash and generational differences, this is a beautifully observed gem anchored by Awkwafina's most grounded performance. If you need faster pacing or bigger dramatic moments, the deliberate rhythm of real family gatherings might feel too slow and understated.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for multigenerational family viewing
- 👫 Ideal date night for emotional connection
- ⚠️ Avoid with those dealing with terminal illness
Heads up
- Terminal cancer diagnosis and death themes (moderate)
- Family deception about serious illness (moderate)
- Grief and loss of elderly family member (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Lulu Wang
- Cast
- Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Hong Lu, Hong Lin, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin Xiaojie, Yang Xuejian
Official synopsis
A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Raise the Red Lantern (1991)
Both explore family duty and sacrifice within Chinese cultural traditions.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 2h 5m = 3h 45m
