Movie Review: The Farewell

By William Anthony | Southern History Department | Central Library

All people witness family dynamics unfold throughout their lifetime, and The Farewell unveils difficult scenarios that most likely happen in some households. Comedian and rapper Awkwafina bares her soul as the conflicted but sensible protagonist Billi. She learns that her grandmother, Nai Nai, has cancer, but her parents refuse to share this unfortunate news with Nai Nai. Billi and the rest of her family fly to Changchun, China, for a carefully orchestrated wedding so that everybody can spend more time with Nai Nai before she dies. Nai Nai remains oblivious about her illness.

This movie’s sweetest moments involve Billi spending time with Nai Nai. Billi participates in a peculiar exercise with her grandmother where they inhale, force their arms straight in front of them, and exclaim, “Ha!” They reminisce about Billi’s childhood and party at the wedding. Nai Nai confidently imparts her wisdom upon Billi about being self-sufficient but still receiving help from others.

The more somber moments focus on how Billi interacts with other family members. She confronts her father and uncle over hiding the truth about Nai Nai’s cancer from her. During a dinner scene, the family discuss and argue about the differences between both American and Chinese culture. Nai Nai chimes in and requests that they discuss happy things. When Billi returns to New York, she leaves with a sense of peace and a better understanding of family. The Farewell sensitively navigates us through contrasting cultures and celebrates how much family matters, no matter where you are.

The Farewell is available to stream on Kanopy and to borrow on DVD in the Jefferson County Library Cooperative.