Effectively a two-hander between granddaughter and grandma, The Farewell is a poignant, nuanced, wry evocation of family and love.
New York-based Billi (Awkwafina) and her family receive news her beloved grandma (the dignified veteran TV actress, Shuzhen Zhao) has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Choosing to follow the custom of not informing her, the extended family arrange a wedding to take place in China as an excuse for a final get together.
It’s a gentle, modulated narrative loosely based on writer/director Lulu Wang’s personal story. Whilst a little awkward on the edges (the uncle’s speech at the wedding a prime example), it’s the chemistry between the two leads that makes The Farewell so compelling.
Rating: 74%
Director: Lulu Wang (Posthumous)
Writer: Lulu Wang (Posthumous)
Main cast: Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8), Shuzhen Zhao (TV’s The Story of Ming Lang), Tzi Ma (Arrival, The Quiet American)
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