An American Pickle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy falls in a pickle barrel and wakes up 100 years later to become a social media influencer, but then gets canceled, proving that even pickles aren’t safe from internet drama.

🍿 An American Pickle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Herschel’s Journey to America

In 1919, Herschel Greenbaum, a ditch digger in Eastern Europe, dreams of a better life in America with his wife, Sarah. After a Cossack attack disrupts their wedding, they immigrate to Brooklyn, where Herschel finds work at a pickle factory. He’s determined to buy Sarah a proper grave and finally taste seltzer water.

A Century in Brine

While working at the factory, Herschel falls into a vat of pickles and is perfectly preserved in the brine for 100 years. He awakens in modern-day Brooklyn, unchanged and bewildered by the world around him. He learns that his only living relative is his great-great-grandson, Ben.

Clash of Generations

Herschel struggles to understand Ben’s modern lifestyle as an app developer, while Ben is uninterested in his family’s history and religious traditions. Their differing values and perspectives lead to conflict as Herschel tries to reconnect with his heritage and make a living in this strange new world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen): A 1919 Jewish immigrant who falls into a vat of pickles and awakens 100 years later in modern Brooklyn.
• Ben Greenbaum (Seth Rogen): Herschel’s great-great-grandson, a modern app developer who struggles to connect with his traditional ancestor.
• Sarah Greenbaum (Sarah Snook): Herschel’s beloved wife, who is a driving force behind his ambition and dreams in 1919.
• Clara (Molly Evenson): An intern who assists Herschel with his pickle business, becoming embroiled in his clashes with modern society.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Herschel Greenbaum: “This is what we’re reaching for everybody. This is the dream. This is the goal. Perfect jar of pickles.” – Herschel passionately describes his aspirations for pickle-making, reflecting his determination and old-world values.
• Herschel Greenbaum: “Dirty Jew? Is blessing!” – Herschel misunderstands a derogatory comment upon arrival in America and sees it as a positive affirmation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $499,649

💥 An American Pickle Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a typical Seth Rogen comedy, but it surprised me. The beginning, with Herschel in the old world, was so captivating. Seeing him adjust to modern Brooklyn was both funny and a little sad. While some jokes didn’t land for me, the ending really got to me. It made me think about my own family history and what my ancestors would think of the world today. Definitely not your average Rogen flick, but worth a watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Seth Rogen”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about cultural identity”
  • “People who enjoy quirky comedies with heart”
  • “Those looking for a family-friendly movie with comedic elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Themes of religious and cultural differences”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the dual role performance is commendable, the film struggles to balance its comedic premise with its more serious themes of family and cultural displacement. Rogen’s commitment is clear, but the film feels tonally uneven.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “An American Pickle is a quirky concept that doesn’t quite deliver on its potential. Rogen is solid in both roles, but the humor often feels predictable, and the narrative meanders without a clear destination. The emotional core is present, but underdeveloped.
• IndieWire: “The film balances the absurd premise with genuine emotion, largely due to Rogen’s performance. While it’s not consistently hilarious, it offers thoughtful commentary on identity and connection. The film presents an intriguing, albeit flawed, exploration of heritage and modernity.

Audience Reactions

The unique premise and Seth Rogen’s dual performance were praised.: Most viewers found the movie to be a heartwarming, if somewhat quirky, story about family and tradition.

Some found the movie not as funny as expected, but appreciated the emotional depth.: Viewers noted the film’s sentimental value and exploration of intergenerational relationships, moving beyond typical stoner humor.

Overall Consensus: An American Pickle is a divisive film, praised for its unique premise and Rogen’s dual performance, but criticized for its uneven tone and inconsistent humor. Ultimately, it’s a sentimental and thought-provoking story about family and tradition.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Seth Rogen plays both Herschel Greenbaum and his great-great-grandson Ben, requiring extensive use of split-screen techniques and body doubles during filming.”
• “The movie is based on a short story by Simon Rich titled ‘Sell Out’.”
• “Director Brandon Trost is primarily known as a cinematographer, making ‘An American Pickle’ his directorial debut.”

🖥️ How to Watch An American Pickle?

An American Pickle is available to stream on HBO Max (now Max) with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed An American Pickle, you might like these similar films:

• Encino Man (1992): Shares the ‘fish out of water’ premise with a character from the past adapting to modern times.
• Big (1988): Features a character experiencing a drastic change in circumstances and adapting to a new world.

🛒 An American Pickle Related Products

• The Complete Guide to Pickling: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Delicious Pickles and Fermented Vegetables at Home: Learn the art of pickling from the basics to advanced techniques, making this book a perfect gift for any food enthusiast. This guide covers everything you need to know to make delicious pickles and fermented vegetables at home, just like Herschel!
• AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test: Discover your ethnic origins and trace your family history with the AncestryDNA kit. Uncover the stories of your ancestors and connect with relatives you never knew existed. Who knows what secrets your DNA holds!
• Yiddish Dictionary: All You Need to Know About the Yiddish Language: Learn Yiddish with this comprehensive dictionary. Delve into the rich and expressive language spoken by Herschel Greenbaum and other characters in ‘An American Pickle.’ It’s the perfect way to connect with the film on a deeper level and explore the heritage it celebrates.
• Old World Brooklyn T-Shirt: Show your love for Brooklyn with this vintage-style T-shirt. Featuring a classic design inspired by the early 20th century, this shirt is a perfect way to honor the time period Herschel Greenbaum came from. Made with high-quality materials for ultimate comfort and durability.

🎧 Soundtrack

An American Pickle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stay” – performed by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Unlucky Worker Falls Inside a Factory Tank And is Found Alive 100 Years Later

Want a quick rundown of ‘An American Pickle’ before you commit? This recap video nails the plot in just 12 minutes. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver if you’re short on time!

American Dad – I’m stuck in perfect orbit!

Check out this hilarious ‘American Dad’ clip that directly references ‘An American Pickle’! It’s proof that the movie made its mark and its a quick laugh, for sure!

✨ Rate