Bombastic actor and rapper Awkwafina is the driving force behind the film's heartwarming charm. Lauded for her comedic roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean's 8, Awkwafina changes gear in her dramatic debut. She plays Billi, a Chinese-American woman who finds out that her grandmother (Zhao Shuzhen) is terminally ill. In adherence to Chinese customs, her family decide to keep their matriarch in the dark about this fact, but decide to organise a sham wedding in China as a pretext for gathering everyone together to say goodbye.
We all know that fake weddings are prime comedy fodder, so this will show off Wang's ability to balance heavy themes of grief and loss with a hearty dose of comic relief. Family seems to be at the heart of both the comedic and tragic strands in the film, with plenty of food-centred scenes where family members choke back tears and Billi awkwardly tries not to spill the beans.
As Billi appeals to her family to reveal the truth to her grandmother, her dual cultures clash as differences between Eastern and Western ideals about death are thrown into relief. No doubt the film will be a powerful insight into the Asian American experience.
The Farewell's US release date is 12 July. The UK release date has yet to be announced, but the film will be screening at Sundance London.
| What | The Farewell: Awkwafina stars in family tear-jerker |
| When |
12 Jul 19 – 12 Jul 20, TIMES VARY |
| Price | £determined by cinemas |
| Website | Click here for more information |
