Nai Nai is dying. Her family won’t tell her.
You see, this Chinese family believes that telling grandma would only worsen her condition. Instead, the family plans a wedding: Now Nai Nai will get to see all her loved ones together again one last time.
Billi flies over from New York City. She left her grandma when she was five, and is now an American who wears her emotions on her sleeve. She finds it difficult to keep up the charade.
It is in these difficult moments that the movie shines. It is somehow funny and beautiful, even as it explores the painful (and varied) emotions of each family member. Because of superb acting and writing, you’ll find it hard to say goodbye to The Farewell.