An American Pickle

An American Pickle is a 2020 American fantasy comedy film directed by Brandon Trost, with a screenplay by Simon Rich. The movie revolves around Herschel Greenbaum, an Eastern European immigrant who travels to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. In search of a better life, Herschel lands a job at a local pickle factory, where workers would traditionally soak in large vats of vinegar to clean and preserve the vegetables. During his second day at work, Herschel falls into a vat, a tragic accident that would typically result in death. However, a freak combination of events preserves his body, and he remains stuck in this state for a century. When Herschel finally manages to extract himself, he emerges on the wrong side of the 21st century, finding himself in Brooklyn, New York. Stranded in a foreign world, Herschel finds himself disoriented and struggling to comprehend the rapid technological advancements that have taken place over the past 100 years. Everything seems to be vastly different, from the architecture of the city to the way people live and communicate. A local deli becomes his temporary refuge, where he meets his great-grandson, Ben Greenbaum, a young computer coder with a modern outlook on life. The initial encounter between Herschel and Ben is met with frustration on both sides. Herschel is bewildered by the unfamiliar environment and language, while Ben struggles to understand his family's history and his great-grandfather's sudden appearance. The connection between the two family members is strained as Herschel navigates the complexities of modern life. Ben, on the other hand, is a brilliant programmer trying to understand the true potential of artificial intelligence. His great-grandfather's arrival presents him with a unique opportunity to study a relic from the past, providing him with an insight into human nature and the societal changes that have taken place over the years. Through his observations of Herschel, Ben develops a sense of compassion and empathy, realizing the struggles and triumphs of his family's history. Herschel's initial impressions of Ben and the 21st century are a clash of expectations and disappointments. He views modern technology as nothing more than a series of novelties devoid of real value, while Ben sees his great-grandfather as a nostalgic reminder of the past, holding onto the old ways of life. They both learn from one another, and despite the initial resistance, they grow to develop a bond. As Herschel navigates modern life, he is introduced to various aspects of the 21st century, including food delivery services, social media, and electronic money transactions. Each experience further confuses and frustrates him, while Ben becomes increasingly fascinated by the lessons he can learn from his great-grandfather. Through their encounters, Herschel and Ben begin to appreciate their mutual connection, despite their vastly different perspectives on life. Their story serves as a metaphor for the complexities of family relationships, cultural identity, and personal growth. An American Pickle offers a humorous and poignant take on the struggles of assimilation, bridging the gap between past and present through the unlikely friendship of Herschel and Ben. Through a comedic narrative, An American Pickle offers an amusing portrayal of a family torn between old and new traditions. By exploring the challenges and connections of their family, Herschel and Ben come to understand the value of intergenerational relationships and the significance of preserving cultural heritage. Their story is a heartwarming reminder that no matter how disconnected we may feel from the past, family ties remain a vital link between generations.