By Robert Yaniz Jr.

Awkwafina anchors an emotionally complex tale of family, culture and where the two intersect.

THE HYPE

Best known as a rapper and the boisterously comic actor who appeared in films like Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina has one of the most interesting careers right now. She has been a welcome presence every time she appears onscreen, but her role in The Farewell positions her as one of the most versatile stars of her generation. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019, writer/director Lulu Wang’s second film (following 2014 release Posthumous) left critics in love and has since been wowing audiences throughout its theatrical run.

THE STORY

It’s easy to see why The Farewell has resonated with so many people. Made for only $3 million, Wang’s tale — which is inspired by her own life — follows New York writer Billi (Awkwafina) as she travels to China for a family reunion under the worst of circumstances. Her beloved grandmother, also known as “Nai Nai” (Shuzhen Zhao) has become terminally ill, and the family is gathering to say their final goodbyes. The catch? The family has agreed not to let Nai Nai know about her condition, leaving Billi in the uncomfortable position of hiding the devastating truth from the person she loves most in the world. But don’t worry. The Farewell doesn’t languish in the impending tragedy of this situation. Wang isn’t interested in a maudlin story of grief and woe. The emotion feels entirely earned and is wisely punctuated with genuine laughs stemming from Billi’s culture clash and the dynamics at work in her family.

THE CAST

In her first dramatic performance, Awkwafina shines far brighter than anyone could have predicted. The delicate nature of Wang’s script calls for an understated take on Billi, and audiences might not be ready for how effortless Awkwafina seems to peel away her comic image and truly embody this character. Billi is caught between her family’s wishes and her own emotions, and the actress beautifully captures that internal conflict. As the other half of the film’s central relationship, Zhao delivers one of the year’s most finest supporting turns. Whether Nai Nai’s doling out life advice or taking her grandchildren down a peg or two, Zhao flawlessly captures the kind of personality everyone has known in their life.

THE PRODUCTION

From a production standpoint, Wang actually accomplishes quite a lot, considering the film’s minimal budget and intimate scope. Alex Weston’s score — punctuated with vocals by Mykal Kilgore — creates an appropriately melancholy tone, and the cinematography by Anna Franquesa Solano knows exactly when to push in for a tearful close-up or hang back for a visual gag. Watching The Farewell balance tragedy and comedy is like a magic trick. Even though you have no clue how it works so well, you can’t help but applaud the achievement.

THE VERDICT

As the latest in a long line of visionary releases distributed by A24, The Farewell is, without question, one of the year’s best films. Wang’s film deserves to be in the awards conversation this fall for its screenplay and the performances by Awkwafina and Zhao. Calling a film life-affirming is very much a cliché (one that also applies to this year’s The Peanut Butter Falcon, in fact), but audiences are destined to feel a sense of catharsis watching The Farewell. Wang has created something special here: the rare cinematic experience that takes viewers on an emotional journey without any of the usual devices.

The Farewell stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Lu Hong and Shuzhen Zhao and is directed by Lulu Wang.