Released in 2020 and directed by Brandon Trost, An American Pickle is a whimsical and heartfelt comedic drama that navigates through time, family, and the immigrant experience. The film stars Seth Rogen and, uh… Seth Rogen in a dual role. This review is intended to be free of spoilers, but none of us are perfect. No review copy was provided.
The story follows Herschel Greenbaum, a struggling Jewish labourer in 1919, who falls into a vat of pickles and is perfectly preserved for 100 years. It’s the brine, we’re told. There’s science behind it, we’re told. Don’t ask too many questions, it’s implied. Herschel awakens in modern-day Brooklyn to find his only living relative, his great-grandson Ben Greenbaum, also played by Rogen. The film unfolds as Herschel grapples with the strange new world, while Ben struggles with his own modern life dilemmas.
Seth Rogen delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, portraying both Herschel and Ben with distinct authenticity. Yes, there are some over-the-top moments, normally when Rogen is portraying Herschel, but his comedic timing shines. What’s less expected is his emotional depth. Rogen’s ability to switch between the old-world earnestness and casual brutality of Herschel and the contemporary aloofness of Ben demonstrates his growth as an actor. For those who, like me, have found his work inconsistent, An American Pickle might be the film that changes their mind.
The film explores themes of family, legacy, and the immigrant experience with a light touch that never feels preachy. There’s a delightful blend of humour and heart, as Herschel’s old-world values clash with modern sensibilities. The satire is sharp yet empathetic, making the audience laugh while also reflecting on the passage of time and cultural evolution. There’s also a nod to current politics, with Herschel at one point seen as either monstrous or as a free speech icon because of his archaic and crudely presented views. One man’s insensitive jerk is another’s bastion of freedom, it would seem.
Visually, the film uses a muted palette that contrasts beautifully between the sepia-toned past and the bright hues of the present. Director Brandon Trost effectively balances the comedic and dramatic elements, ensuring that neither overwhelms the other. The film’s pacing is brisk, yet it allows moments of genuine connection and introspection. I don’t especially like the latter portion of the film; the part that really relies on the fact that both main characters are portrayed by the same actor. This section feels rushed, trying to cash in on unearned sentiment. It feels a little like the team was suddenly aware that the movie was coming to an end and that a resolution would need to be reached, come what may. This section is really my only significant criticism of the movie, which is a pity because it’s supposed to be the big pay-off.
An American Pickle is a delightful pickle of a film – sweet, a little sour towards the end, but ultimately satisfying. Seth Rogen’s dual performance is a testament to his versatility and growth as an actor (and that is not something I was expecting to be typing). It’s a film that manages to be both funny and touching, which is harder to achieve than some might think.
No Rerolls 
2 Comments