50/50 (2011)

50/50 is a poignant yet humorous drama that walks the tightrope between comedy and tragedy. Directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser—based on his own real-life experience with cancer—the film offers an honest, heartfelt, and at times darkly funny look at illness, friendship, and survival.

Detailed Summary

The Diagnosis

Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a 27-year-old radio journalist living a quiet life in Seattle. He’s health-conscious, non-smoking, and doesn’t even jaywalk. His life takes an unexpected turn when he begins experiencing persistent back pain. A visit to the doctor leads to a shocking revelation: Adam has a rare form of spinal cancer called schwannoma neurofibrosarcoma. His odds of survival? 50/50.

This diagnosis kicks off a deeply personal journey that blends vulnerability with surprising moments of levity. Adam is stunned, and his first reaction is quiet disbelief. His best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) tries to lighten the mood and insists they use the situation to score sympathy points with women, but it’s clear he’s deeply worried.

Relationships Strained and Tested

Adam’s girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) insists she’ll be there for him, but her emotional distance and inability to truly support Adam become more and more apparent. She eventually cheats on him—an infuriating but very human subplot that underscores how illness tests the people around you as much as the patient.

Meanwhile, Adam’s overbearing mother (Anjelica Huston), who is already dealing with Adam’s Alzheimer’s-stricken father, wants to be more involved. Adam initially resists, not wanting to be treated like a child. Over time, her care proves to be more genuine and committed than anyone else in his life.

Therapy Sessions

Adam is assigned a young, inexperienced therapist named Katherine (Anna Kendrick), who is still working on her doctorate. At first, their sessions are awkward and unproductive. However, as Adam opens up and Katherine grows more confident, a deeper connection begins to form between them. Their growing bond serves as an emotional anchor, evolving from professional to personal as the film progresses.

Chemotherapy and New Friends

During chemo, Adam befriends two older patients, Mitch and Alan, whose camaraderie offers him comfort and dark humor. They share snacks, weed-infused macaroons, and gallows humor, forming a small community within the cold clinical environment. Tragically, one of them passes away, serving as a stark reminder of the reality of Adam’s condition.

The Breaking Point

The emotional climax arrives when Adam finally breaks down during a car ride with Kyle, screaming in frustration and despair. He’s tried to stay composed throughout most of the film, but the fear of dying at such a young age becomes overwhelming. It’s one of the film’s rawest, most powerful scenes, and a testament to Gordon-Levitt’s restrained performance.

Movie Ending

Adam learns that his tumor hasn’t shrunk after multiple rounds of chemo. The next and only option is a highly risky surgery. The night before the operation, he spends what could be his last evening with his mother and Kyle. The fear is palpable—he calls Katherine and tells her he’s scared, finally expressing what he’s kept buried under sarcasm and stoicism.

Surgery day arrives. As Adam is wheeled into the operating room, he says his goodbyes. The film lingers on his mother, waiting anxiously in the hospital. The surgery takes hours.

Then the surgeon appears. The operation was a success—they removed the tumor completely. He wakes up, groggy but alive. When Kyle comes in to see him, the two share an emotional moment, one that balances their usual bro-humor with genuine affection.

In the film’s final scene, Adam is home, healing. Katherine visits, and it’s clear they are beginning a real, romantic relationship. She jokes, “Now what?” He smiles and says, “Now we start.”

It’s a quiet, hopeful ending that doesn’t tie everything up neatly but feels deeply earned.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, 50/50 does not have a post-credits scene. The story wraps up in a grounded, realistic manner, and there’s no additional material after the credits roll.

Type of Movie

50/50 is a dramedy—a blend of comedy and drama—with strong elements of biographical storytelling. It walks the line between emotional depth and lighthearted banter, delivering both laughs and tears.

Cast

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam Lerner
• Seth Rogen as Kyle
• Anna Kendrick as Katherine
• Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachael
• Anjelica Huston as Diane (Adam’s mother)
• Serge Houde as Richard (Adam’s father)
• Philip Baker Hall as Alan
• Matt Frewer as Mitch

Film Music and Composer

The original score was composed by Michael Giacchino, who blends mellow piano melodies with soft indie-rock tones that reflect the movie’s emotional rhythm.

The soundtrack also includes tracks by Radiohead, The Walkmen, and Pearl Jam, helping to create an introspective yet hopeful vibe throughout the film.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, though the story is set in Seattle. Vancouver doubled convincingly for Seattle’s cool, Pacific Northwest vibe. The subdued, cloudy backdrops reflect the melancholic tone of the story without making it visually dreary.

Awards and Nominations

• Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)
• Golden Globe Nomination: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
• Independent Spirit Award: Nominated for Best First Screenplay (Will Reiser)
• National Board of Review: Top Ten Independent Films of the Year

While it didn’t sweep major awards, the film was widely praised by critics for its sincerity and performances.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The script was inspired by writer Will Reiser’s real battle with cancer in his 20s.
• Seth Rogen, a close friend of Reiser, plays a fictionalized version of himself.
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt joined the film shortly before shooting, replacing James McAvoy, who dropped out due to personal reasons.
• Reiser was on set often, helping actors get the emotional tone right.
• Much of the humor in the film was based on real jokes Rogen and Reiser used during treatment to cope.

Inspirations and References

The film is semi-autobiographical, based on Will Reiser’s personal experience. It reflects how people use humor to survive tragedy and how support systems often come from unexpected places. The honesty of the storytelling sets it apart from typical “cancer movies.”

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There were no major alternate endings. However, some scenes involving Rachael’s character were trimmed down to avoid demonizing her too harshly. Some deleted scenes involve more background on Kyle’s life, but they were cut to maintain focus on Adam’s journey.

Book Adaptations and Differences

50/50 is not based on a book but rather a true story. No official novelization exists, and the script is considered the definitive version of the narrative.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Adam shaving his head with Kyle in a spontaneous moment of friendship and support
• Adam’s breakdown in the car, where he finally admits he’s scared of dying
• The silent, anxious moments in the hospital as his friends and family wait during surgery
• The last therapy session that blurs the line between professional and personal

Iconic Quotes

• Adam: “I look like Voldemort.”
• Kyle: “Dude, if you were a girl, I’d totally have sex with you.”
• Katherine: “You can’t change your situation. The only thing that you can change is how you choose to deal with it.”
• Adam: “I have cancer. And that’s not funny.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The movie’s title, 50/50, refers to Adam’s chance of survival but also nods to the balance of humor and heartbreak.
• Seth Rogen’s character is seen reading a book on how to support a friend with cancer—subtle character depth.
• The photos in Adam’s home are real pictures of Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a child.

Trivia

• Will Reiser had never written a screenplay before 50/50.
• The title was briefly changed to I’m with Cancer and Live With It before settling on 50/50.
• Seth Rogen has described the film as the most personal project of his career.
• Gordon-Levitt spent time with Reiser to better understand his emotional journey.

Why Watch?

50/50 is a rare film that manages to find genuine warmth and humor in one of life’s darkest moments. It’s relatable, honest, and deeply human, offering a realistic look at what it means to be sick—and to try to live anyway. With phenomenal performances and a smart script, it’s both tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud funny.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Wackness (2008)
• Warm Bodies (2013)
• All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)
• Long Shot (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
• A Man Called Otto (2022)
• Paddleton (2019)