An American Pickle is a high-concept comedy with a surprisingly emotional core. Starring Seth Rogen in a dual role, the film mixes immigrant storytelling, modern American satire, and old-school fish-out-of-water comedy—with a literal pickle jar as the time machine.
Detailed Summary
The Immigrant Dream Begins (1919)
The film opens in Eastern Europe in 1919, where Herschel Greenbaum, a poor but idealistic Jewish laborer, immigrates to America with his wife Sarah in search of a better life. After enduring Ellis Island and early hardship, Herschel lands a job at a pickle factory.
Tragedy strikes when Sarah is killed in a bizarre accident involving a falling barrel. Shortly afterward, Herschel falls into a vat of brine. Due to the chemical conditions, his body is perfectly preserved—essentially pickled—for 100 years.
Awakening in Modern Brooklyn
Herschel wakes up in 2019 Brooklyn, completely unchanged, while the world around him has evolved dramatically. He is discovered by his only living relative, Ben Greenbaum, his great-grandson.
Ben is the polar opposite of Herschel:
- Herschel is deeply religious, blunt, and idealistic.
- Ben is secular, anxious, socially awkward, and struggling to find purpose.
Their relationship starts awkwardly but warmly, with Ben attempting to help Herschel adapt to modern life.
Culture Clash and Growing Tensions
Herschel becomes a viral sensation due to his old-world charm and blunt honesty. Using his pickle-making skills, he starts a small business that quickly grows into a successful brand.
Meanwhile, Ben’s life continues to stagnate. As Herschel thrives, resentment builds. Their ideological differences—religion, work ethic, identity, and success—turn from humorous disagreements into outright hostility.
What begins as a generational misunderstanding slowly becomes a bitter rivalry.
From Family Drama to Absurd Escalation
The conflict escalates when Herschel believes Ben is betraying Jewish traditions and values. Herschel’s actions become increasingly extreme, including attempts to sabotage Ben’s life and reputation.
Ben, pushed to his breaking point, retaliates in ways that reveal his own moral flaws. The film shifts from light comedy into dark satire, questioning success, entitlement, and what it truly means to honor one’s heritage.
Movie Ending
In the final act, the rivalry reaches its peak. Herschel is arrested after his extremist behavior causes public outrage. During this fallout, Ben discovers that he has manipulated the situation to benefit himself, exposing his own selfishness.
Herschel is deported back to Eastern Europe, seemingly ending his American story in disgrace. However, the ending delivers a twist of poetic irony.
Years later, Ben visits Poland and discovers that Herschel has rebuilt his life once again, creating a new pickle empire and starting a large family. The same determination that once fueled Herschel’s immigrant dream has allowed him to rise again—without bitterness.
Ben, finally humbled, realizes that success without integrity is hollow. The film ends on a reflective note: America didn’t fail either man, but each had to confront who they truly were.
The ending reinforces the film’s central message: heritage is not something you inherit—it’s something you live up to.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. An American Pickle does not include any mid-credits or post-credits scenes. The story ends definitively with its final emotional beat.
Type of Movie
An American Pickle is a comedy-drama that blends absurd high-concept humor with social satire and heartfelt immigrant storytelling. While comedic on the surface, it leans heavily into character-driven drama as the story unfolds.
Cast
- Seth Rogen as Herschel Greenbaum / Ben Greenbaum
- Sarah Snook as Sarah Greenbaum
- Jorma Taccone as Carey Eastman
- Molly Evensen as Kara Eastman
- Kevin O’Rourke as Malcolm
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Michael Andrews, known for understated, emotionally resonant music. The soundtrack subtly supports the film’s tonal shifts, moving from whimsical to reflective without overpowering the narrative.
Filming Locations
- Vancouver, Canada – Primary filming location, standing in for Brooklyn and various urban settings.
- Studio sets were used extensively for the pickle factory and period scenes.
The controlled environments allowed seamless transitions between time periods and helped integrate Seth Rogen’s dual performance effectively.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, the film received:
- Nominations from critics associations for comedy performance
- Positive recognition for Seth Rogen’s dual-role acting and physical performance
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Seth Rogen performed both roles separately, often acting opposite stand-ins.
- Practical effects and old-school split-screen techniques were used alongside CGI.
- The film is based on a short story, expanded significantly for the screen.
- Rogen has stated this is one of his most personally meaningful projects.
Inspirations and References
- Based on the short story “Sell Out” by Simon Rich
- Inspired by classic immigrant narratives and Jewish folklore
- Draws thematic influence from Fiddler on the Roof and modern American satire
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No officially released alternate endings exist. However:
- Early cuts reportedly leaned more heavily into comedy
- Several scenes emphasizing Herschel’s radicalization were shortened to balance tone
Book Adaptation and Differences
The original short story is more absurd and cynical, focusing primarily on satire.
The film expands the emotional arc, adding:
- A deeper exploration of grief
- A more sympathetic portrayal of both characters
- A clearer moral resolution
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Herschel waking up in modern Brooklyn
- The first viral pickle stand success
- The public downfall caused by Herschel’s radical beliefs
- The final reveal of Herschel’s rebuilt life
Iconic Quotes
- “Hard work is the only thing that never betrays you.”
- “You don’t get to choose your ancestors, but you choose what you do with them.”
- “America rewards effort… sometimes.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Pickle jar labels subtly change over time to reflect branding trends
- Herschel’s language slowly modernizes as the film progresses
- Background news headlines mirror real-world social media outrage culture
Trivia
- Seth Rogen spent hours daily in makeup for Herschel
- The pickle brine preservation is intentionally exaggerated for comic effect
- The film was released directly to streaming during the pandemic
Why Watch?
If you enjoy comedies that start silly but end thoughtful, this film is worth your time. It offers:
- A clever dual performance
- Sharp social commentary
- An unexpectedly emotional conclusion
It’s a comedy that sneaks up on you—much like a man waking up after a century in a pickle vat.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- The Interview (2014) – Producer
- This Is the End (2013) – Producer
- Good Boys (2019) – Producer
Recommended Films for Fans
- Being There (1979)
- Click (2006)
- The Big Sick (2017)
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
