The Farewell is a 2019 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Lulu Wang. The film was based on Wang's own family experiences, who were involved in a similar situation. The film stars Awkwafina as Billi, a young Chinese-American woman who returns to China to spend time with her grandmother, Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), who has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Billi struggles to come to terms with her family's decision to keep Nai Nai's illness a secret from her, as it is a common practice in Chinese culture. Instead of telling Nai Nai the truth, the family organizes a fake wedding between Billi's cousin and his Japanese girlfriend, as an excuse to bring the entire family together to spend time with Nai Nai one last time.
During the course of the film, Billi struggles to reconcile her own individuality with her family's collective values, particularly in the way they approach death. The film explores themes of identity, culture clash, and family dynamics. Additionally, the film delves into the common Chinese tradition of lying to a terminally ill family member, which is viewed as a way of sparing them unnecessary anxiety and sadness.
The Farewell was critically acclaimed for its heartfelt performances, nuanced storytelling, and empathetic portrayal of a family navigating cultural differences and impending loss. The film earned several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for Awkwafina.