Netflix has just added a film that fans describe as 'shockingly underrated' and featuring a beloved actor at a career best. The streaming giant has made An American Pickle available to its subscribers as part of its latest library update.
Plot and Cast
According to its synopsis, the film follows an Orthodox Jewish factory worker named Herschel who falls into a state of suspended animation for 100 years after a freak accident. Preserved in pickle brine, he wakes up in modern New York City and must adapt to a vastly different life, living with his great-great-grandson Ben, a freelance app developer. Simon Rich wrote the screenplay based on one of his short stories. Rich has previously worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Pixar's Inside Out, and 2023's Wonka.
The cast includes celebrated comic actor Seth Rogen in a dual role as both Herschel and Ben. He is joined by Succession's Sarah Snook, Lonely Island member Jorma Taccone, and Netflix star Tim Robinson.
Reception and Performance
The film received a very limited theatrical release in 2020, with box office takings still impacted by the pandemic. It originally debuted exclusively on HBO Max and now looks set to reach a whole new audience on Netflix. While mostly well received by critics, earning a respectable 73% approval rating, fan response is largely mixed. However, one point of universal agreement is the level of Seth Rogen's performance. Many consider it a career highlight for the actor and writer, who has gone on to create Apple TV+ series The Studio and previously starred in Superbad and Knocked Up.
One person posted online: 'An American Pickle has such an outrageous plot that can only be justified by Seth Rogen. I cannot stress enough that this movie was perfect for him. What surprised me was how well acted it was. He has never been taken seriously because of his roles, but here he gives one of his best performances.' Another agreed: 'Seth Rogen gives one of his best performances in this dual role that will have you laughing. In a world of cancel culture, An American Pickle could not arrive at a better time. It speaks to the modern world and delivers a message about ethics, technology, and adjusting to reality. I truly enjoyed it more than I expected.'
Someone else called the film 'shockingly underrated' and added: 'I am baffled by how many people dislike this movie. It has a brilliant script, brilliantly acted by Rogen. It made me laugh, tear up, and think on multiple levels. It is an over-the-top feud movie and also a clever satire with heart.'
Genre Misclassification
Quite a few viewers believe they have identified the issue for those who did not enjoy it. They say its classification as a comedy gives the wrong impression and that it should instead be approached as a drama. As one person explained: 'This is not a comedy or a bad film. Rather, it is a social commentary interspersed with lighthearted moments.'
An American Pickle is streaming now on Netflix.
