What Is An American Pickle About?
The premise of An American Pickle in 294 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In 1919 a hopeful immigrant laborer named Herschel Greenbaum toils in a tiny Eastern‑European village, dreaming of a brighter future across the ocean. A sudden, absurd accident leaves him sealed in a vat of brine, preserving him far beyond a normal lifetime. A century later, the same briny vessel opens in a crumbling Brooklyn factory, and Herschel emerges into a bustling, bewildering New York City that has raced far ahead of the world he once knew. The film invites us into this clash of eras with warm, nostalgic visuals of early‑20th‑century shtetl life juxtaposed against the neon‑lit, fast‑paced streets of modern Brooklyn, setting a tone that is simultaneously wistful and hilariously out of sync.
The heart of the story is the unexpected reunion between Herschel and his great‑grandson, Ben Greenbaum, a disaffected tech‑savvy freelancer who has inherited little of his ancestor’s old‑world optimism. Their first encounter crackles with generational friction: Herschel clings to the simple values of family, hard work, and community, while Ben navigates a world dominated by screens, gig economy hustle, and a detached sense of heritage. The comedic chemistry between the two men—magnified by the absurdity of a century‑old immigrant suddenly confronting today’s social norms—drives the film’s playful, heart‑warming rhythm.
Amid this cultural collision, the story reverberates with themes of identity, belonging, and the timeless search for purpose. The tone wavers between broad, slapstick moments—like a bewildered old‑fashioned man reacting to smartphones—and quieter, reflective scenes that honor the perseverance of immigrant dreams. By blending period charm with contemporary satire, the film creates a vivid, off‑beat portrait of a man out of time trying to find his place in a world that has changed beyond recognition, while his unlikely descendant learns that the past may still have something to teach the present.
What Happens in An American Pickle?
The complete story of An American Pickle, from the first scene to the last, in 779 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Herschel Greenbaum, portrayed by Seth Rogen, is hard at work in 1919, digging a ditch in the quaint Eastern European town of Schlupsk. Despite the hardship, his shovel repeatedly breaks — first the handle snaps, and then the blade splits upon use. He takes his troubles in stride and makes his way around town on a rustic horse-drawn cart.
At the market, he encounters Sarah, played by Sarah Snook, who is struggling to afford any fish at the vendor’s stall. Compassionate and smitten, Herschel quickly steps up, doubling his workload to present the fishmonger with a coin for the finest fish, which he generously hands to Sarah. Their shared moments over meals spark a romance that flourishes through regular meetings.
Unfortunately, their wedding is overshadowed by a Cossack invasion that wreaks havoc in Schlupsk, compelling the couple to set sail for America in hopes of a better life. They dream of affording Sarah her own grave and Herschel to savor the unique taste of seltzer water bubbles on his tongue. Upon arrival at Ellis Island, Herschel feels a sense of relief — no Cossacks in sight — and ironically interprets being labeled a “Dirty Jew” as a twist of good fortune.
Settling in a modest Brooklyn apartment, with peeling plaster walls, Herschel takes a job at a pickle factory. Here, he spends his days bludgeoning rats, optimistic that the American Dream is within reach, especially as they look forward to a baby. Eager to be together forever, he buys a family plot, yearning for a grander future while still unable to indulge in his cherished seltzer.
A shocking turn of events takes place when Herschel, confronted by a colony of rats, falls into a vat of pickles. His boss seals the vat, leaving Herschel submerged in brine, and the factory is condemned. A century later, two adventurous boys stumble into the forsaken building and accidentally open the pickle vat, where Herschel miraculously awakens with a scream, sending the boys fleeing in terror.
Scientists, intrigued by Herschel’s unusual preservation, invite him to a press conference. They present evidence of how the pickle brine has kept him unchanged for a hundred years. Although fascinated by this scientific marvel, Herschel grapples with the grim reality of loss when he discovers Sarah’s obituary — she has been gone for decades. Following an altercation with a scientist, he learns he has a living descendant: Ben Greenbaum, also played by Seth Rogen, who shares his age.
Ben is initially indifferent to his great-grandfather’s arrival. He is a disillusioned freelance app developer working on a project dubbed “Boop Bop,” which assesses the ethics of businesses. While Herschel thrives on the concept of family and heritage, Ben values them far less. They visit Sarah’s grave, which lies neglected, overrun with trash and a billboard, angering Herschel who sees this as a disgrace. In a fit of rage, he confronts the billboard workers, resulting in an unexpected brawl with Ben caught in the crossfire.
Determined to honor Sarah’s memory and remove the billboard, Herschel vows to accumulate $200,000 for the cemetery plot. Ben, having faced a setback with his app due to his arrest record, expresses his resentment and disconnection. Herschel, unconcerned with modernity, begins selling pickles made from discarded cucumbers, quickly becoming an internet sensation. His old-world charm and quirky behaviors garner a dedicated following among the younger generation, who admire his disregard for convention.
However, the Health Department intervenes after Ben anonymously tips them off, leading to a temporary halt in Herschel’s operations. Encouraged by loyal fans, he pivots to running a legal enterprise, hiring interns like Clara, portrayed by Molly Evensen, to assist him in following health protocols.
Despite Herschel managing to remove the billboard, Ben finds himself frustrated with his great-grandfather’s brash antics on social media. The backlash turns into a protest, leading to Herschel’s controversial statements creating a stir in the media. Meanwhile, his immigration status is threatened, resulting in an Order of Deportation issued against him.
In a desperate bid to escape deportation, Herschel convinces Ben to help him sneak into Canada. Their journey allows for moments of connection, but tensions rise again when Herschel’s impulsive nature leads to trouble with the authorities. Deportation sends him back to Schlupsk, disoriented and alone, where he eventually seeks solace in the synagogue, surrounded by men who help him rediscover his roots through tradition.
As Ben reflects on their family dynamic after Herschel’s departure, he recognizes the affection tied to his childhood memories. The two eventually reunite in Schlupsk, reminiscing about memories shared alongside Sarah. They contemplate kicking off new adventures together — pickling assorted goods and taking their business online, revitalizing their family legacy.
An American Pickle Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Herschel's Hard Work” to “Family Legacy Reimagined”. 11 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Herschel's Hard Work
In 1919, Herschel Greenbaum is tirelessly digging a ditch in the quaint Eastern European town of Schlupsk. Despite facing constant issues with his shovel, he maintains a positive outlook and continues working diligently.
When:1919 Where:Schlupsk
- 2
A Chance Encounter
While at the market, Herschel meets Sarah, who is struggling to buy fish. He decides to help her, doubling his workload to buy the finest fish, which marks the beginning of their lovely romance.
Where:Market in Schlupsk
- 3
A Joyous Wedding
Herschel and Sarah celebrate their wedding, filled with hope for the future. However, the joy of their union is soon overshadowed by a Cossack invasion that disrupts their lives in Schlupsk.
Where:Schlupsk
- 4
Setting Sail for America
Fleeing the chaos of Schlupsk, Herschel and Sarah set sail for America. They dream of better opportunities, hoping for a more prosperous life and simpler pleasures like seltzer water.
Where:Atlantic Ocean
- 5
Arrival at Ellis Island
Upon arriving at Ellis Island, Herschel feels relieved to be out of danger. Ironically, he misinterprets a derogatory term labeled against him as a blessing, seeing it as his good fortune.
Where:Ellis Island
- 6
Building a New Life
Herschel and Sarah settle into a modest Brooklyn apartment as they embrace the American Dream. While Herschel works at a pickle factory, they share dreams of starting a family.
Where:Brooklyn
- 7
The Pickle Incident
A shocking event occurs when Herschel falls into a vat of pickles during a rat infestation. His boss seals the vat, and Herschel becomes submerged for a century, leading to the factory's eventual closure.
Where:Pickle Factory
- 8
Awakening After a Century
A century later, two boys stumble upon the old pickle factory. When they open the vat, Herschel awakens with a scream, startling the boys and beginning his whirlwind journey in the modern world.
Where:Pickle Factory
- 9
Discovery of the Past
Once revived, scientists hold a press conference to showcase Herschel's preservation in pickle brine. However, the joy is short-lived as he discovers that Sarah has passed away, leaving him devastated.
- 10
Meeting Ben
Herschel learns about his living descendant, Ben Greenbaum, who is indifferent to his arrival. Ben is an app developer, struggling with his own disconnection from family values.
Show the other 5 events of An American Pickle Hide the last 5 events
- 11
A Visit to Sarah's Grave
In a move to connect with his past, Herschel and Ben visit Sarah's neglected grave. Their discovery of the grave's poor condition ignites Herschel's anger and determination to honor her legacy.
Where:Cemetery
- 12
The $200,000 Goal
Determined to restore Sarah's grave, Herschel sets a goal of raising $200,000. Meanwhile, Ben's frustrations with his grandfather's unconventional methods grow, highlighting their generational clash.
- 13
Internet Fame and Backlash
Herschel embraces modernity by selling pickles made from discarded cucumbers, quickly gaining a following online. However, his antics attract the attention of the Health Department, leading to serious challenges.
- 14
Escape to Canada
Facing deportation, Herschel convinces Ben to help him sneak into Canada. Their journey allows for moments of bonding, but Herschel's impulsive nature causes trouble and tension with the authorities.
Where:Canada
- 15
Family Legacy Reimagined
After deportation back to Schlupsk, Herschel seeks comfort in the synagogue, where he reconnects with his roots. Eventually, he and Ben reunite, ready to embark on new adventures and revive their family legacy together.
Where:Schlupsk
Who Are the Main Characters in An American Pickle?
4 characters, among them Herschel Greenbaum, Ben Greenbaum and Sarah Greenbaum: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Herschel Greenbaum
Played by Seth Rogen
Herschel is a determined and optimistic man, rooted in old-world values, who is eager to embrace the American Dream. His naivete and impulsive nature often land him in challenging situations, yet his love for family and heritage drives him to make bold choices. Herschel’s journey reflects his resilience in the face of loss, as he seeks to preserve his family's legacy.
- 👴 Elderly
- 💪 Resilient
- ❤️ Family-oriented
-
Ben Greenbaum
Played by Seth Rogen
Ben is a disillusioned, contemporary freelance app developer who initially feels disconnected from family values. His character represents the struggles of modernity, where individual aspirations can overshadow familial bonds. Through his relationship with Herschel, he gradually comes to appreciate the significance of heritage and the connections that shape his identity.
- 👨💻 Millennial
- 😔 Disconnected
- 🚀 Ambitious
-
Sarah Greenbaum
Played by Sarah Snook
Sarah embodies compassion and resilience, being the cornerstone of Herschel’s motivations. Her nurturing spirit and dreams for a future reflect the hopes of immigrants during challenging times. Even in her absence, her legacy profoundly impacts Herschel and Ben as they navigate their quests for connection.
- 💖 Caring
- 🕊️ Hopeful
- 🌸 Influential
- C
Clara
Played by Molly Evensen
Clara is an intern helping Herschel with his pickling business. While she represents the younger generation's interest in his venture, she also brings a sense of modernity and practicality into the mix. Her character reflects the vibrant interaction between traditional and contemporary values.
- 👩🍳 Intern
- 🌱 Supportive
- 🧑🤝🧑 Youthful
Where and When Is An American Pickle Set?
An American Pickle is set in Schlupsk, Brooklyn and Ellis Island (1919, 100 years later). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1919, 100 years later
The movie begins in 1919, a time marked by post-World War I recovery and economic challenges in Eastern Europe. As Herschel's story unfolds, it juxtaposes this earlier period with modern day America a century later. This transition highlights the evolution of societal values, immigration issues, and the impact of technology on familial relationships.
Where
Schlupsk, Brooklyn, Ellis Island
Schlupsk is a quaint Eastern European town known for its rustic charm and historical significance. Amidst the hardships of wartime, it serves as the starting point for Herschel's journey to America. Brooklyn, on the other hand, represents the aspiration and struggle of immigrant life in the United States, characterized by its bustling neighborhoods and diverse communities. Ellis Island holds historical value as the gateway for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America.
- 🌍 Locations
- 🏙️ Cities
- 🇺🇸 Immigration
What Are the Themes of An American Pickle?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heritage, Time and Loss.
-
01
Heritage
The theme of heritage resonates throughout the film, as Herschel Greenbaum navigates his past and present. His connection to family and traditions highlights the importance of cultural roots amidst rapidly changing times. The way he seeks to honor his wife Sarah and revive his family's legacy through pickling signifies the deep bond with ancestry.
-
02
Time
Time plays a pivotal role in the narrative, contrasting Herschel's old-world values with contemporary societal norms. The disorientation of waking up in a different era amplifies the emotional and cultural dissonance faced by immigrants. This theme also mirrors the fleeting nature of moments, urging characters to appreciate their connections before they fade away.
-
03
Loss
Loss is a significant theme explored through Herschel's devastating discovery of Sarah's death and the subsequent emotional turmoil. It delves into the effects of time and circumstance on relationships, illustrating how realizing what has been lost can inspire a quest for redemption. Herschel’s journey emphasizes the importance of remembrance and the struggle to navigate the grief of separation.
How Does An American Pickle End?
The last act of An American Pickle and what it means, in 319 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
At the end of An American Pickle, Herschel and Ben have a chaotic confrontation that leads Herschel to believe that the only way to truly protect his family legacy is for him to return to his hometown of Schlupsk. In a moment of quick thinking, Herschel swaps clothes with Ben and shaves his beard, making himself appear like Ben. He then signals the police to locate Ben, who gets mistakenly deported back to Schlupsk, the place Herschel swore he would never return to. This twist reveals the true purpose of their scheme: Herschel’s journey back to his roots allows him to confront the past he had buried, including the grief of losing his parents. Meanwhile, in America, Herschel discovers that Ben’s app, Beep Bop, is named after the childhood nicknames Herschel had for his own parents, subtly showing that both characters, despite their differences, share a common connection with their heritage and family traditions.
In the final moments, Herschel and Ben reconcile by returning to the family cemetery in New York to pray and honor their ancestors. Though Ben struggles with the words initially, he joins Herschel in a heartfelt “Amen,” symbolizing his acceptance of his roots and tradition. This act signifies a rebirth of their understanding and respect for each other’s backgrounds, blending old and new cultures. The film closes with a humorous post-credits scene where Herschel is shown watching Yentl, symbolizing the bridging of cultural worlds and emphasizing that the film’s core message — that family, tradition, and community are vital, regardless of differences — applies to everyone. An American Pickle ultimately portrays a story of unity across generations, highlighting that despite our differences, we are more alike than we often realize, and that embracing the past can help forge a better future. It’s a hopeful reminder that traditions and heritage, no matter how old-fashioned they may seem, have enduring value and meaning for all of us.
What Kind of Film Is An American Pickle?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bittersweet and humorous comedy about a man out of time that balances the absurdity of a fish-out-of-water premise with a heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the immigrant dream.
- humorous
- nostalgic
- reflective
- quirky
- frustrating
- hopeful
- time travel
- immigrant experience
- generational gap
- family legacy
Content notes: loss of a spouse.
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