The Big Chill

R

Released Sep 9, 1983

1 hr. 43 min.

Comedy

Drama

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List

71%

41 Reviews

Tomatometer

77%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

This compassionate "comedy of values" probes the growing pains of seven college housemates from the 1960s who have drifted apart and then reunite at the funeral of a friend. Having entered adulthood as non-conformists, most now belong to the establishment. Harold (Kevin Kline) has "grown up" to be a running-shoe magnate; Michael (Jeff Goldblum), a gossip magazine journalist; Sam (Tom Berenger), TV's hottest private eye; and Nick (William Hurt), a drug dealer. Among the women, Sarah (Glenn Close) is a doctor; Meg (Mary Kay Place), a lawyer; and Karen (JoBeth Williams), a wife and mother in the suburbs. Stunned by the death of their peer, sensing their own mortality and the loss of their innocence, each takes the opportunity to reevaluate his or her life and re-establish their bond.

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Critics Consensus

The Big Chill captures a generation's growing ennui with a terrific cast, a handful of perceptive insights, and one of the decade's best film soundtracks.

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Jeffre L

This is a GREAT movie - fantastic performances by stellar cast. The sequence set to "You Can't Always Get What You Want" is filmmaking at its best!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/24

Full Review

David M

Bunch of whiney ass spoiled brat rich baby boomers

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/02/24

Full Review

Trey W

Even after a few dozen watches, it retains all its charm. One of my favorites of all-time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/29/23

Full Review

DAVID R

Amazing film that truly helped me through one of the roughest times of my life. There are true friendships here between the performers that come thru on screen. I can't recommend this film enough to someone that needs their heart lifted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Big Chill is one they’ll never forget A large ensemble of Kevin Kline, Jo Beth Williams, the late William Hurt, Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, and Jeff Goldblum directed by Lawrence Kasdan Seven college housemates from the 1960s gather in South Carolina together learning a close friend has died Becoming non-conformists most still belong to the establishment For a movie like this you’re expecting these people to resolve old conflicts, face new problems, and ultimately learn to forgive Good music no doubt and a great collection of talents There's just so much talking it'll be hard to highly recommend

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

09/30/23

Full Review

John E

I specifically added The Big Chill (1983) to my 2023 viewing list because of how highly regarded I often hear it mentioned. I was certain that I had seen it when it was first released but wondered why I didn't remember anything about it. I pondered whether I lacked the maturity when I first viewed it to appreciate all that the film possibly offered. I thought perhaps a second viewing with a more adult mindset might yield a more memorable or meaningful experience. I can't say that it did. The story centers around a group of longtime friends, separated by time and residences, who gather to attend the funeral of another former companion (Alex) who recently committed suicide. Following the funeral, they all spend a weekend together (along with Alex's new and much younger girlfriend) contemplating their existences, Alex's death, and just generally exuding an immense amount of ennui in between bouts of getting stoned, having awkward sex and reflecting upon their baby-boomer realities. The cast is superb. I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I had to look up who was playing the character of Sam as I didn't recognize Tom Berenger at all with all that hair and the moustache! While every actor delivered a performance to be proud of, I just didn't personally feel that the story took me anywhere. When it drew to its conclusion my first thought was "meh". For those that hold this film with reverence, I'm pleased that it speaks to them. But I'm not in that clique. Just as I'm certain that the group of friends in this film will never again have such a reunion, I'm also certain I will never feel the need to view this film again. It was an extremely well-acted nothing burger.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

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Lawrence Kasdan

Director

William Hurt

Nick

Glenn Close

Sarah

Kevin Kline

Harold

Tom Berenger

Sam

Jeff Goldblum

Michael

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The Big Chill: Official Clip - Boredom Ruined My Marriage

2:06

The Big Chill: Official Clip - You Want Me To Do What?

2:16

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Bat in the Attic

2:47

The Big Chill: Official Clip - We're All Alone Out There

2:46

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Interviewing Himself

1:32

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Dancing in the Kitchen

1:38

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Dinner With Old Friends

2:39

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Funeral Procession

2:18

The Big Chill: Official Clip - Late Night Snack

2:34

The Big Chill: Official Clip - The Car Jump

2:31

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Stand by Me

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Punchline

50%

79%

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

27%

38%

Wrong Is Right

87%

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The Big Chill: Trailer 1

2:13

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Arthur Knight

Hollywood Reporter

What might have been a meaningful exploration of the changes wrought by 20 years of abrasive reality is diverted, essentially, into who's going to wind up sleeping with whom.

Jan 29, 2019

Full Review

Keith Phipps

The Dissolve

...even though it's aware of their narcissism, The Big Chill still views its characters sympathetically, even when they do little to invite much sympathy themselves.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 28, 2014

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Characters are generally middle-of-the-roaders, and pic lacks a tough-minded spokesman who might bring them all up short for a moment.

May 5, 2008

Full Review

Jennifer O’Callaghan

PopMatters

The Big Chill‘s blunt suggestion that one may not have lived up to their younger self’s dreams or morals hits a universal nerve to this day.

Oct 5, 2022

Full Review

Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

Uses its ensemble cast superbly to create both a spiky and life affirming comedy drama.

Aug 25, 2022

Full Review

Kyle Smith

National Review

As funny, deeply felt, and expressive of its characters' pain as the film is -- and I've always loved it, since watching it many times on HBO at age 18 -- today it's fascinating for its obtuseness.

Apr 7, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

This compassionate "comedy of values" probes the growing pains of seven college housemates from the 1960s who have drifted apart and then reunite at the funeral of a friend. Having entered adulthood as non-conformists, most now belong to the establishment. Harold (Kevin Kline) has "grown up" to be a running-shoe magnate; Michael (Jeff Goldblum), a gossip magazine journalist; Sam (Tom Berenger), TV's hottest private eye; and Nick (William Hurt), a drug dealer. Among the women, Sarah (Glenn Close) is a doctor; Meg (Mary Kay Place), a lawyer; and Karen (JoBeth Williams), a wife and mother in the suburbs. Stunned by the death of their peer, sensing their own mortality and the loss of their innocence, each takes the opportunity to reevaluate his or her life and re-establish their bond.

Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Executive Producer: Lawrence Kasdan, Marcia Nasatir
Screenwriter: Lawrence Kasdan, Barbara Benedek
Distributor: RCA/Columbia, Columbia Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Carson Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 9, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $57.0K
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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