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The Big Chill

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2:13

The Big Chill

R

Released Sep 9, 1983

1h 43m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

69%

Tomatometer

42 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

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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Arthur Knight

The 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

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Quentin Crisp

Christopher Street

The film is as disappointing as being alive, but I must hastily add that it is very carefully prepared for the screen; at all times, it looks natural and the acting is superb.

May 7, 2024

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

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Christian K

Struggled to get through this one as I didn't really connect with the story or characters. Performances and script is all good but I dunno.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/22/25

Full Review

Paul L

I first watched the Big Chill when I was of a similiar age to the characters. I was married young kids and trying to make my way in the world, somewhere between the steadiness of the married couple and the unsettled lives of other characters. All the while holding on to old school friends out of a sense of loyalty but knowing life has moved on and that some of them will no longer be part of my future except in my memory. People come and people go throughout life and it is only now I’ve come to realise the wonderful friends I’ve had, many of whom just played small cameos, friends at school for a few years, a year or two at work where we drank and played. Now like one of the characters here, I loved many of my friends growing up, they all had a time and place. So tonight as a hardened old bugger I admit I had a little tear in my eye knowing I have been through all that was ahead of the characters in this movie. I’ve made it this far but we kinda know this mob will never have another reunion. They had all moved on already. Only the music remains.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/25

Full Review

Ben M

This is truly one of my all time favorites! Some incredibly funny scenes, mixed with drama that comes from incredible writing and even better acting! Not to mention the soundtrack should be put in the books as one of the best ever! Was very surprised the score wasn’t higher than it was. I honestly created my rotten tomatoes account just to add this review because I don’t feel it was given a just rating. This is from a 28 year old guy, so not just a nostalgic film from childhood. Cannot recommend enough!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/24

Full Review

Linda L

One of my all time favorite movies!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

Full Review

Siao S

Great cast, great soundtrack, great movie... what else do you need to feel good remembering your college years. Go Blue!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

Full Review

Leaburn O

My god this one drags and drags and drags. The characters have paper thin depth and have lived the least fascinating lives imaginable. There’s nothing going on here other than mid life existential crises amongst some dull white middle class college friends. It’s not warm, witty or in any way at all gripping. There’s not even an interesting ending. One of the worst Best Picture nominees I’ve ever watched. Saw it on DVD.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

Full Review

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Lawrence Kasdan

Director

William Hurt

Nick

Glenn Close

Sarah

Kevin Kline

Harold

Tom Berenger

Sam

Jeff Goldblum

Michael

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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The Big Chill: Trailer 1

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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
Producer: Michael Shamberg
Screenwriter: Lawrence Kasdan, Barbara Benedek
Distributor: RCA/Columbia, Columbia Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co: Carson Productions, Columbia Pictures Corporation
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
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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