The Big Chill

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2:13

The Big Chill

R

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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Kim P

The title should really be...The Big BORE!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/01/25

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Eli H

Quality movie, it's cast is phenomenal with peak performances from Kevin Kline, Tom Berenger and Glenn Close, even some early Jeff Goldblum. I'd put its soundtrack up against Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs for the best I've ever heard, but outside of that this is just another slice of life movie. The cast does the heavy lifting while the camera work and plot opt for conventionality. This is a movie that does nothing wrong, but doesn't do much that's special. It is ultimately a forgettable movie you can watch on a rainy Tuesday.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/09/25

Full Review

Melissa L

There are high ratings for this one so I had high expectations. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I didn't like it, and I wouldn't recommend it. VERY overrated and a big disappointment. I usually like '80s movies...not this one.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/27/25

Full Review

Richard L

Hard to beat, if you're a semi-normal American who came of age in the second half of the twentieth century. And that's if you don't even consider the amazing soundtrack.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Lyn G

Great movie about how life evolves. Always love watching William Hurt. The beginning for so many great actors.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

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

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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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