The Big Chill

R

Released Sep 9, 1983

1h 43m

Comedy

Drama

TRAILER

for The Big Chill: Trailer 1

List

69%

Tomatometer

42 Reviews

77%

Audience Score

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

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

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

Full Review

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Audience Member

Rewatched in 2024 and my gosh this one does not hold up well. Such fine actors, but not a single one of them can make a very lame script come to life. Kevin Klines go go running shorts alone have more interesting things going on than any one of these annoying characters. Let me repeat—I like and respect every one of these actors but not here. Come to think of it, I thought Silverado was overrated as well. So maybe Kasdan wasn’t ready to work with a really good story yet. I like Grand Canyon a lot so this is a head scratcher.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/15/24

Full Review

Timothy T

What a great cast and characters. The big chill keeps you warm till the very end. Filled with laughs and heart ache this movie would be hard to ever remake.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/17/24

Full Review

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

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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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The Big Chill: Trailer 1

2:13

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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: 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
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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