An American Pickle (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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.

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.