An American Pickle

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.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59