An American Pickle (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in two locations: Schlupsk, an Eastern European town where Herschel begins his journey, and Brooklyn, New York, where he awakens a century later. Ellis Island is also referenced as the historic gateway for immigrants like Herschel entering America.

• schlupsk
• brooklyn
• ellis island
• setting
• locations

The story begins in 1919, a period of post-World War I recovery and economic challenges in Eastern Europe. Herschel then wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn, exactly 100 years later, creating a stark contrast between the early 20th century and contemporary America.

• 1919
• time period
• modern day
• century later
• era

The film explores three core themes: Heritage, representing the importance of cultural roots and family legacy; Time, examining the contrast between old-world values and modern society; and Loss, focusing on grief, displacement, and the emotional toll of missing decades of one's life.

• heritage
• time
• loss
• themes
• culture

Heritage is central to the story, as Herschel's deep connection to his family traditions and his wife Sarah drives his every action. His attempt to revive the family's pickling business represents his desire to preserve cultural identity and honor his ancestors, even in an unfamiliar modern world.

• heritage
• family legacy
• traditions
• cultural roots
• ancestry

Time is examined through Herschel's disorientation after waking up a century in the future. The film contrasts his old-world values with contemporary societal norms, highlighting the emotional and cultural dissonance immigrants experience when thrust into drastically different eras.

• time
• displacement
• cultural change
• era
• immigrant experience

Loss is a significant emotional element, as Herschel discovers that his wife Sarah has died during his century of preservation. This devastating realization drives much of his character journey and creates the bittersweet tone that balances the film's comedic premise with genuine emotional weight.

• loss
• grief
• sarah
• death
• emotional

Herschel Greenbaum is the film's protagonist, a determined and optimistic laborer from early 20th century Eastern Europe who embodies old-world values and the American Dream. His naivete and impulsive nature often lead to humorous situations, but his deep love for family and heritage anchors the story's emotional core.

• herschel greenbaum
• protagonist
• main character
• seth rogen

Ben Greenbaum is Herschel's great-grandson, a disillusioned modern freelance app developer who feels disconnected from his family roots. He represents the struggles of contemporary life where individual pursuits often overshadow familial bonds, until his relationship with Herschel helps him rediscover the importance of heritage.

• ben greenbaum
• great-grandson
• modern character
• app developer

Sarah Greenbaum is Herschel's wife, depicted as a compassionate and resilient woman who represents the hopes and dreams of immigrants during the early 1900s. Though she passes away before Herschel is preserved, her legacy profoundly impacts both Herschel and Ben throughout the film.

• sarah greenbaum
• wife
• legacy
• immigration

Herschel and Ben are great-grandfather and great-grandson, separated by 100 years of history. Their relationship starts with tension as they navigate vast cultural differences, but evolves into a meaningful connection as they each learn from each other about heritage and family.

• relationship
• family
• connection
• generation gap

Clara is an intern who helps Herschel with his pickling business in modern-day Brooklyn. She represents the younger generation's interest in traditional crafts and brings a sense of modernity and practicality, symbolizing the interaction between old and new world values.

• clara
• intern
• pickling business
• younger generation