Big (1988) Plot Summary Explained

Josh wished to be big after being humiliated at the carnival when he was told he was too short to ride the roller coaster. A girl from school was watching him get rejected in front of his peers, which compounded his embarrassment and made him desperately want to be older and taller.

Foreshadowing: The film opens with Josh's childish desire for rides he cannot yet go on, establishing the emotional driver for his wish.

• josh baskin
• wish
• carnival
• humiliation
• too short

Josh landed a job at the toy company because as a 12-year-old in an adult body, he genuinely understood what children wanted to play with. His fresh, childlike perspective impressed the executives during a meeting about new toy ideas, leading to his rapid promotion to an executive position.

Foreshadowing: His ability to connect with children's interests was demonstrated early on when he played carnival games skillfully as a child.

• toy company
• job
• promotion
• executive
• children's toys

Josh chose to reverse the wish because he missed his mother and realized that being an adult meant losing the simplicity and joy of childhood. After experiencing the responsibilities, complications, and emotional challenges of adult life, he understood that growing up too fast wasn't worth sacrificing the genuine happiness of being a kid.

Foreshadowing: Josh's initial wish was born from wanting to escape embarrassment, not from understanding what adulthood truly entails.

• reverse wish
• childhood
• mother
• growing up
• maturity

Yes, Susan eventually learned Josh's secret. When Josh told her he was really a twelve-year-old boy, she was initially skeptical but began to believe him as she observed his childish behavior, innocent perspectives, and genuine lack of experience with adult relationships.

Foreshadowing: Susan noticed his unusual mannerisms and childlike excitement throughout their time together, which made his revelation less shocking.

• susan
• secret
• twelve years old
• romance
• discovery

At the end, Josh finds the arcade machine again and wishes to reverse the spell. He wakes up back in his twelve-year-old body at home. He shares a bittersweet farewell with Susan, acknowledging their unique connection before returning to his childhood life.

Foreshadowing: The arcade machine reappearance triggers Josh's reflection on what he truly values - his family and youth.

• ending
• childhood
• return
• arcade machine
• susan

The fortune-telling machine at the carnival granted Josh's wish literally - he woke up the next morning in a 30-year-old man's body. The machine appeared as a Zoltar fortune teller arcade cabinet, and later in the film, Josh encounters the same machine to reverse his wish.

Foreshadowing: The machine's magical nature is established early as a whimsical, wish-granting device typical of carnivals.

• fortune teller
• arcade machine
• zoltar
• magic
• wish

Josh's relationship with Susan was complicated because he had the body of an adult but the emotional experience of a twelve-year-old. He was overwhelmed by adult romantic situations, didn't understand subtle social cues, and felt guilty about his deception. Susan was drawn to his genuine charm but sensed something different about him.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Josh's discomfort with adult situations, like being served alcohol or navigating office politics.

• susan
• romance
• relationship
• adult
• emotionally immature

Josh experienced moments of happiness as an adult - he enjoyed his job, liked having his own apartment, and cared for Susan. However, he also felt lonely, missed his mother, and struggled with the responsibilities of adulthood. Ultimately, he realized the joy of being a child was something he didn't want to lose.

Foreshadowing: Josh's homesickness becomes more apparent as he faces adult challenges like paying bills and dealing with work stress.

• happiness
• adult life
• lonely
• mother
• responsibilities

The film's message is that holding onto childlike wonder, joy, and innocence is valuable even as adults. Josh's journey shows that adulthood comes with real responsibilities and complications, but those who keep their youthful spirit are truly fortunate. The bittersweet ending suggests growing up is inevitable, but you can choose to embrace the best parts of being a child.

Foreshadowing: The title 'Big' represents both physical growth and the metaphorical 'big' responsibility of adulthood.

• message
• theme
• growing up
• childhood
• bittersweet
• mature