The cinematic experience commences with an intriguing disclaimer that reads: "based on a true lie." This captivating phrase sets a distinctive tone for a narrative that challenges traditional storytelling norms. We meet Billi, portrayed by Awkwafina, a vibrant young woman living in the bustling environment of New York City alongside her parents, Haiyan (Tzi Ma) and Jian (Diana Lin). Even though a considerable distance separates her from her grandmother, Nai Nai (Shuzehen Zhou), who resides in China, Billi nurtures a deep connection with her. They maintain a special bond, sharing intimate phone conversations where Billi confides in her grandmother about her life's highs and lows.
Yet, unbeknownst to Billi, Nai Nai carries an immense secret. During a hospital visit with her sister, Little Nai Nai (Hong Lu), she receives life-altering news. As Billi and Nai Nai converse on the phone about their upcoming plans to reconnect, the conversation is cloaked in hidden truths.
Struggling to find her footing in life, Billi's discussion with Nai Nai soon shifts to a more somber tone. In a moment of vulnerability, she reveals her recent disappointment—a rejection letter from the Guggenheim fellowship—while keeping this heavy burden concealed from those around her.
Upon visiting her family, tensions simmer just beneath the surface. Jian expresses her apprehensions about Billi's stagnant trajectory and financial uncertainty. During a heartfelt exchange, Billi learns of her parents’ hastily planned trip to China for their nephew, Hao Hao, and his rushed wedding to Aiko (whose grasp of Chinese is minimal). However, this sudden journey carries a complexity that unfolds gradually.
When Billi queries her father, Haiyan, on the urgency of the trip, he hesitates before revealing the heartbreaking reality: Nai Nai has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The family finds itself grappling with the dilemma of concealing this devastating truth from their cherished grandmother, fearing that its revelation might prove too heavy for her heart to bear. Knowing that Billi's emotions would betray the family's secret, her parents decide against allowing her to accompany them.
This intricate web of relationships, cultural traditions, and veiled secrets paves the way for a heartfelt exploration of love, family ties, and the concept of mortality. As Billi’s arrival in China stirs a mixture of emotions among her family, the tension in the air becomes tangible. While Billi's parents wear grim expressions, Nai Nai's welcoming demeanor contrasts sharply, leaving Jian to reconcile her conflicting feelings.
Amidst wedding preparations that showcase the cultural divide between America and China, Billi manages to keep her worries under wraps. However, her attempts to discuss Nai Nai’s health are thwarted at every turn, leaving her grappling with frustration and a sense of helplessness. The plot thickens when Nai Nai experiences a severe coughing fit that necessitates a hospital visit, compelling Billi to confront her beloved grandmother's precarious wellbeing yet again.
In a conversation with Dr. Lee, Billi learns that Nai Nai's symptoms may stem from a lingering pneumonia and not a more serious condition. The doctor proposes adjustments to Nai Nai’s treatment while also suggesting an X-ray to rule out further issues. Meanwhile, Billi's father and uncle, Haibin, provide insights into the contrasting mindsets of American and Chinese cultures, emphasizing that in China, one’s existence is deeply intertwined with family and society.
Struggling with this newfound perspective, Billi shares her aspirations of remaining in China to care for Nai Nai. However, Jian firmly insists she should return home, questioning the impact she could truly have on her family’s situation. Regrettably, their discussion revisits the painful memory of Billi’s grandfather's passing, leaving her feeling marginalized and uncertain of her role within the family structure.
As the wedding festivities unfold, Nai Nai, ever the dutiful matriarch, subtly reminds Billi to fulfill her responsibilities as a guest. With a gentle nudge, she encourages Billi to wear a warm smile and extend her greetings to the guests, even as Billi's thoughts race ahead, clouded by concerns about the looming medical tests.
The atmosphere thickens as celebration takes center stage, with Haibin becoming emotional as he expresses his joy through tears. Billi finds her voice amidst the revelry, joining her father on stage for an impromptu karaoke performance of "Killing Me Softly." Such moments of laughter are short-lived, however, as Hao Hao's tears echo the unresolved emotions of the day.
Little Nai Nai's innocent quest for her camera leads to fortuitous events, enabling Billi to collaborate with her to manipulate Mrs. Gao’s test results, altering the diagnosis to suggest less menacing outcomes—"benign shadows." As Nai Nai gleefully announces her results to the family, declaring, "You've all been worrying for nothing! I told you, I'm fine!", the room fills with mixed relief and joy.
In a touching parting gesture, Nai Nai gifts Billi an envelope, representing a token meant for Hao Hao, urging her granddaughter to indulge in something special rather than dismiss it for practical responsibilities. Billi shares her disappointment regarding the fellowship, prompting Nai Nai to impart valuable wisdom—it’s not just about what one does in life, but the essence of how they choose to do it.
As Billi prepares to journey back to New York, Nai Nai holds her in an embrace, whispering assurances of their paths crossing again soon. With Billi returning home to the bustling streets of New York, she finds herself standing at a crossroads, pondering her future. In a moment of spontaneity, she releases a primal grunt, reminiscent of Nai Nai’s life-affirming lessons.
The film closes on a stirring note, intertwining the fictional narrative with real-life footage of the true Nai Nai, who has transcended her stage four cancer diagnosis six years later, embodying strength and resilience.
