Quick Info
A touching small town drama, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" is the intimate tale of a young man (Johnny Depp) shouldering immense responsibilites. He obsessively cares for his mentally disabled brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his obese mother after his father's death, all while dealing with the complexity of his own life and love. The film approaches the family's adversity with sensitivity—never making it feel exploitative.
Depp gives a solid subdued performance as Gilbert, but it's DiCaprio's portrayal of Arnie that steals the show. He loses himself in the character so much, you forget you're watching a performance. There are plenty of powerful scenes, such as Arnie's childlike excitement over his upcoming birthday, or the poignant moment when Gilbert believes he lost Arnie, showing you the profound depths of their bond.
However, the love interest subplot involving Juliette Lewis feels a little unnecessary, given all that's happening. But overall, the power of the film lies in its portrayal of the struggles and small triumphs in everyday life. A must-watch if you enjoy subtly told dramas that pack an emotional punch.
