What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) is a poignant coming-of-age drama directed by Lasse Hallström, adapted from the novel by Peter Hedges. Set in the small town of Endora, Iowa, the film follows Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp), a young man burdened with caring for his intellectually disabled brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio, in a breakthrough performance) and his morbidly obese mother Bonnie (Darlene Cates), after the death of their father.
Gilbert’s life is one of routine and quiet desperation, working at a local grocery store and maintaining a fragile balance in his chaotic household. His world begins to shift when Becky (Juliette Lewis), a free-spirited traveler, arrives in town and offers Gilbert a glimpse of a life beyond duty and guilt. As their connection deepens, Gilbert is forced to confront his own fears, responsibilities, and longing for independence.
Depp delivers a restrained and deeply empathetic performance, allowing Gilbert’s internal struggles to quietly simmer beneath the surface. But it’s DiCaprio who steals the spotlight—his portrayal of Arnie is astonishingly authentic, full of energy, vulnerability, and unpredictability. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination at just 19 years old.
The film’s strength lies in its sensitive portrayal of family dysfunction, mental disability, and emotional entrapment. Hallström’s direction is gentle and observant, capturing the melancholy beauty of small-town life without descending into sentimentality. The script is rich with nuance, exploring themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the quiet heroism found in simply staying.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is not just a story about hardship—it’s about the slow, painful process of learning to let go and embrace change. It’s a film that lingers, with performances and emotional truths that remain resonant decades later.
