The Wedding Banquet (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
As of April 2025, The Wedding Banquet (2025) is not yet available for streaming. However, based on the distributor Bleecker Street’s streaming history, it’s highly anticipated to be available on platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or for rental via Apple TV and Google Play. You can track its release schedule via JustWatch or visit the official website for updates.
A Modern Queer Reimagining of a Classic Tale
Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet (2025) isn’t just a remake—it’s a bold reinvention. Co-written with James Schamus, who penned the original 1993 screenplay with Ang Lee, this version reframes the narrative for a new generation. Instead of just one gay man trying to please his parents, we now have two queer couples navigating not just immigration and family pressure but also the emotional toll of commitment and chosen family expectations.
Plot Overview Without Spoilers
At its heart, this is the story of Min (Han Gi-chan), a wealthy Korean-American heir whose life is complicated by an expiring visa, a hesitant boyfriend (Chris, played by Bowen Yang), and his traditional grandmother. His solution? A green card marriage with lesbian friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran), who needs IVF support from her partner Lee (Lily Gladstone).
Their plan takes a twist when Min’s grandmother Ja-Young (Youn Yuh-jung) unexpectedly arrives, insisting on a grand Korean wedding banquet. The comedic potential is ripe, but what unfolds is far more nuanced—layered with compassion, awkward truths, and intergenerational reckoning.
Where to Watch The Wedding Banquet (2025) Online?
As of now, The Wedding Banquet (2025) has not yet been released on any streaming platform. Bleecker Street, the film’s U.S. distributor, typically licenses their titles to platforms like:
| Streaming Platform | Expected Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu | Mid-2025 | Bleecker Street past releases often land here |
| Amazon Prime Video | Expected for purchase/rent | Likely to offer early rental access |
| Apple TV | For rental & purchase | 4K HDR availability possible |
| Google Play Movies & YouTube | For rental | Standard streaming storefront |
| Netflix | Less likely | Not typical for this distributor |
👉 Bookmark this JustWatch link to stay updated in real time.
The Core Themes: Love, Identity, and Emotional Truth
This film wears its queerness on its sleeve, but never in a way that feels performative. It genuinely explores what modern LGBTQ+ relationships look like: from dealing with internalized fears about parenting, to processing intergenerational trauma, to redefining what love means outside heteronormative expectations.
Ahn masterfully balances rom-com levity with emotional maturity. It’s light without being shallow, tender without becoming melodramatic.
Stellar Performances Across the Board
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Kelly Marie Tran: Absolutely vulnerable and commanding. Her arc with Joan Chen (playing her mother) is among the best mother-daughter dynamics seen this year.
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Lily Gladstone: A vision of lesbian tenderness and inner strength. Her gaze alone carries volumes of emotion. Critics are already whispering awards.
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Han Gi-chan & Bowen Yang: Beautiful chemistry layered with passive-aggressive wit and genuine vulnerability.
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Youn Yuh-jung: Steals every scene. Oscar-worthy once again. Her quiet wisdom and comedic timing deliver unforgettable moments.
Ahn’s Direction: Mature, Bold, and Deeply Queer
Director Andrew Ahn (Fire Island, Spa Night) continues to redefine queer cinema by blending East Asian traditions with modern LGBTQ+ narratives. His command of tone allows for sudden emotional pivots—one moment hilarity, the next heartbreaking truths. The film’s visual palette leans into soft pastels and warm tones, creating a welcoming space where even chaos feels intimate.
Comparing the 1993 and 2025 Versions
This isn’t a carbon copy. While Ang Lee’s version tackled the necessity of hiding one’s sexuality, Ahn’s reimagining explores emotional honesty between queer partners—who may be “out,” but still trapped in cycles of avoidance. Here, it’s not about deceiving parents; it’s about not deceiving yourself.
Favorite Moments (Without Spoilers)
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The mock argument about “American buses being too slow” during the green card joke.
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Lee holding a Certain Women DVD, subtly nodding to Gladstone’s real filmography.
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A lovingly set dinner table with ten seats… and only four guests.
These details speak volumes.
Critics and Audience Reactions
Audiences at early screenings couldn’t stop raving. Critics highlighted how it tackled complex issues without didacticism. Some quipped, “Not even the worst theater odor could ruin this experience.”
LGBTQ+ viewers especially embraced its depiction of chosen family, queer parenting, and Korean-American cultural identity. The film became an instant comfort watch for many.
Current Streaming Status
📢 [As of April 2025, streaming is not yet available]
However, stay updated here:
🔗 JustWatch Availability Tracker
🔗 Official Website – Bleecker Street
Expect it to drop on Hulu or Amazon in the coming months based on historical release patterns.
FAQs
Is The Wedding Banquet (2025) available to stream right now?
No, as of this article’s publication, the movie is not yet on any streaming platform.
Which platform will likely stream The Wedding Banquet (2025)?
Hulu and Amazon Prime Video are the most likely candidates based on Bleecker Street’s past deals.
Can I rent or buy The Wedding Banquet (2025) digitally?
Not yet. However, it is expected to be available for purchase on Apple TV and Google Play soon.
Is this remake connected to Ang Lee’s 1993 film?
Yes. It’s co-written by the original screenwriter James Schamus and maintains the spirit while updating the context.
Does the film address modern LGBTQ+ issues?
Absolutely. It dives into themes like queer parenting, chosen family, and emotional commitment in modern relationships.
Will this film win awards?
Too early to tell—but performances from Youn Yuh-jung and Lily Gladstone are already generating Oscar buzz.
Conclusion
The Wedding Banquet (2025) is more than just a remake—it’s a meaningful, honest, and refreshingly inclusive take on love, identity, and family. Andrew Ahn proves yet again he’s one of the most important queer filmmakers of this generation. With its exceptional cast, strong direction, and modern relevance, this film is bound to become a staple in LGBTQ+ cinema.
Stay tuned for streaming updates. But when it drops—grab your chosen family, a cozy blanket, and prepare to cry, laugh, and reflect.
