Banana Split (2026)

Released: 2026-01-18 Recommended age: 12+ No IMDb rating yet
Banana Split

Movie details

  • Genres: Comedy, Drama
  • Director: Walter Kim
  • Main cast: Jessica Chung, Min-Gu
  • Original language: en
  • Premiere: 2026-01-18

Story overview

Banana Split is a 2026 comedy-drama about Peter, a grieving photographer, and Alice, a rebellious young woman, who are forced to share an apartment due to a scheduling error. Over a transformative weekend in New York City, they explore Chinatown and the Hamptons while confronting personal struggles: Peter deals with his sister's death and feelings of invisibility, and Alice grapples with family secrets and a recent breakup. Through shared experiences like stolen dumplings and midnight swims, they help each other face their emotions and identities in this bittersweet story about grief, self-discovery, and human connection.

Parent Guide

A thoughtful character study about grief and identity with minimal concerning content. The film handles mature themes with sensitivity and includes positive messages about emotional honesty and cultural identity.

Content breakdown

Violence & peril
None

No violence or physical peril depicted. Some emotional tension related to grief and family conflicts.

Scary / disturbing
Mild

Themes of death and grief may be emotionally challenging for sensitive viewers. No jump scares or horror elements.

Language
Mild

Occasional mild profanity (e.g., 'hell', 'damn'). No strong or frequent swearing.

Sexual content & nudity
Mild

Brief romantic references and discussions about relationships. No explicit content, nudity, or sexual situations shown.

Substance use
Mild

Social drinking in restaurant/bar scenes (wine, cocktails). No drunkenness, drug use, or glorification of substance use.

Emotional intensity
Moderate

Significant emotional themes including grief, loss, family conflict, and identity exploration. Characters experience sadness, anger, and vulnerability, but the tone remains hopeful overall.

Parent tips

This film explores mature themes like grief, identity, and family dynamics through a gentle, character-driven lens. While there's no graphic content, parents should be prepared to discuss emotional topics with children. The movie portrays Asian-American experiences authentically, offering opportunities for conversations about cultural identity. The tone balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it accessible but emotionally resonant. Best suited for viewers who can handle nuanced discussions about loss and personal growth.

Parent chat guide

Banana Split uses its New York City setting and character interactions to explore how people process grief and find connection. The film's strength lies in its honest portrayal of emotional vulnerability—Peter's journey with loss and Alice's with family secrets model healthy ways to confront difficult feelings. The Asian-American perspective provides meaningful representation. While comedic moments lighten the mood, the core message about self-acceptance and mutual understanding makes this a thoughtful viewing experience for families ready to engage with its themes.

Parent follow-up questions

  • What was your favorite part of their New York adventure?
  • How do you think Peter and Alice felt when they became friends?
  • Why do you think it was hard for Peter to talk about his sister?
  • What does 'being seen' mean to you after watching this movie?
  • How did Peter and Alice help each other grow during their weekend together?
  • What does the movie show about how people handle grief differently?
  • How does the film explore the concept of 'invisibility' in both personal and cultural contexts?
  • What does the relationship between Peter and Alice reveal about healing through human connection?

Where to watch

Streaming availability has not been announced yet.

Trailer

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