Sujata Day's film uses the trials of a national spelling bee champ (scramp) as a way to show us Bengali second-generation immigrants dealing with their legacy. Finding a second act after becoming the scramp, Monica is living in Greensburg , PA (the film represents it well).
Still when her brother Sonny returns home for an anniversary Sikh memorial for their father, stuff happens--why are bedroom doors locked?
Monica is a great character, smoking pot while out doing tutoring for other potential scramps in Greensburg, hanging with her bestie who is in recovery, and taking care of her mother Jaya.
Jaya is a great handful--expressive, and ill--she is crucial in every scene in which she appears. "i hate the F word!" The toll that the family has undertaken for eight year old Monica to become scramp appears slowly throughout. The family has taken another hit as well but this slowly becomes apparent--Sonny is not dealing with his bipolar disorder and this leads to the movie's great scenes.
This film is funny and dramatic and it tenderly shows how this family has adapted and endured. Highly recommend that you watch this.
Still when her brother Sonny returns home for an anniversary Sikh memorial for their father, stuff happens--why are bedroom doors locked?
Monica is a great character, smoking pot while out doing tutoring for other potential scramps in Greensburg, hanging with her bestie who is in recovery, and taking care of her mother Jaya.
Jaya is a great handful--expressive, and ill--she is crucial in every scene in which she appears. "i hate the F word!" The toll that the family has undertaken for eight year old Monica to become scramp appears slowly throughout. The family has taken another hit as well but this slowly becomes apparent--Sonny is not dealing with his bipolar disorder and this leads to the movie's great scenes.
This film is funny and dramatic and it tenderly shows how this family has adapted and endured. Highly recommend that you watch this.