What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Gilbert Grape lives in a stifling Midwestern town where everyday life is piled on him. He works at a grocery store while caring for his younger brother Arnie, whose intellectual disability and need for constant supervision create regular chaos, and for his mother Bonnie, who is housebound by extreme obesity. Gilbert's steady if stalled routine includes a relationship with local woman Betty Carver that feels more habit than love. When Becky, a warm and outspoken traveler, arrives in town, her presence loosens the town's rhythms and forces Gilbert to reckon with what he wants versus what he owes, without giving away how things turn out.

Directed by Lasse Hallström and written by Peter Hedges, the film was released in 1993 and features Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Steenburgen, and Darlene Cates in central roles. The intimate, character-driven production emphasizes performances over spectacle.

The movie drew awards attention, most notably earning Leonardo DiCaprio an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, recognition that highlighted his energetic portrayal of Arnie and helped raise the film's profile during awards season.

Critics generally praised the cast, especially DiCaprio and Depp, and audiences responded favorably, reflected in a 7.662/10 average from 4,162 votes. The film centers on themes of responsibility, family strain, and the suffocating effects of small-town expectations, with an emphasis on empathy and the awkwardness of trying to live a life that feels right amid obligations.

Over time the film became a reference point for 1990s indie dramas and for the early careers of its leads. DiCaprio's Arnie became a memorable cinematic character, and the movie is often brought up when people talk about honest, performance-driven stories about family care and isolation. Its quiet moments and strong acting continue to draw viewers who appreciate intimate, human-focused drama.