Didi (2024) is a coming-of-age movie directed by Sean Wang, offering a heartfelt portrayal of adolescence, family relationships, and cultural identity. Set in 2008, the film follows a young Taiwanese-American boy navigating his teenage years while dealing with personal and social challenges.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the film, including details on its plot, cast, critical reception, and streaming availability.

Plot Overview of Didi

As Chris approaches high school, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to skateboard, attempting to flirt, and striving to understand his relationship with his mother, Chungsing Wang. The film authentically captures the challenges of adolescence, from the awkwardness of first love to the nuances of cultural identity. Set against the backdrop of early internet culture, “Dìdi” incorporates elements like AOL Instant Messenger and MySpace, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the mid-2000s.

Cast of “Didi”

• Izaac Wang as Chris Wang
• Joan Chen as Chungsing Wang
• Shirley Chen as Vivian Wang
• Chang Li Hua as Nǎi Nai
• Mahaela Park as Madi

The ensemble cast brings authenticity to the narrative, making the characters’ experiences relatable and heartfelt.

Critical Reception

Upon its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, “Dìdi” garnered significant acclaim. Critics praised its sincere depiction of adolescence and the early internet era. Adrian Horton of The Guardian described it as “easily one of the best, most seamless films on the experience of growing up online.” The film holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its positive reception. Notably, former President Barack Obama included “Dìdi” in his annual list of favorite movies, highlighting its cultural significance and widespread appeal.

Audience Reviews

Viewers have resonated with the film’s authentic portrayal of teenage life. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes noted, “Realistic for a teen living in the era of internet… Relatable movie but boring at parts.” Another audience member commented, “It’s my favorite movie of 2024 so far. A perfect blend of ‘Eighth Grade’ and ‘Mid90s’…with a slight dash of ‘Riceboy Sleeps’.” These reflections underscore the film’s ability to evoke both nostalgia and relatability among diverse audiences.

With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Didi has been widely recognized as one of the best indie films of 2024. Even former President Barack Obama included it in his top movies of the year.

Imdb rating: 7.3/10

Where to Watch

As of February 2025, “Dìdi” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers can rent or purchase the film in high-definition formats. The movie is also accessible on Apple TV, Vudu, and JioHotstar, providing multiple platforms for audiences to experience this evocative tale.

Accolades

“Dìdi” has received several awards and nominations, including:

• Sundance Film Festival: Audience Award – U.S. Dramatic; Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble.
• San Diego Film Critics Society: Best Youth Performance for Izaac Wang.
• San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle: Best Supporting Actress for Joan Chen.

These accolades underscore the film’s impact and the outstanding performances of its cast.

More about “Didi”

A lesser-known fact about the film “Dìdi” (2024) is that director Sean Wang cast his real-life grandmother, Chang Li Hua, in the role of Chris’s grandmother, Nai Nai.

Also the film’s soundtrack features “Stop Talking,” a song by Motion City Soundtrack. This track marked the band’s first new release in over a decade and was specifically written for the movie’s closing credits. The collaboration came about after Wang shared his admiration for the band on social media, leading to their involvement in the project.