There are themes in storytelling that are timeless, even if the stories themselves evolve over time. That’s why we see classic films and shows being given new life. It’s an opportunity to update the story for a new age and new challenges, often adding new wrinkles.

That’s the case with The Wedding Banquet, a new comedy that opens in theaters Friday. While this particular iteration is new, the basic idea comes from the past. It’s an adaptation of a film from Ang Lee of the same name that was released in 1993. While the world has changed, some themes remain timeless.

In this new version, we’re introduced to two couples who are close as family. Lee (Lily Gladstone) has been out and proud for years. She owns a house, passed down by her family, that she shares with partner Angela (Kelly Marie Tran). The journey of self-discovery was different for Angela, as her relationship to her mother, May (Joan Chen), who is now quite supportive. But it wasn’t always like that.

Now, Lee and Angela are ready for the next step. Lee has undergone two rounds of IVF, but it’s failed to produce a child. The procedure is expensive and taxing—emotionally and physically. They aren’t sure they have the cash or the strength to do it again. But Lee wants a child.

They share their home with Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han Gi-Chan), who live in the guest house. Chris and Angela met at college and, after a failed hook up, realized they could be friends and support one-another. Min is the grandson of a wealthy family from Korea. They’re also a traditional family who don’t realize he’s gay.

When Min is facing an expired Visa, he proposes to Chris. He wants to marry the man he loves, but Chris isn’t ready. He also doesn’t think Min is ready to blow up his life by coming out to his grandparents. But Min is determined to stay—so he hatches a plan.

Min proposes marrying Angela to get a green card. He offers to give them the money needed to continue their IVF journey. It seems crazy, but Angela agrees. When Min’s conservative grandmother, Ja-Young (Youn Yuh-jung), comes to participate in the wedding, things get crazy quickly.

This is an updated take on the original, which focused on a gay man who needed to find a bride to stay in the country. The legalization of marriage for everyone in the United States changes the possibilities here, but this twist on the story keeps the same basic idea. But it allows for things to be updated into a modern era that add some wrinkles here.

Doubtless you’ll be surprised where this film ends up. There are some wild twists and turns that add wrinkles and some humor to the story. But this isn’t a straight comedy. Some of the moments that work best here are the dramatic ones that allow this cast to show its range.

I particularly enjoyed Tran as Angela. She’s given a tough and strange arc throughout the film and handles it all well. This is a great turn for her in a different kind of role. I also quite enjoyed Yuh-jung, who is great as the grandmother. She has some great emotional beats, lifting all the scenes she’s in.

Overall, this was a satisfying film that offers laughs, pathos, and plenty of heart. It will entertain audiences and provides something a little different in theaters.

The Wedding Banquet opens wide Friday, April 18.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.