It follows a Chinese-American professor, Rachel, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick and is shocked to discover that Nick's family is one of the richest families in Singapore. The film was announced in August after the rights to the book were purchased. Many of the cast members signed on in the spring of , and filming took place from April to June of that year in parts of Singapore , Malaysia and New York City.
It is the first film by a major Hollywood studio to feature a majority cast of Chinese descent in a modern setting since The Joy Luck Club in Despite such praises in the United States, the film was also criticized for casting biracial actors over fully ethnically Chinese ones in certain roles. Additional criticism was also directed at the film for failing to acknowledge Singapore's multiracial demographic by including other Singaporean ethnic groups—such as Malay and Indian actors—as characters, as well as perpetuating stereotypes of East Asians.
After they're led to first class seats on the plane, Nick admits that his family is wealthy but assures Rachel they will love her. After they arrive, Rachel visits her college roommate Goh Peik Lin and her wealthy family, who reveal that Nick's family are extremely wealthy, have a real estate empire and are akin to royalty in Singapore. Peik Lin helps Rachel pick out an appropriate dress for the event and drives her to the sprawling Young family estate for a dinner party.
Rachel has an awkward first meeting with Nick's mother, Eleanor, who expresses disapproval of Rachel's American identity, reflecting in her following her passions instead of prioritizing family. She is also questioned by Nick's cousins, who expect her to come from a wealthy family like theirs, but is treated kindly by the cousin he is closest with, Astrid Teo. Astrid is married to Michael, a former soldier from a humble background, who is starting a tech company.
She is devastated to discover at the party that Michael is having an affair. Rachel is invited to Araminta's extravagant bachelorette party and feels out of place, but is befriended by Amanda Ling, a lawyer for the Young family's company.
