New feature film The Strawberry is a tender exploration of end-of-life care

Medical aid in dying is in the movies, now more than ever. 

It’s absolutely central to The Strawberry, a new, award-winning independent film from Slabtown Studios starring Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H). 

Based on a true story, the film follows 80-year-old Herb Kaplan (Farrell), who has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When his doctor tells him he has only a few months to live, Herb decides how he wants to spend that time: surrounded by the people he loves and living life as fully as possible.

As he grapples with pain and illness, Herb ultimately chooses to pursue medical aid in dying, a decision that is difficult for his two sons to understand. Throughout the film, Herb works to reconcile with his family — his sons and daughter-in-law — and deepen his relationship with his beloved grandson before his death.

The Strawberry is a tender exploration of end-of-life care and the ways one person’s decision to use medical aid in dying can affect loved ones as well as health care providers. It also accurately depicts the process of accessing medical aid in dying while centering the importance of personal autonomy, open communication, and compassionate care.

At its heart, The Strawberry is a story about living as much as it is about dying. Herb’s journey invites viewers to consider what it means to have agency at the end of life, and how honoring a person’s wishes can be an expression of love.

The Strawberry premiered in August 2026 and has won multiple awards, including Best U.S. Feature at the 2026 Desertscape International Film Festival, where Mike Farrell also received the award for Best Actor. 

Compassion & Choices is proud to partner with the filmmakers and support their screenings as they bring this important story to audiences and create space for meaningful conversations about end-of-life care. 

To learn more about the film and how to view it, visit www.thestrawberrymovie.com.