Will Hunting must navigate genius, trauma, and the fear of letting people in. We break down whose story it really is, what Will wants vs. what he truly needs, and how growth, vulnerability, and true friendship make this story resonate — all with laughs, curiosity, and playful debate.

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"You're not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you've met, she's not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you're perfect for each other"

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

Release date: December 5, 1997

Director: Gus Van Sant

Screenplay: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck

Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role 

Running time: 2h 6m

Budget: 10 million USD