About My Father 2023

The curtain opens on a candid conversation with Sebastian Maniscalco (playing himself) as he delves into the rich history of his family’s Sicilian roots. Despite the trials they faced, his ancestors persevered through thick and thin as a tightly-knit unit, instilling in Sebastian a deep appreciation for the importance of family. Growing up, he looked up to his father Salvo (Robert DeNiro), a charismatic hairstylist with a unique perspective on life - one that often left Sebastian scratching his head.

Sebastian’s love life takes center stage as he navigates a relationship with Ellie Collins (Leslie Bibb), an artistic free spirit from a high-society family. Her father, William XII (David Rasche), is the wealthy proprietor of a prestigious hotel chain, while Sebastian toils away for their rival establishment. Ellie’s mother, Tigger (Kim Cattrall), is a force to be reckoned with in her role as a no-nonsense senator. The couple is rounded out by Ellie’s two brothers: William XIII/“Lucky” (Anders Holm), who rubs Sebastian the wrong way; and Doug (Brett Dier), the quintessential hippie. When Ellie invites Sebastian to join her family for their annual Fourth of July celebration at their opulent summer home, he feels like he’s finally being accepted as one of the clan.

Sebastian broaches the subject with Salvo, who attempts to dissuade him from attending by guilt-tripping him into considering his mother’s absence. Ellie suggests that Sebastian bring Salvo along for the ride, a prospect that fills Sebastian with trepidation - not because he doesn’t want to share this experience with his father, but because he fears Salvo’s unconventional nature will embarrass him in front of the Collins. However, as Sebastian sees the trip as an opportunity to pop the question to Ellie, he ultimately relents and invites Salvo to join them.

The trio takes to the skies for their journey to the summer home, where they’re greeted by Lucky’s helicopter ride - a prospect that sends Sebastian’s stomach into a tailspin. A hasty turnaround yields a scenic drive, which finally deposits them at the grand estate. The Collins family welcomes them with open arms, and Salvo is immediately struck by the opulence surrounding him. When Bill invites the group to dinner at an exclusive country club, Salvo takes umbrage with the notion of being treated, sparking a scene that leaves everyone in stitches.

As Sebastian and Ellie settle into their new surroundings, they’re given a tour of Bill’s impressive office, complete with a lavish showcase of his most prized hotel properties. It’s here that Sebastian makes an unsettling discovery - Ellie’s artwork adorns nearly every page, revealing her parents’ clandestine efforts to fuel her artistic ambitions by buying up her work and presenting it as her own success.

As the sun dips into the horizon, Sebastian finds himself entwined in a spirited game of tennis with Tigger, a match that pits him against Ellie and Lucky in a battle of wits and racket skills. Initially, Sebastian’s embarrassment at having Salvo (Salvo) witness his subpar performance holds him back, but a timely nudge from Lucky ignites a fire within him, allowing him to rally alongside Tigger and emerge victorious - much to the delight of their spectators. However, in the heat of triumph, Sebastian’s competitive zeal gets the better of him, and he inadvertently sends the tennis ball flying straight into Lucky’s groin.

As the family gathers on Bill’s (Bill) luxurious yacht, the patriarch announces an opportunity for Sebastian to join their esteemed hotel’s team, a position that had initially been coveted by Lucky. As Sebastian weighs his options, Tigger convinces Salvo to give her a styling session for her upcoming live news conference, an offer that sets Salvo’s creative juices flowing. Despite their initial bonding experience, the stylist’s drastic makeover leaves Tigger stunned and heartbroken as she takes to the airwaves to express her anguish.

Meanwhile, Salvo attempts to redeem himself by cooking a delectable pasta dish for the family, complete with what they assume is succulent chicken. As Sebastian and Ellie share a romantic moment outside, their bliss is short-lived when they discover a shocking truth: Salvo had, in fact, prepared their meal using one of the family’s cherished pet peacocks as the main ingredient. Horrified by his discovery, Sebastian confronts Salvo about his betrayal, ultimately leading to a sorrowful departure from the group.

In the days that follow, Sebastian stumbles upon a heartfelt note from Salvo, announcing his decision to return home. As the family prepares for their annual Christmas card photoshoot, Ellie’s curiosity gets the better of her when she discovers a hotel catalogue featuring her artwork - a discovery that shatters her understanding of her parents’ secret. Bill’s subsequent slip-up only adds fuel to the fire, and Sebastian finds himself compelled to make amends with Doug (Doug) in a bid to salvage the situation.

As the sun sets on a festive celebration, Lucky (actor name) and Doug facilitate the daring rescue of Salvo, allowing the trio to soar back into the midst of the jubilant party. In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Sebastian apologizes to his father, marking a newfound sense of unity among them. The atmosphere is electric as Sebastian takes center stage, dropping down on one knee to propose to Ellie during an impromptu live performance. Her joyous acceptance sends the crowd into raptures, and the night is filled with laughter and cheer.

Later, Salvo returns to the fold, joining the family for a heartwarming Christmas card photo shoot. In a bold display of loyalty, Sebastian turns down Bill’s lucrative job offer, opting instead to stay in Chicago alongside Ellie. This decision ultimately allows Lucky to claim the opportunity, sealing their friendship. However, just as all appears merry and bright, Duke, the family’s beloved canine companion, bursts onto the scene with a triumphant flourish, his mouth proudly displaying the plumage of a defeated peacock. As the feathers fall to the ground, the mystery surrounding the bird’s demise is solved, inadvertently clearing Sebastian and Salvo of any wrongdoing, and allowing them to breathe a collective sigh of relief.