What's Cooking? 2000

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Day, four families from diverse backgrounds—Vietnamese, Latino, Jewish, and African American—gather to celebrate the traditional holiday meal, each bringing their unique culinary traditions and personal struggles to the table.

The Seelig family, made up of Ruth and Herb (Lanie Kazan and Maury Chaykin), find themselves welcoming their daughter, Rachel (Kyra Sedgwick), back home, accompanied by her girlfriend Carla (Julianna Margulies). As a progressive Jewish couple, Ruth and Herb are grappling with the acceptance of their daughter’s sexuality, particularly after the revelation that Rachel identifies as a lesbian. Over dinner, the family dynamics intensify when the overbearing Bea (Estelle Harris), Herb’s elderly sister, inadvertently puts Rachel on the spot with questions about her love life. Unbeknownst to Bea, Rachel has a secret announcement that leaves the family in shock: she is pregnant, and in an unexpected twist, reveals that Jerry (Andrew Heckler), who is also gay, provided the sperm for her and Carla’s child. Rachel passionately urges her family to embrace her true self, leading to a heartfelt moment where her parents come to terms with their evolving family dynamics.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Elizabeth “Lizzy” Avila (Mercedes Ruehl) is navigating her own tumultuous family situation, having separated from her husband, Javier (Victor Rivers), who has left her for Lizzy’s cousin Rosa. The day before Thanksgiving, their son Tony (Douglas Spain) accidentally encounters his father and, out of goodwill, invites Javier to the family gathering—a decision Lizzy vehemently opposes. Adding to the complexity, their daughter Gina (Isidra Vega) returns home from college with her Vietnamese-American boyfriend, Jimmy (Will Yung Lee), who faces microaggressions from the family. The day is rife with misunderstandings and simmering tensions, especially when Javier’s presence and Lizzy’s new relationship with co-worker Daniel (A Martinez) fuel further discord leading to a dramatic confrontation.

In another household, Ronald Williams (Dennis Haysbert), who works as an aide to the conservative governor of California (Frank Novak), wrestles with the disappointment of his activist son, Michael (Eric K. George). After Michael and his friends embarrass Ronald at a public event, the family dynamics heighten, particularly as they prepare for Thanksgiving. The arrival of Ronald’s white colleague, James (Gregory Itzin), along with his second wife Paula (Shareen Mitchell) and his daughter from a previous marriage, adds pressure to Ronald and Audrey. The secrets start to unravel during dinner when longstanding issues come to a head. Honor and integrity collide with familial love as Ronald and Michael resolve their fractured relationship with a cathartic reconciliation.

The Nguyen family’s home, led by Trinh and Duc (Joan Chen and Francois Chau), is equally disrupted with teenage trials. Their oldest son Jimmy, who has deceived them about his Thanksgiving plans, is actually celebrating across the street with the Avilas. Meanwhile, their daughter Jenny (Kristy Wu) faces scrutiny when a hidden condom reveals her romantic involvement with a white boyfriend, while their younger son Gary (Jimmy Pham) faces grave issues that spiral into chaos when a gun is discovered. As tensions mount, a harrowing accident during dinner prompts the Nguyen family to confront their challenges together.

Despite individual challenges faced by the Seeligs, Avilas, Williams, and Nguyens, the spirit of Thanksgiving prevails as they come together. As the families unite over their shared experiences, they learn that even amidst their differences, love and acceptance can transcend their struggles, culminating in a poignant Thanksgiving dinner filled with unexpected guests and reconciliations.