Plot Summary
The story unfolds with Noah (Joel Kim Booster), a young gay man, who wakes up after a fleeting one-night stand. He finds himself bombarded with missed texts and calls from his close-knit group of friends, who are gearing up for their annual summer getaway to Fire Island, a vibrant destination off Long Island, New York. Joining his “sisters”—Keegan (Tomas Matos), Luke (Matt Rogers), Max (Torian Miller), and Howie (Bowen Yang)—Noah sets sail to the island to reconnect and unwind.
Upon arrival, they reunite with their nurturing matriarch, Erin (Margaret Cho), whose home serves as their sanctuary. After settling in, Noah and Howie share drinks and reminiscence about their lives, particularly Howie’s new job in New York City that distanced him from his friends. Driven by their desire for fun and romance, they jokingly dub Fire Island as the “Gay Disneyland.” However, calamity strikes when Max accidentally knocks Noah’s phone into the pool. After the phone undergoes a makeshift drying process, Erin reveals her dire financial straits, declaring this might be their last summer at the beloved getaway, igniting a determination among the group to make unforgettable memories while they can.
The night culminates in a lively outing where Noah catches the eye of a charming lawyer named Will (Conrad Ricamora), while Howie finds an unexpected connection with Charlie (James Scully). A misunderstanding kicks off when Noah inadvertently insults Will, mistaking him for another suitor, as sparks fly during a party hosted by Charlie, whose fancy abode starkly contrasts the group’s carefree vibe. Amid awkward encounters and drunken antics, tensions simmer, leading to a chaotic but hilarious series of events that keep the group at the center of attention, even as they clash with the more affluent party-goers.
The following day, after a night of heavy partying, Noah discovers Howie sleeping off a bender at Charlie and Will’s place. An ill-timed invitation leads to various misunderstandings, especially when Will warns Noah about not trusting the charming Dex (Zane Phillips), who seems to thrive on social media fame at the expense of others. As romantic entanglements unfold, the group’s dynamics shift with Noah and Dex almost sharing a moment, only to be interrupted by more drama.
As complications arise during a dinner party, where Noah and Will’s banter turns confrontational, the group navigates the difficulties of friendship, love, and the evolving relationships between them amid wild parties and emotional confrontations. A climatic final stand-off occurs when a video scandal threatens to disrupt their trip, forcing Noah to team up with Will to protect their friend Luke through Will’s legal prowess.
As the summer adventure takes unexpected turns marked by loss, confusion, and joyful reunions, Noah and his friends find themselves pushed to their limits, culminating in heartfelt confessions and reconciliations. In the end, the four friends watch the sunset together, embracing love in all its forms, as Noah and Will finally share a heartfelt kiss, surrounded by support from their friends. The journey culminates not just as a vacation, but a transformative summer that solidifies their bond and leaves them reflecting on their choices and new beginnings.
Timeline
Noah Wakes Up
Noah, a young gay man, wakes up after a fleeting one-night stand, greeted by a flurry of missed texts and calls from his friends. This moment sets the stage for a summer adventure that will test and strengthen their bonds.
Summer Getaway to Fire Island
Noah joins his close-knit group of friends as they head to Fire Island, a vibrant destination off Long Island. This annual summer getaway is a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, romance, and reunions.
Reunion with Erin
Upon their arrival, the group reunites with Erin, their nurturing matriarch, who welcomes them into her home. The house becomes their sanctuary, a place for them to reconnect and unwind away from the hustle of city life.
Reminiscing Over Drinks
Noah and Howie share drinks and reminisce about their lives, highlighting Howie's new job that has distanced him from the group. Their conversation reinforces the importance of friendship and the memories they share.
Max Destroys Noah's Phone
The group's jovial atmosphere takes a turn when Max accidentally knocks Noah's phone into the pool. This mishap leads to a makeshift drying operation, symbolizing the unexpected challenges they face during their trip.
Erin's Financial Woes
During their reunion, Erin reveals her dire financial situation, leading to the stark realization that this might be their last summer at Fire Island. This news motivates the group to create unforgettable memories together.
Exciting Night Out
The night concludes with an exciting outing where Noah catches the eye of Will, a charming lawyer. Meanwhile, Howie discovers a surprising connection with Charlie, adding sparks to their evening of adventure.
Misunderstanding with Will
Noah misinterprets a situation and inadvertently insults Will, mistaking him for another suitor amidst the party's festivities. This misunderstanding initiates a series of comedic yet tense encounters between the characters.
Unexpected Hangover
The following day, Noah finds Howie passed out at Charlie and Will's place after a night of heavy partying. This situation escalates when misunderstandings arise from Will's warning about the social media-savvy Dex.
Dramatic Dinner Party
During a dinner party, tensions flare as Noah and Will's playful banter turns confrontational. The group begins navigating through personal conflicts that test their friendships and romantic interests.
Video Scandal Threatens Trip
A climactic stand-off occurs when a video scandal threatens the group's vacation, risking their friendships. In a moment of unity, Noah teams up with Will to navigate the legal implications and protect their friend Luke.
Emotional Confessions
As the summer progresses, feelings of loss and confusion culminate in heartfelt confessions among the friends. Their experiences force them to confront their choices and the significance of their bonds.
Sunset Reflection
In a touching conclusion, the four friends watch the sunset, embracing love in all its forms. This moment symbolizes the transformative summer they've shared together, solidifying their friendships.
Noah and Will's Kiss
The journey culminates as Noah and Will finally share a heartfelt kiss, surrounded by the support of their friends. This moment of connection encapsulates their personal growth and the deeper bonds forged over the summer.
Lasting Memories
The summer adventure ends with reflections on the choices made and new beginnings embraced. The friends leave Fire Island with lasting memories, forever changed by their experiences and newfound relationships.
Characters
Noah
Noah is a young, charismatic gay man navigating love and friendship during a summer vacation. He is depicted as both humorous and vulnerable, facing the complexities of relationships, especially as he bonds with Will. His journey reflects personal growth and the importance of cherished connections.
Erin
Erin serves as the nurturing matriarch of the group, providing a safe haven for her friends. Known for her wisdom and supportive nature, she plays a crucial role in the group's emotional dynamics. Her financial struggles add depth to her character, showcasing her resilience.
Will
Will is a charming lawyer who becomes entangled in a romantic narrative with Noah. His character is marked by intelligence and a protective instinct towards his friends. Throughout the story, he evolves from a potential love interest to a supportive ally.
Howie
Howie is Noah's close friend, characterized by his lightheartedness but also his struggles with stability. His journey in the film reflects the challenges of maintaining friendships when faced with life's uncertainties, offering both comic relief and emotional depth.
Charlie
Charlie is the affable host who embodies the lively spirit of the parties. His character represents the intersection of social status and friendship, as he navigates his fancy lifestyle alongside the group's carefree vibe. He brings an element of charm and complexity to the narrative.
Dex
Dex is portrayed as a social media-savvy character who often causes misunderstandings among the group. His charm and ambition illustrate the sometimes chaotic influence of social fame on personal relationships, adding tension to the group's dynamics.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place during a contemporary summer, where friends gather to enjoy their time at Fire Island. This period is characterized by an embrace of gay culture, where the characters indulge in fun, romance, and the bond of friendship amid the challenges of modern relationships.
Location
Fire Island, Long Island, New York
Fire Island is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Renowned as a summer retreat, it offers a combination of relaxation and vibrant nightlife, often referred to as a 'Gay Disneyland' by its visitors. The island is celebrated for its close-knit community, making it a sanctuary for friendships and unforgettable experiences.
Themes
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Love
The theme of love is central to the narrative, exploring various forms of relationships among friends, as well as romantic connections. As Noah navigates his feelings for Will and the complexities of attraction, the film highlights the importance of love and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community. Through misunderstandings and reconciliations, the characters learn to embrace love in all its unique manifestations.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a pivotal role in the film, showcasing the deep bonds formed among the group of friends. Their unwavering support for each other during turbulent times highlights the strength and resilience of friendship. As they create lasting memories together, the movie emphasizes the significance of solidarity and shared experiences in shaping their identities.
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Celebration
Celebration permeates the storyline, reflected in the lively parties and joyful reunions that characterize their summer getaway. The film showcases how the characters embrace life and enjoy their time together, turning moments of chaos into opportunities for laughter and connection. This theme embodies the spirit of making the most out of life while facing challenges together.
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