Friendsgiving 2020
Directed by
Nicol Paone
Made by
Saban Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Friendsgiving (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, renowned movie actress Molly and her best friend Abby are gearing up for a peaceful celebration away from the chaos of their lives. With her five-month-old son by her side, Molly is grappling with the challenges of divorce, while Abby, who bravely came out as a lesbian at 29, has spent the past year piecing her life back together after being abruptly left by her first girlfriend.
Molly’s innocent invitation to her fleeting boyfriend Jeff inadvertently triggers a series of events, shifting their originally simple gathering into a lively Friendsgiving feast. Their mutual friend Lauren also decides to join the festivities, bringing along her husband and children to this evolving event. In a daring move to help Abby venture back into the dating world, Lauren invites a few single lesbians, which sets the stage for exciting new connections.
However, the atmosphere that Molly hopes to maintain is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of her estranged mother Helen, who traveled all the way from Sweden with important intentions: to mend her relationship with Molly and establish a bond with her grandchild. Unbeknownst to Molly, Helen harbors a hidden agenda—she’s keen on reuniting Molly with Gunnar, a former lover who has remained a fixture in Molly’s life via social media.
As the evening progresses, an array of surprise guests appears at the door, each bringing their own fascinating story. Among them is Claire, a newly certified shaman who prefers to be called a “shawoman.” Then there’s Rick and his wife Brianne, whose silence due to Botox complications adds an intriguing layer to the night, along with Gus, a gay man still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his brother seven years ago.
In this vibrant scene filled with friendship, love, and self-exploration, Molly embarks on her own poignant journey. As she confronts her past and forges new relationships, she must navigate the intricate web of her connections, ultimately seeking a sense of belonging amid the colorful personalities that surround her.
Timeline
Track the key events of Friendsgiving (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Preparing for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, movie actress Molly and her best friend Abby prepare for a holiday retreat. Both women look forward to a peaceful celebration, hoping to escape the chaos that life has thrown their way.
Molly's Personal Struggles
Molly, grappling with the challenges of her ongoing divorce, finds herself navigating the complexities of motherhood with her five-month-old son. This personal turmoil set the tone for her upcoming gathering, as unresolved emotions linger in the air.
Abby's New Beginning
Abby, who has rebuilt her life after coming out at 29, is still reeling from the end of her first relationship. Despite her emotional hurdles, her friendship with Molly serves as a source of support and strength.
The Invitation to Jeff
Molly innocently invites her fleeting boyfriend Jeff to join their celebration, setting off a chain of events that would transform their quiet gathering into a Friendsgiving feast. This seemingly simple decision introduces unexpected dynamics into their holiday plans.
Lauren Joins the Gathering
Their mutual friend Lauren decides to enhance the festivities by bringing her husband and children along. This not only adds warmth to the gathering but also shifts the focus to the importance of togetherness with family and friends.
Introducing New Connections
In a bid to help Abby re-enter the dating scene, Lauren takes it upon herself to invite several single lesbians to the gathering. This bold strategy paves the way for new romantic possibilities amidst the existing friendships.
Helen's Unexpected Arrival
Molly's estranged mother Helen arrives unannounced from Sweden, aiming to mend their fractured relationship. Helen also seeks to connect with her grandchild, creating a complex emotional backdrop for the holiday.
Helen's Hidden Agenda
Unbeknownst to Molly, Helen has a secret intention behind her visit: she hopes to reunite Molly with Gunnar, a past love who remains a part of Molly's online life. This revelation adds tension to the already complicated family dynamics.
Surprise Guests Arrive
As the evening unfolds, a series of surprise guests drop by the gathering, each with their unique stories. This unexpected turn introduces new layers of complexity and excitement to an already bustling Friendsgiving dinner.
Meeting Claire the Shawoman
One intriguing guest is Claire, a newly certified shaman who prefers the title 'shawoman.' Her presence adds an unconventional twist to the evening, inviting guests to explore deeper connections and spirituality.
Rick and Brianne's Silent Struggle
Rick and his wife Brianne arrive, but their communication is hampered by Brianne's Botox complications, leaving her unable to speak. Their unique situation prompts conversations about beauty and vulnerability amid the holiday cheer.
Gus and His Haunting Past
Another guest, Gus, brings a heavier tone to the gathering as he carries the emotional burden of his brother's unresolved disappearance from seven years ago. His story reminds everyone of the shadows that linger even in joyful moments.
Molly's Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout the vibrant evening filled with laughter and connection, Molly embarks on her own journey of self-discovery. She reflects on her past and the various relationships that shaped her, seeking a sense of belonging.
Navigating Complex Relationships
As connections deepen and new relationships bloom, Molly must navigate the intricate web of interactions among her friends and family. The event underscores the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth.
A Night of Reflection and Joy
The Friendsgiving feast culminates in a night of reflection, joy, and newfound connections. Ultimately, the gathering serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the enduring bonds that tie them together.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Friendsgiving (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Abby (Kat Dennings)
Abby is a resilient character who embodies strength in adversity. After coming out as a lesbian and experiencing heartbreak, she is on a journey to rediscover her identity and her place in the world. Her support for Molly showcases her loyalty and deep connection with her best friend.
Molly (Malin Åkerman)
Molly is a renowned actress grappling with the emotional fallout of her recent divorce while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for her son. She is portrayed as nurturing yet vulnerable, navigating the complications of family, love, and her past. Her growth throughout the Friendsgiving event is central to the storyline.
Helen (Jane Seymour)
Helen is Molly's estranged mother, who brings a complicated dynamic to the Friendsgiving celebration. Her intentions to mend their relationship are obscured by her hidden agenda. Helen represents the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the potential for healing.
Lauren (Aisha Tyler)
Lauren is a supportive friend to both Molly and Abby. Her proactive approach to helping Abby re-enter the dating world showcases her enthusiasm for nurturing connections. Lauren’s presence injects energy into the gathering, making her a catalyst for adventures and new relationships.
Gunnar (Ryan Hansen)
Gunnar is Molly's former lover who remains a part of her life through social media. His sudden arrival at the Friendsgiving brings unresolved feelings to the forefront, complicating Molly's current circumstances. He symbolizes past connections that can influence the present.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Friendsgiving (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting current societal themes of relationships and identity. The characters grapple with modern challenges, such as divorce, coming out, and balancing family dynamics, which resonate with today's audiences.
Location
Molly's home, Sweden
The film primarily takes place in Molly's home, where the Friendsgiving celebration unfolds. Molly's home serves as a backdrop for friendship and personal growth amid festive chaos. Additionally, Sweden is mentioned as the origin of Molly's estranged mother, highlighting familial ties and the complexities of motherhood.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Friendsgiving (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Self-discovery
A significant theme in the movie is self-discovery, as both Molly and Abby navigate their evolving identities. As Molly deals with her divorce and Abby explores her sexuality, the Friendsgiving gathering becomes a catalyst for personal growth and acceptance. The array of vibrant characters enriches this journey of understanding oneself amidst chaos.
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Family Bonds
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the story, particularly with the unexpected arrival of Molly's mother, Helen. The film explores the complexities of familial relationships—both the nurturing and the painful. Through the Friendsgiving event, the characters confront their pasts and seek to create new bonds.
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Celebration
Despite the challenges, the theme of celebration permeates the movie, showcasing the joy of gathering with friends and family. The Friendsgiving holiday serves as a backdrop for laughter, unexpected encounters, and heartfelt moments. This celebration highlights the importance of connection and the human spirit in overcoming life's obstacles.
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