Girls Trip 2017
Directed by
Malcolm D. Lee
Made by
Universal Pictures
Girls Trip Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Girls Trip (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Four lifelong friends, known as the Flossy Posse, find themselves drifting apart over time. When lifestyle guru Ryan Pierce, often referred to as “the next Oprah”, receives a chance to be the keynote speaker at the Essence Music Festival, she seizes the moment to invite her friends along for a much-needed getaway. The group includes Sasha, who grapples with a failing gossip site, Lisa, a devoted nurse and mother navigating life post-divorce, and Dina, a carefree, impulsive spirit who recently lost her job after a workplace altercation.
As the trip unfolds, Sasha receives an anonymous tip revealing a photo that suggests Ryan’s husband, Stewart, is sharing intimate moments with an Instagram model. Hesitant to burden Ryan with this information, the friends eventually reveal the truth when Dina inadvertently spills the beans. To their surprise, Ryan confesses she is already aware, as they are participating in couples counseling. Tensions escalate when Dina encounters Stewart at their hotel and brandishes a bottle as a threat, leading to her ejection and subsequent ban from the establishment. In a show of solidarity, the rest of the women leave the hotel, only to end up at a rundown, one-star motel.
Attending the Essence Festival, the ladies reconnect with old friend Julian and attract the attention of Malik, who has his eye on Lisa. After a concert, Ryan attempts to flirt with Julian, who courteously declines due to her marital status but generously offers his suite for the night. Lisa’s night takes a turn as she becomes intimidated by Malik’s physique, ultimately holding back on their rendezvous.
Ryan’s cooking demonstration with Stewart takes an unexpected turn when his mistress, Simone, crashes the event. Fortunately, a potential investor is impressed, leading to a vital business meeting for Ryan and Stewart alongside their agent, Elizabeth. As the night spirals further into chaos, the group indulges in absinthe, triggering wild hallucinations. The night leads them to mistakenly perceive their surroundings and each other in ridiculous ways, causing confusion and chaos during Ryan’s important meeting.
The group’s antics continue as they head to a club, where they confront Stewart’s mistress, resulting in a dance-off that culminates in a bar fight. Saved by Julian before they can face arrest, the women struggle with the aftermath of the night. Ryan and Stewart are soon offered a lucrative deal with Bestmart, but as tensions rise, Ryan confronts the uncomfortable truth about her husband’s fidelity. In a dramatic twist, a public revelation from Stewart’s mistress exacerbates tensions among the friends, leading to accusations and a temporary rift.
Despite initial clashes, Dina and Lisa quickly reconcile. They support Sasha after she renounces her blog, choosing integrity over the gossip trade. Motivated by their shared friendship, they unite to rescue Ryan, who faces a crossroads in her relationship with Stewart after the scandal.
During her keynote speech, Ryan initially denies her husband’s infidelity, but upon seeing her friends enter the room, she realizes the importance of authenticity. She bravely pivots her message, confirming Stewart’s betrayal and her commitment to self-respect. The outcome is a triumph for Ryan, and as the friends reconcile, Ryan recognizes the value of Sasha’s friendship, inviting her to become her business partner, fulfilling a dream they once shared.
Girls Trip Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Girls Trip (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
The Flossy Posse Reunion
Four lifelong friends, known as the Flossy Posse, start to drift apart due to their individual challenges and life changes. Ryan, a rising lifestyle guru, seizes the opportunity to invite her friends to the Essence Music Festival to reconnect and rejuvenate their bond.
The Gossip Tip
While on the trip, Sasha receives an anonymous tip that suggests Ryan's husband, Stewart, is having an affair with an Instagram model. Torn between loyalty and honesty, the friends initially hesitate to tell Ryan about it.
The Truth is Revealed
During a candid moment, Dina inadvertently spills the beans about Stewart's alleged infidelity. To the shock of the group, Ryan reveals she was already aware and that she and Stewart are working through their issues in couples counseling.
Dina's Confrontation
In a fit of anger, Dina confronts Stewart at the hotel and threatens him with a bottle. This reckless act leads to her ejection from the hotel and a ban from the establishment, causing tension among the friends.
New Accommodations
After leaving the hotel in solidarity with Dina, the women find themselves at a rundown, one-star motel. This unforeseen turn adds a layer of humor and camaraderie to their adventure as they navigate their temporary new lodging.
Meeting Old Friends
At the Essence Festival, the ladies reconnect with their old friend Julian, who brings a whirlwind of nostalgia and unexpected flirtations. Meanwhile, Lisa catches the eye of Malik, leading to potential romantic sparks.
Ryan Flirts with Julian
After a concert, Ryan attempts to flirt with Julian in a flirtatious yet respectful manner. However, Julian politely declines, given Ryan's marital status, yet offers his suite, showcasing his supportive friendship.
Unexpected Crash
During a cooking demonstration that Ryan holds with Stewart, things take a chaotic turn when his mistress, Simone, unexpectedly crashes the event. This intrusion complicates Ryan's professional aspirations and adds to the tensions of their relationship.
The Absinthe Incident
The group indulges in absinthe, leading to wild hallucinations and chaotic antics. Their distorted perceptions cause confusion and disrupt Ryan's important business meeting with potential investors.
Tensions at the Club
The women confront Stewart's mistress at the club, leading to a dramatic dance-off. The situation escalates into a bar fight, showcasing the group's fierce loyalty to each other amidst the chaos.
Aftermath of Chaos
After being saved from potential arrest by Julian, the women deal with the aftermath of their tumultuous night. The events leave them reflecting on their actions and the strained dynamics of their friendships.
The Business Proposal
Despite personal conflicts, Ryan and Stewart receive a lucrative business proposal from Bestmart. The uncertain ground of their relationship complicates Ryan's decision-making regarding the deal and her future.
The Public Revelation
Stewart's mistress publicly reveals information about their affair, leading to a tense confrontation among the friends. This disclosure triggers accusations and deepens the rift within the group, challenging their bond.
Reconciliation Among Friends
Despite initial disputes and the gravity of their revelations, Dina and Lisa quickly reconcile, demonstrating the strength of their friendship. They stand by Sasha as she chooses integrity over her gossip blog.
Ryan's Keynote Speech
During her keynote speech at the Essence Festival, Ryan begins by denying her husband’s infidelity. However, inspired by the support of her friends, she pivots to embrace her truth, confirming his betrayal and asserting her commitment to self-respect.
Girls Trip Characters
Explore all characters from Girls Trip (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Ryan Pierce
Ryan is a driven lifestyle guru, often compared to Oprah, and is navigating the complexities of her marriage amid revelations of infidelity. Her character undergoes significant growth as she learns to prioritize her self-worth and the importance of genuine friendship over public perception.
Sasha
Sasha is a passionate gossip blogger struggling with the ethical dilemmas of her career. As she faces her professional failures, her journey emphasizes the importance of integrity and the support of true friends, leading to her significant decision to renounce her blog.
Lisa
Lisa is a devoted nurse and mother, grappling with the aftermath of her divorce. Her character embodies resilience and vulnerability, showcasing the struggles of single motherhood while seeking love and companionship.
Dina
Dina is the spontaneous and free-spirited member of the group, known for her impulsive behavior. Her character adds humor and chaos to the narrative, serving as a catalyst for adventure and self-discovery among the friends.
Girls Trip Settings
Learn where and when Girls Trip (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie presents contemporary themes as it explores the lives of the Flossy Posse in a modern setting. The issues faced by the characters, such as infidelity and personal growth, are relatable to current societal discussions, emphasizing the importance of friendship and self-awareness in today's world.
Location
Essence Music Festival, New Orleans
The Essence Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of African American music and culture, held annually in New Orleans. Known for its diverse lineup and inspiring speakers, it attracts thousands of attendees who come to enjoy performances and engage in empowering conversations.
Girls Trip Themes
Discover the main themes in Girls Trip (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Friendship
At its heart, 'Girls Trip' is a celebration of friendship and the bonds that withstand the test of time. The reunion of the Flossy Posse illustrates how true friends support each other through life's challenges and celebrate each other's successes, reinforcing the notion that empowerment comes from unity.
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Betrayal
The theme of betrayal plays a significant role in the film, particularly highlighted through Ryan's husband's infidelity. This aspect creates tension among the friends and serves as a catalyst for personal growth and the reconceptualization of their relationships.
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Empowerment
The movie delves into themes of empowerment, especially as Ryan battles societal pressures and personal issues. Her journey toward self-respect and authenticity culminates in a powerful keynote speech, signifying the importance of standing true to oneself and making bold choices.
Girls Trip Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Girls Trip (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the heart‑pounding rhythm of New Orleans, four longtime friends reunite for a weekend that promises music, dancing, and the kind of carefree revelry that only the city’s famed Essence Festival can inspire. The story follows Ryan, a charismatic lifestyle guru whose confidence is as bold as her smile, Sasha, a witty yet weary founder of a gossip site trying to keep her voice fresh, Lisa, a devoted nurse and single mother navigating the delicate balance between duty and desire, and Dina, a spontaneous spirit whose impulsive nature often leads to the most unforgettable moments. Together they embark on a trip that feels less like a vacation and more like a vibrant celebration of everything they’ve missed about each other.
The film paints New Orleans as a living, breathing character—its neon lights, jazz‑laden streets, and eclectic crowds setting a vivid backdrop for the friends’ adventure. The tone is a heady mix of comedy and heart, where laughter erupts from spontaneous dance battles, cocktails flow as freely as the conversations, and the city’s electric energy fuels both mischief and moments of quiet introspection. Amid the bustling festivals and the sultry night air, the friends find space to let go of everyday pressures and rediscover a bond that feels both nostalgic and new.
While the weekend promises endless fun, it also hints at deeper currents beneath the surface. Each woman carries personal dreams, hidden insecurities, and a longing for renewal that the trip’s liberating atmosphere gently coaxes into the light. As they navigate unexpected encounters and the magnetic pull of the city’s nightlife, the story teases the possibility of blossoming romances, self‑realizations, and a shared resurgence of confidence. In this spirited odyssey, friendship becomes the catalyst that transforms a simple getaway into a life‑affirming adventure.
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