Support the Girls 2018
Directed by
Andrew Bujalski
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Plot Summary
Lisa, portrayed by Regina Hall, manages the lively sports bar and breastaurant Double Whammies with utmost dedication, ensuring that her staff are shielded from inappropriate customer interactions. However, her unqualified boss, Ben Cubby, continually threatens her job security. Tension rises when Lisa organizes an unofficial car wash fundraiser for her employee, Shaina, who has found herself in a dire situation after colliding with her abusive boyfriend using her car and taking refuge at Lisa’s home.
Throughout the day, Lisa faces a series of formidable challenges that test her resolve. Among these hurdles are the trials of assessing potential new hires, an unexpected robbery attempt that leaves a thief trapped in a ventilation duct, and the shocking revelation that her trusted employee, Maci, is romantically involved with an older customer. Additionally, Danyelle, a single mother, is fraught with childcare issues for her young son, while another employee goes against the workplace rules by getting a prominent tattoo of NBA star Steph Curry inked on her abdomen.
As the bar scrambles to fix the cable in time for an essential boxing match, they face increasing competition from a rival breastaurant named ManCave that is emerging nearby. Meanwhile, Lisa is also grappling with her separation from her husband, Cameron, who is battling depression. Things take a turn for the worse when Cubby, in a fit of road rage, frightens her, prompting Lisa to reach out to Cameron for a ride.
After a confrontation, Cubby ultimately fires Lisa, forcing her to leave. Upon returning home, she confronts Shaina and discovers that Cameron has vacated their shared residence. To add insult to injury, Shaina informs Lisa of her reconciliation with her abusive boyfriend and her intention to use the fundraising money to cover his medical expenses. Enraged by this betrayal, Lisa demands Shaina return the donated money.
As chaos unfolds during the highly anticipated fight night, Maci and Danyelle, disillusioned by Lisa’s exit, engage in an act of sabotage by tampering with the cable, resulting in an uncomfortable atmosphere among customers, including an off-duty police officer. The fallout leads to their dismissal shortly afterward.
The subsequent day finds Lisa, Maci, and Danyelle interviewing with ManCave. In a condescending manner, the interviewer suggests that the waitresses there lack intelligence and are easily replaceable. The trio then retreats to the rooftop, sipping on stolen liquor from Double Whammies, reflecting on their uncertain futures before unleashing their frustration in a series of cathartic screams into the night.
Timeline
Lisa Manages Double Whammies
Lisa is dedicated to running her sports bar and breastaurant, Double Whammies. She ensures that her staff is protected from inappropriate interactions with customers, reflecting her commitment to a safe workplace.
Threats from Ben Cubby
Lisa faces constant threats to her job security from her unqualified boss, Ben Cubby. His lack of professionalism adds pressure on Lisa as she strives to maintain the bar's reputation and her team's morale.
Shaina's Car Accident
Lisa learns that her employee Shaina has had a car accident while trying to escape her abusive boyfriend. Shaina takes refuge in Lisa's home, prompting Lisa to organize a car wash fundraiser to help her.
Challenges at the Bar
Throughout the day, Lisa encounters numerous challenges, including interviewing potential new hires. An unexpected robbery attempt occurs, bringing unexpected chaos when the thief gets stuck in a duct.
Maci's Relationship Revelation
Lisa discovers that her trusted employee, Maci, is romantically involved with an older customer. This revelation causes Lisa to question the boundaries and professionalism within her team.
Danyelle's Childcare Struggles
Danyelle, a single mother who works at the bar, struggles to balance her work with childcare for her young son. This adds to the mounting pressure Lisa faces as a manager.
Tattoo Controversy
One of the employees defies workplace rules by getting a prominent tattoo of NBA star Steph Curry on her abdomen. This act of rebellion signals growing dissatisfaction among the staff.
Competition from ManCave
As the bar prepares for an important boxing match, competition arises from a rival breastaurant, ManCave. This adds further strain on Lisa, who is already juggling various issues within her team.
Lisa's Personal Struggles
Lisa is grappling with her separation from her husband, Cameron, who is battling depression. This personal turmoil affects her ability to manage the challenges at Double Whammies.
Confrontation with Cubby
In a heated confrontation, Ben Cubby frightens Lisa during a road rage incident. This event prompts Lisa to seek support from Cameron, highlighting her vulnerability.
Lisa Gets Fired
After a confrontation with Cubby, Lisa is fired from her position at Double Whammies. This sudden loss marks a significant turning point in her life, leaving her uncertain of her future.
Cameron's Departure
Upon returning home, Lisa discovers that Cameron has left their shared residence. This intensifies her sense of betrayal and isolation as she confronts Shaina about the situation.
Shaina's Betrayal
Shaina reveals her intentions to use the fundraiser money to support her abusive boyfriend's medical expenses. This enrages Lisa, leading to a confrontation over the misappropriated funds.
Sabotage on Fight Night
During the much-anticipated fight night, Maci and Danyelle engage in sabotage by tampering with the cable. This act results in an uncomfortable atmosphere for the customers and exacerbates the fallout from Lisa's exit.
Interview at ManCave
The day after the chaos, Lisa, Maci, and Danyelle interview with ManCave, where they face condescension from the interviewer. They later escape to the rooftop to vent their frustrations while reflecting on their uncertain futures.
Characters
Lisa
Lisa, played by Regina Hall, is a dedicated manager who strives to protect her employees from inappropriate behavior. Despite her challenges with her unqualified boss and personal troubles, she is resilient and fiercely loyal to her staff. Her journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking as she navigates the complexities of her role.
Maci
Maci, portrayed by Haley Lu Richardson, is a young waitress caught in the turmoil of workplace drama and personal relationships. Her involvement with an older customer adds layers to her character, depicting youthful naivety intertwined with the realities of adult relationships. Maci's decisions contribute significantly to the film's conflict.
Shaina
Shaina, played by Shayna McHayle, is a single mother facing serious challenges that lead her to rely on Lisa's support. Her journey through domestic issues and choices around her abusive boyfriend highlights the struggles of many women in difficult circumstances. Shaina’s decisions ultimately test her bond with Lisa.
Danyelle
Danyelle, portrayed by Shayna McHayle, navigates her role as a waitress while dealing with childcare dilemmas. Her character reflects the balancing act that many working mothers face, contributing to the film's exploration of personal and professional conflicts. Danyelle’s frustrations are palpable as she contends with both workplace rules and personal pressures.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as workplace dynamics and personal struggles. The challenges faced by the characters highlight ongoing themes of gender roles and resilience in modern society.
Location
Double Whammies, ManCave
Double Whammies is a vibrant sports bar and breastaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and unique themes. It serves as the main setting for the film, where Lisa manages the staff and navigates various challenges. Rivaling Double Whammies, ManCave is another breastaurant that poses a threat to its business, adding tension to the plot.
Themes
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Resilience
Resilience is a central theme in 'Support the Girls,' as Lisa faces numerous obstacles yet remains determined to support her staff. Her dedication to creating a safe environment for her employees underscores the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity. The characters' personal struggles further illustrate the broader human experience of overcoming challenges.
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Betrayal
Betrayal weaves through the narrative, particularly in Lisa's personal and professional relationships. Shaina's decision to reconcile with her abusive boyfriend after Lisa's efforts to help her represents a painful twist of fate. This theme highlights the complexities of loyalty and trust in friendships and workplaces.
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Community
The film emphasizes the theme of community as Lisa rallies support for her staff. The relationships among the bar's employees showcase the bond formed through shared struggles and experiences. Yet, the fragile nature of this community is tested by competition and personal challenges, leading to both unity and discord.
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