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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Thanksgiving (2023). 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.


During Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the community gathers outside the RightMart superstore, anticipating the chaos of a Black Friday sale. Jessica Wright, whose father Thomas owns the store, allows her boyfriend Bobby and friends, including Gaby, Scuba, and Yulia, to sneak in through a side entrance. Inside, they gleefully flaunt their purchases to the growing crowd outside, which incites a riot led by Lonnie. The stampede becomes deadly, resulting in tragic casualties, including Amanda Collins, the wife of store manager Mitch. Bobby’s heroic attempt to save a trapped security guard leads to his injury and disappearance from the group.

Fast forward a year, as RightMart gears up for another Black Friday sale amidst protests from Mitch and concerned locals. Jessica finds herself tagged in a social media post featuring her friends at a Thanksgiving table. Meanwhile, Bobby, having broken up with Jessica after recovering from his injuries, returns to Plymouth to work for his uncle. This return complicates things, particularly for Jessica’s new boyfriend, Ryan. The tension rises when a waitress named Lizzie is brutally killed by a figure in a John Carver mask, prompting the police to investigate connections to last year’s tragedy.

In her attempt to assist, Jessica shares footage of the riot with Sheriff Eric Newlon. As the mysterious killer wreaks havoc across town, residents fall victim, including security guard Manny and high schoolers Amy and Lonnie. The situation escalates when Jessica’s friends Evan and Gaby are captured, leaving her narrowly escaping death. Yulia’s family decides to move to Florida, but their plans are thwarted when Carver attacks, leading to a gruesome scene at Yulia’s home that Jessica and Scuba can’t prevent.

The local police devise a plan to draw out Carver by involving the Wright family and Scuba in a Thanksgiving parade, disguised as Pilgrims. But the scheme fails when Carver outsmarts them, leading to panic and chaos as he abducts his victims. In a horrifying turn of events, he cooks Jessica’s stepmother Kathleen alive, presenting her as the centerpiece at a macabre dinner surrounded by the remains of his previous victims. In an intense live-streamed moment, Carver kills Evan, leaving the survivors in shock and fear.

Jessica, determined to save her friends, manages to escape and soon discovers Sheriff Newlon unconscious in a warehouse. Once inside, she encounters Bobby, leading to a tense confrontation. However, it’s later revealed that Newlon is the mastermind behind the murders, driven by a twisted motive involving an affair with Amanda, who was pregnant with his child at the time of her death. As Jessica tries to expose him, she unknowingly live streams his confession, leading to a dramatic fight for survival.

With the help of Bobby, Jessica attempts their escape in a tow truck, but Newlon is relentless, using an axe to block their path. In a desperate move, Jessica shoots a turkey parade balloon connected to a flammable gas tank, resulting in a fiery explosion that engulfs Newlon. The next day brings a bittersweet reunion for Jessica, Bobby, Ryan, and their friends as they reflect on their harrowing ordeal. However, the authorities find no trace of Newlon, sparking speculation about his fate and leaving Jessica haunted by nightmares of her past.

Timeline

Track the key events of Thanksgiving (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Thanksgiving Gathering

During Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the community gathers around the RightMart superstore. They eagerly await the Black Friday sale, knowing that chaos is imminent as shoppers prepare to fight for deals.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Sneaking Into RightMart

Jessica Wright allows her boyfriend Bobby and their friends to sneak into the store through a side entrance. They extravagantly flaunt their purchases, stirring excitement and anticipation among the growing crowd outside.

RightMart

Riot Erupts

Led by Lonnie, the crowd outside becomes agitated, leading to a full-blown riot inside RightMart. The stampede turns deadly, resulting in tragic casualties, and Amanda Collins, the wife of store manager Mitch, is among the victims.

RightMart

Bobby's Heroism

Bobby heroically attempts to save a trapped security guard during the chaos of the riot. However, his bravery comes at a cost, as he sustains injuries and goes missing from his group of friends.

RightMart

One Year Later

A year passes, and RightMart prepares for another Black Friday sale amidst protests from Mitch and local residents. Jessica finds herself haunted by memories as she sees her friends in a Thanksgiving post on social media.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Bobby's Return

Bobby, after recovering from his injuries and ending his relationship with Jessica, returns to Plymouth to work for his uncle. His arrival adds tension to Jessica's relationship with her new boyfriend, Ryan.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Murder of Lizzie

The tension heightens when a waitress named Lizzie is brutally killed by a masked figure resembling John Carver. This prompts local authorities to investigate the link between her death and the earlier tragedy.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Jessica's Involvement

In her effort to assist the investigation, Jessica shares footage of the previous year's riot with Sheriff Eric Newlon. Meanwhile, a new wave of murders ensues, causing fear and paranoia in the community.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Friends Captured

Jessica's friends Evan and Gaby are captured by the mysterious killer, escalating the crisis. As chaos reigns, Jessica narrowly escapes being killed herself and desperately seeks a way to save her friends.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Yulia's Family Targeted

Yulia's family plans to move to Florida, but their plans are dashed when Carver attacks. The events culminate in a horrific confrontation at Yulia's home, witnessed by Jessica and Scuba, which leaves them shaken.

Yulia's Home

Thanksgiving Parade Trap

Local police devise a plan to lure out the killer by involving the Wright family and Scuba in a Thanksgiving parade disguised as Pilgrims. Unfortunately, this strategy fails, leading to more panic and abductions.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Kathleen's Gruesome Fate

In a horrifying twist, Carver captures Jessica's stepmother, Kathleen, and cooks her alive, presenting her at a twisted dinner. This sets off a series of terrifying events that leave the community devastated.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Confrontation with Newlon

As the situation escalates, Jessica discovers Sheriff Newlon unconscious in a warehouse. Tensions rise when she encounters Bobby, and later it is revealed that Newlon is behind the murders, driven by dark motives.

Warehouse

Desperate Escape

In a crucial moment, Jessica and Bobby attempt to escape in a tow truck while being pursued by Newlon. Jessica takes a drastic step by shooting a parade balloon, triggering an explosion that engulfs Newlon.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Bittersweet Reunion

The day after the chaos, Jessica, Bobby, Ryan, and their friends gather for a bittersweet reunion. Despite their relief, they are haunted by the events, especially with no trace of Newlon found, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Thanksgiving (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jessica Wright

Jessica is central to the story, portrayed as brave and resourceful amid terrifying circumstances. She grapples with the consequences of past events, including her relationship with Bobby and her struggles against the chaos. Her determination to survive and save her friends showcases both her resilience and vulnerability.

👩‍🎤 Main Character 💔 Love Triangle 🔦 Survivor

Bobby

Bobby is Jessica's boyfriend, initially heroic and deeply affected by the traumatic events from a year ago. His return complicates Jessica's life while revealing his growth since the incident. His willingness to confront danger emphasizes his character's evolution and connection to Jessica.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 💪 Protector 🏆 Determined

Sheriff Eric Newlon (Patrick Dempsey)

Sheriff Newlon appears as a trusted authority figure but harbors dark secrets linked to the town's horrific events. His betrayal and twisted motives create a terrifying edge to the story, revealing a complex character driven by personal demons. The revelation of his true nature shocks both Jessica and the audience.

👮‍♂️ Authority 😈 Villain 🕵️‍♂️ Deceitful

Amanda Collins

Amanda Collins, the wife of store manager Mitch, becomes a tragic victim of the narrative's violent disruptions. Her character underscores the stakes of the story, as her death serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold. Amanda's background and connections add depth to the community's tragedy.

💔 Victim 🙏 Tragic Figure 🌟 Respected

Setting

Uncover the settings of Thanksgiving (2023), 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

Contemporary

The events of the movie transpire in a modern-day setting, focused around the Thanksgiving holiday. This period is characterized by the commercialization of the holiday, with Black Friday creating intense competition and chaos among shoppers. The narrative unfolds over the span of a year, following the repercussions of a tragic event.

Location

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth, Massachusetts, is known for its rich history and as a focal point of the Thanksgiving holiday. The RightMart superstore serves as a central hub for the community, especially during the chaotic Black Friday sales. The juxtaposition of festivities and horror during Thanksgiving creates a stark contrast in this seemingly peaceful town.

🏙️ City 🛒 Shopping

Themes

Explore the core themes of Thanksgiving (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🦃

Survival

Survival is a central theme as characters navigate a deadly scenario where their lives are threatened. Jessica’s determination to save her friends highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The tension and fear present throughout the film reinforce the instinctual need to survive against overwhelming odds.

🔪

Betrayal

Betrayal plays a pivotal role in the narrative, particularly with Sheriff Newlon's unexpected turn as the antagonist. His deceit and hidden motives surrounding Amanda's death generate a chilling atmosphere. The emotional impact of betrayal affects the character dynamics and fortifies the horror of the unfolding events.

🎭

Identity

The theme of identity is explored through the characters' struggles in the aftermath of the initial tragedy. Jessica grapples with her relationship with Bobby and her new boyfriend Ryan, while others face repercussions from their actions during the chaotic events. This theme examines how traumatic experiences shape personal identities and relationships.

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