Directed by
Jocelyn Moorhouse
Made by
Southpaw Entertainment (I)
Discover the intricate plot of The Fabulous Four (2024). 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.
In the early days of their cherished friendship, Lou, affectionately referred to as Lou, shared a deep and unbreakable bond with her friend Marilyn. Their time in college was characterized by infectious laughter, late-night chats, and a harmonious blend of Marilyn’s vibrant spirit and Lou’s composed intellect. As they transitioned into adulthood, their friendship not only endured but grew even stronger, solidifying in a cozy apartment where they welcomed two new companions, Alice and Kitty. This Fabulous Four became a formidable quartet, each bringing their distinct strengths and quirks into their shared lives.
Fast forward decades later, and the passage of time has wrought changes within the group. Lou has established herself as a respected surgeon, while Kitty has walked away from her career as a biologist to pursue a flourishing marijuana farm, embracing an “earth mother” lifestyle. Alice, still reveling in her rock star persona, continues to live extravagantly. Meanwhile, Marilyn grapples with the recent loss of her husband John, after 48 years of marriage, seeking refuge in the fast-paced world of TikTok.
Navigating this new chapter in her life, Marilyn brings forth surprising news—she’s engaged to be married… within the week! This unexpected announcement leads her to reach out to her oldest friends, Alice and Kitty, imploring them to join her as bridesmaids. Their response is a mix of disbelief, curiosity, and just a touch of mischief.
In a twist of cunning, Kitty and Alice devise a plan to entice Lou back into their fold by taking advantage of her profound love for cats and the literary charm of Ernest Hemingway. They concoct a story about a raffle for a polydactyl cat being held at the famed Hemingway mansion, an offer too tempting for Lou to resist. Although her demanding schedule as a heart surgeon could hardly allow for such indulgence, the prospect of reconnecting with her long-lost friends proves irresistible. However, the journey ahead is laden with old wounds, undisclosed desires, and hidden secrets waiting to emerge.
Set against the sun-tinged backdrop of a mansion once belonging to the literary giant Ernest Hemingway, the destinies of these ladies become inextricably linked. Once they arrive in Florida, Lou’s world is shaken when she comes face-to-face with Marilyn at her lavish estate—a place resonating with both exuberance and tension. Underlying Lou’s simmering anger is the realization that her friends have been less than forthcoming about Marilyn’s feline companions, a further exacerbation stemming from Marilyn’s past betrayal and reminders of her lost love.
Marilyn, a whirlwind of life and enthusiasm, shares every experience with her many followers on TikTok, often poking fun at Lou’s lack of intimate relationships. She even gifts Lou a rather cheeky sex toy, encouraging her to practice her Kegel exercises.
As the group embarks on their quest for perfect wedding dresses, tensions heighten when Marilyn mentions her imminent elopement with John. Feeling cornered, Lou storms out of the boutique, only to inadvertently collide with a cyclist, leading to an unexpected accident. Instinctively, Lou protects the fallen rider from opportunistic thieves, utilizing the Kegel ball from Marilyn as an impromptu slingshot—a moment that draws her into an enchanting encounter with a handsome stranger.
The next day brings thrilling adventures as Marilyn surprises her friends with a parasailing trip; however, Lou’s seasickness complicates matters. In a clever move to lift her spirits, Alice offers Lou chocolate infused with marijuana. The effects of the cannabis create a surreal experience for Lou, whose vision becomes populated with hallucinations of cats performing surgery. The disorientation inspires her to unfasten the boat from their cohesive group, resulting in a hilariously off-key rendition of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” A safe landing allows for a change of heart, yet Lou ultimately lashes out at Marilyn for her addiction to social media and other deceptions.
As the sun sets, the trio, along with Kitty, celebrate Marilyn’s bachelorette party at a lively strip club. Here, one performer, Nathan, reveals an unexpected familial connection to Kitty; he’s her grandson, having faced a heart-wrenching separation from home due to embracing his true self. Kitty’s unwavering support proves to be a source of joy and acceptance for Nathan during this pivotal moment.
The following day introduces Marilyn’s fiancé, Bradley, creating tension as Lou discovers that this man is the very same participant in the cycling mishap she had during their wedding gown shopping. As feelings run high, Marilyn and Lou find themselves in conflict, leading to Marilyn’s decision to part ways with Lou as one of her bridesmaids.
When the long-anticipated wedding day arrives, Marilyn’s pent-up emotions reach a boiling point, threatening to derail the event as she experiences a mental breakdown. As Marilyn and Bradley confront the whirlwind of their whirlwind romance, they choose to separate but agree to stay friends, taking time to comfortably reflect on their feelings.
Simultaneously, Alice takes on a mysterious role, often disappearing and reappearing within the storyline as needed. The film culminates in a spectacular performance by Kitty, dazzling everyone with a vibrant group number that leaves an indelible mark. With the story drawing to a close, Lou is encouraged by Captain Ernie to embrace a fresh start and leave behind the memories of their eventful journey as they look toward the sunny shores of Key West.
Track the key events of The Fabulous Four (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
College Days
Lou and Marilyn meet during their college years, developing a deep and unbreakable bond characterized by infectious laughter and late-night chats. Their friendship becomes a vital foundation that they carry into adulthood.
Living Together
Transitioning into adulthood, Lou and Marilyn move into a cozy apartment together where they welcome their two new friends, Alice and Kitty. This formation of the Fabulous Four solidifies their shared lives with each friend's unique contributions.
Career Paths Diverge
Decades later, Lou has become a respected surgeon, while Kitty has shifted from a biologist to running a flourishing marijuana farm, embracing an 'earth mother' lifestyle. Meanwhile, Alice continues to live extravagantly, holding onto her rock star persona.
Marilyn's Loss
Marilyn grapples with an emotional void after the recent loss of her husband, John, with whom she spent 48 years. Seeking solace, she dives deep into the fast-paced world of TikTok, trying to navigate her grief.
Unexpected Engagement
In an unexpected turn, Marilyn announces her engagement to be married within a week, shocking her friends. This news prompts her to reach out to Lou, Alice, and Kitty, asking them to be her bridesmaids.
The Plan to Entice Lou
Kitty and Alice formulate a cunning plan to lure Lou back into their friendship fold. They concoct a story about a raffle for a polydactyl cat at the famed Hemingway mansion, knowing Lou's love for cats will be irresistible.
Reunion in Florida
Once at the Hemingway mansion in Florida, Lou confronts Marilyn, leading to emotional tensions as Lou feels betrayed. This confrontation reopens old wounds and unresolved issues between the friends.
The Gift and Tension
In a humorous yet awkward moment, Marilyn gifts Lou a cheeky sex toy as a way to lighten the mood amidst tensions. This occurs during a fashion outing, only amplifying the discontent brewing within Lou.
Wedding Dress Shopping Chaos
While shopping for wedding dresses, tensions escalate when Marilyn announces her elopement with John, causing Lou to storm out. This explosive moment leads to an accidental collision with a cyclist, throwing Lou into unexpected circumstances.
Parasailing Adventure
Marilyn arranges a thrilling parasailing trip, but Lou's seasickness complicates the fun. Alice tries to cheer Lou up by offering her marijuana-infused chocolate, leading to a mind-bending experience for Lou on the boat.
Bachelor Party Revelations
At Marilyn's bachelorette party at a strip club, a performer named Nathan reveals he is Kitty's grandson. This heartfelt moment fosters joy and acceptance, showcasing the support Kitty provides to the younger generation.
Confrontation Over Bradley
The next day, Marilyn introduces her fiancé, Bradley, who is coincidentally connected to Lou through a cycling accident. This revelation sparks intense conflict between Marilyn and Lou, with emotions running high.
Wedding Day Breakdown
As the wedding day arrives, Marilyn faces a mental breakdown due to the pressure of her whirlwind romance. This culminates in a mutual decision between her and Bradley to separate but remain friends.
Alice's Mysterious Role
Throughout the storyline, Alice often disappears and reappears, taking on a mysterious role. Her sporadic appearances add an air of intrigue as she navigates the unfolding drama of the group's journey.
Embracing New Beginnings
In the film's conclusion, Kitty delivers a vibrant performance that captivates everyone present. With encouragement from Captain Ernie, Lou decides to embrace her fresh start and leave their chaotic journey behind, looking towards Key West.
Meet the characters that bring The Fabulous Four (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lou (Susan Sarandon)
Lou is a composed and intelligent heart surgeon who grapples with her past and relationships. Her profound love for cats and literary interests hint at her sensitive nature, which contrasts with her high-powered career. Deeply affected by her friends' actions, Lou's journey of reconnection leads her to confront her emotions and desires.
Marilyn (Bette Midler)
Marilyn is a vibrant and spirited character who struggles with the recent loss of her husband and the excitement of a new engagement. Her social media presence on TikTok showcases her exuberance, yet masks deeper vulnerabilities. As the driving force of the film, her antics provoke both hilarity and confrontation among her friends.
Alice (Megan Mullally)
Alice embodies the rock star persona, reveling in her extravagant lifestyle while also delving into the dynamics of friendship and loyalty. Her humorous and carefree spirit often provides levity in tense situations, yet she also harbors a depth which becomes evident as the plot evolves. She's a catalyst for rekindling old friendships.
Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph)
Kitty transitions from a biologist to an 'earth mother' running a marijuana farm, embracing a life of warmth and nurturing. Her unwavering support for her friends and family showcases her loyalty, while her newfound role as a grandmother introduces a beautiful dynamic as she embraces love in all forms.
Uncover the settings of The Fabulous Four (2024), 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
The story unfolds in the present day, highlighting the characters' transitions into adulthood and their struggles with personal and relational expectations. The contemporary setting is reflected in Marilyn's engagement and her reliance on social media, particularly TikTok, for connecting with friends and sharing her journey.
Location
Florida, Hemingway mansion, Key West
The movie is set in the sun-tinged landscapes of Florida, specifically around a mansion once owned by the literary giant Ernest Hemingway. This estate serves as a pivotal location where the dynamics of the friendship unfold amidst laughter and tension. Key West, known for its vibrant culture and laid-back lifestyle, provides a picturesque backdrop for the characters' reunion.
Explore the core themes of The Fabulous Four (2024). 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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Friendship
The film explores the complexities of friendship through decades, showing how bonds evolve with life changes. As the characters navigate personal challenges, their friendship faces trials that test their loyalty, love, and resilience. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of communication and forgiveness amid life's upheavals.
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Love and Commitment
The theme of love and commitment resonates throughout the film, particularly with Marilyn's hasty engagement. As the characters confront their pasts and romantic relationships, they learn about the nuances of love, including heartache, loyalty, and the often unpredictable nature of romance. This theme is poignantly illustrated in both Marilyn's and Lou's journeys.
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Self-Discovery
The characters embark on personal journeys of self-discovery, revealing hidden desires and wounds from their pasts. Through their adventurous and sometimes tumultuous experiences, they confront what truly matters in life, friendship, and self-acceptance. Kitty’s newfound support for her grandson showcases the beauty of embracing one’s true self.
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