Year: 2022
Runtime: 106 min
Language: English
Director: Adam Rehmeier
Amidst the decline of the American Midwest, a spirited punk rocker unexpectedly connects with an equally devoted fan. Their journey takes them through a surprising and often humorous look at suburban life. Along the way, an unusual friendship develops, filled with music, laughter, and a search for personal redemption as they confront the realities of their surroundings.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dinner in America yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Dinner in America (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film opens with Simon who, in a disoriented state, finds himself drooling over a lackluster meal while under the influence of a medication. After a curious worker inquires about his troubling side effects, Simon’s gaze drifts to a nearby drooling girl who plays absentmindedly with her food, causing him to heave violently onto his plate. The scene shifts to Simon in a disheartening office where he faces disappointment regarding his compensation for participating in a drug trial, leading to a heated confrontation where he curses out the doctor.
He unexpectedly encounters the drooling girl again outside, and, noticing that it’s Sunday with no bus available, he kindly walks her home. Dinner at her house soon takes a chaotic turn when her mother flirts with him in the kitchen, ultimately resulting in Simon inadvertently setting the family’s bushes ablaze, making him a person of interest to the police.
Next, we are introduced to Patty, a socially awkward character who endures relentless bullying from jocks. Working at a pet store, she faces mockery, including having her sandwich stolen by the jocks, and returns home to a mundane family dinner where her requests to attend a concert are dismissed. She has an adopted brother, Kevin, who is unaware of his adoption status, leading to playful bickering. Later, in a moment of escapism, she indulges in her favorite punk band, Psyops, obsessively dancing and even daring to send a risqué photo to her idol, John Q.
Simon struggles to cash a check at a bank, confronts dealers for more drugs, and discovers an enigmatic black envelope addressed to “John Q. Public.” A narrow escape from a police chase leads him to an alley where he finds Patty, who discreetly agrees to keep his location a secret. They bond over their shared past in a music appreciation class before Simon deceives her family by pretending to be a missionary in order to stay under their roof.
As their friendship deepens, Simon learns about Patty’s love for Psyops and her aspirations of attending their concert. When Patty reveals her affection for John Q, Simon realizes that the black envelopes in his bag are love letters she wrote to him, leading him to jump out of a window in frustration. The relationship becomes more complex as Simon entangles himself further in Patty’s life, even as he attempts to provoke vengeance against the jocks.
In a plot twist, Simon and Patty team up to retaliate against the bullies, humiliating them in a comical yet gratifying scene involving a dead cat and public shaming. Following a confrontation with Patty’s boss, they finally make progress in their romantic relationship, stealing moments together amidst the chaos of their lives.
As their bond grows, Simon eventually reveals his identity as John Q, showcasing how he treasures Patty’s songwriting talent. Their intimate moments solidify their unity, but Simon’s troubled past catches up with him when law enforcement intervenes at a concert, resulting in his arrest.
Despite the separation, Patty asserts her independence and strength by standing up to bullies, declaring herself as Simon’s girlfriend when questioned about their relationship. The film concludes with her embracing a new chapter; wearing Simon’s ski mask, she confidently dances to their song, “Watermelon,” signifying a promising evolution in her identity.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:20
Don't stop at just watching — explore Dinner in America in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dinner in America is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Dinner in America with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Dinner in America that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Dinner in America (2022) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Dinner in America (2022) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Dinner in America – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
In America (2003) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Diner (1982) Detailed Story Recap
Duets (2000) Movie Recap & Themes
American Graffiti (1973) Detailed Story Recap
Americano (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Dinner (2017) Detailed Story Recap
Detroit Rock City (1999) Movie Recap & Themes
Suburbia (1984) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Myth of the American Sleepover (2011) Movie Recap & Themes
American Satan (2017) Ending Explained & Film Insights
An American in Paris (1951) Full Movie Breakdown
American Honey (2016) Story Summary & Characters
Dixieland (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
All Nighter (2017) Movie Recap & Themes
Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (2012) Movie Recap & Themes