Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Friendsgiving (2020) movie poster

Plot Summary

Friendsgiving (2020) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 95 min · English
Echo score 30
JustWatch #10,637 15
Directed by
Nicol Paone
Starring
Kat Dennings, Chelsea Peretti, Ryan Hansen, Fortune Feimster, Malin Åkerman, Jane Seymour

Thanksgiving takes an unexpected turn when Abby and her best friend Molly’s quiet celebration is thrown into disarray. Molly's new boyfriend, her quirky mother, and a collection of unusual guests arrive, creating a chaotic and humorous atmosphere. As the day progresses, hidden truths emerge, past relationships are rekindled, and a diverse group of individuals find themselves entangled, leading to a Friendsgiving filled with laughter, surprises, and unexpected connections.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Friendsgiving
  6. 6 Categories
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Friendsgiving (2020)

Where can you watch Friendsgiving? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Friendsgiving: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Friendsgiving (2020) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, renowned movie actress Molly and her best friend Abby are gearing up for a peaceful celebration away from the chaos of their lives. With her five-month-old son by her side, Molly is grappling with the challenges of divorce, while Abby, who bravely came out as a lesbian at 29, has spent the past year piecing her life back together after being abruptly left by her first girlfriend.

Molly's innocent invitation to her fleeting boyfriend Jeff inadvertently triggers a series of events, shifting their originally simple gathering into a lively Friendsgiving feast. Their mutual friend Lauren also decides to join the festivities, bringing along her husband and children to this evolving event. In a daring move to help Abby venture back into the dating world, Lauren invites a few single lesbians, which sets the stage for exciting new connections.

However, the atmosphere that Molly hopes to maintain is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of her estranged mother Helen, who traveled all the way from Sweden with important intentions: to mend her relationship with Molly and establish a bond with her grandchild. Unbeknownst to Molly, Helen harbors a hidden agenda—she’s keen on reuniting Molly with Gunnar, a former lover who has remained a fixture in Molly’s life via social media.

As the evening progresses, an array of surprise guests appears at the door, each bringing their own fascinating story. Among them is Claire, a newly certified shaman who prefers to be called a "shawoman." Then there’s Rick and his wife Brianne, whose silence due to Botox complications adds an intriguing layer to the night, along with Gus, a gay man still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his brother seven years ago.

In this vibrant scene filled with friendship, love, and self-exploration, Molly embarks on her own poignant journey. As she confronts her past and forges new relationships, she must navigate the intricate web of her connections, ultimately seeking a sense of belonging amid the colorful personalities that surround her.

Last updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:25

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Friendsgiving Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Friendsgiving (2020): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Molly's mother Helen show up unannounced?

Helen arrives from Sweden with the stated goal of mending her fractured relationship with Molly and meeting her grandchild. However, she has a hidden agenda: she wants to reunite Molly with Gunnar, a former lover who has remained active in Molly's life through social media.

Foreshadowing: Earlier references to Molly's estranged relationship with her mother hint at the emotional tension Helen's arrival would create.

  • helen
  • molly's mother
  • sweden
  • estranged relationship
  • gunnar
Q2

What is Helen's real reason for visiting?

Beyond reconnecting with her daughter and grandchild, Helen's true intention is to bring Gunnar back into Molly's life. She has orchestrated the visit hoping to facilitate a reunion between them, leveraging the holiday gathering as an opportunity.

Foreshadowing: The summary notes that Helen 'harbors a hidden agenda' before revealing her plans to reunite Molly with Gunnar.

  • helen
  • gunnar
  • reunion
  • hidden agenda
  • former lover
Q3

Why is Abby nervous about meeting single lesbians?

Abby came out as a lesbian at 29 and spent the past year rebuilding her life after being abruptly left by her first girlfriend. Lauren inviting single lesbians to Friendsgiving is meant to help Abby ease back into dating, but the situation understandably makes her nervous given her recent heartbreak.

Foreshadowing: The timeline establishes Abby's emotional vulnerability before introducing Lauren's well-intentioned but potentially awkward gesture.

  • abby
  • lesbian
  • coming out
  • first girlfriend
  • dating
Q4

What happened to Gus's brother?

Gus is a guest at Friendsgiving who carries the emotional weight of his brother's mysterious disappearance seven years ago. The disappearance remains unresolved, adding a somber note to the otherwise festive gathering.

Foreshadowing: The summary introduces Gus as someone 'haunted by the mysterious disappearance' before revealing the specific timeframe of seven years.

  • gus
  • brother
  • disappearance
  • missing
  • seven years
Q5

Why can't Brianne speak at dinner?

Brianne and her husband Rick arrive at the gathering, but her ability to communicate is severely limited due to Botox complications. This unusual situation creates an intriguing dynamic at the dinner table and sparks conversations about beauty standards and vulnerability.

Foreshadowing: The timeline explicitly notes that Brianne's Botox complications leave her 'unable to speak' as a plot element.

  • brianne
  • rick
  • botox
  • silent
  • communication
Q6

Why is Jeff described as Molly's fleeting boyfriend?

Jeff is introduced as Molly's boyfriend, but the description 'fleeting' suggests their relationship is new, unstable, or not particularly serious. Molly's invitation of Jeff to the intimate Friendsgiving gathering inadvertently triggers the chain of events that transforms their quiet celebration into a larger, chaotic event.

Foreshadowing: The timeline positions Molly's invitation to Jeff as the catalyst that 'sets off a chain of events' changing the gathering's nature.

  • jeff
  • molly
  • boyfriend
  • fleeting
  • relationship
Q7

How does Lauren try to help Abby at Friendsgiving?

Lauren takes it upon herself to help Abby re-enter the dating scene after her painful breakup. She invites several single lesbians to the gathering, creating opportunities for Abby to potentially make new romantic connections in a supportive environment.

Foreshadowing: The timeline shows this as a deliberate act by Lauren, noting her strategy to 'pave the way for new romantic possibilities.'

  • lauren
  • abby
  • single lesbians
  • helping
  • dating
Q8

How does Molly's divorce affect the gathering?

Molly is dealing with the challenges of an ongoing divorce while caring for her five-month-old son. This personal turmoil creates an emotional undertone for the holiday, and her desire for a peaceful Friendsgiving celebration stems from wanting stability amid her life changes.

Foreshadowing: The summary establishes Molly's 'personal turmoil' early, setting the emotional context for why she values the quiet gathering.

  • molly
  • divorce
  • son
  • five months old
  • personal struggle
Q9

What is a shawoman?

Claire is introduced as a 'newly certified shaman' who prefers to be called a 'shawoman.' Her presence brings an unconventional, spiritual element to the Friendsgiving gathering, inviting guests to explore deeper connections and self-reflection.

Foreshadowing: The timeline describes Claire's arrival as adding 'an unconventional twist to the evening.'

  • claire
  • shaman
  • shawoman
  • spiritual
  • guest
Q10

What hidden truths emerge during Friendsgiving?

As the evening progresses, various hidden truths come to light among the guests. These revelations include Helen's true agenda about Gunnar, the emotional burdens carried by guests like Gus, and various interpersonal dynamics that surface as people open up during the holiday gathering.

Foreshadowing: The meta notes mention 'hidden truths' as a key story element that creates emotional friction.

  • hidden truths
  • secrets
  • revelations
  • emotional tension
Q11

Why did Abby come out at 29?

Abby came out as a lesbian at 29, which represents a significant moment of self-acceptance later in life. This timing suggests she spent much of her earlier life in the closet before finally embracing her true identity, making her recent breakup particularly devastating as she was still relatively new to living openly.

Foreshadowing: The summary emphasizes that Abby 'bravely came out as a lesbian at 29' as a defining recent event in her life.

  • abby
  • coming out
  • age 29
  • lesbian
  • self-discovery

Movie threads

More Movies Like Friendsgiving, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Friendsgiving tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Chaotic Holiday Ensemble Comedies like Friendsgiving

Holiday celebrations spiral into humorous chaos with a quirky cast of characters. If you enjoyed the humorous chaos of Friendsgiving, you'll love these movies about holiday gatherings that spiral into delightful pandemonium. These films feature ensemble casts, quirky characters, and a warm, celebratory vibe where unexpected connections form amidst the festive dysfunction.

  • celebratory
  • humorous
  • chaotic
  • quirky
  • warm
  • ensemble
  • Tone: light, humorous, warm
  • Pacing: steady, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically unfold over a short period, often a single day or evening centered on a holiday. The arrival of various guests disrupts the expected calm, introducing interpersonal conflicts, hidden secrets, and romantic entanglements. The narrative is propelled by a series of comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt confrontations, ultimately resolving in a unifying, uplifting conclusion that strengthens the bonds of the group.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a celebratory, chaotic atmosphere driven by an ensemble cast. They blend light-hearted comedy with moments of genuine connection, featuring a steady pace that builds to a heartwarming resolution. The core appeal is the relatable, humorous portrayal of family and friend dynamics during high-stakes social events.

Found Family Celebration Movies like Friendsgiving

Stories where chosen families gather, creating new traditions and deep connections. Looking for more movies like Friendsgiving about chosen families coming together? This collection features heartwarming stories where friendships blossom into family, often during celebratory events. These films share a focus on self-discovery, acceptance, and the joyful, sometimes chaotic, creation of new traditions.

  • warm
  • uplifting
  • heartfelt
  • celebratory
  • acceptance
  • belonging
  • Tone: warm, uplifting, heartfelt
  • Pacing: steady, character-focused
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative often follows a protagonist or core group who feel somewhat adrift or incomplete. Through a communal event, a diverse set of individuals is brought together, each with their own quirks and backgrounds. Initial awkwardness gives way to shared experiences, leading to confessions, rekindled romances, and the realization that this assembled group provides a sense of belonging and unconditional support that was missing before.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies based on the central theme of found family and the emotional journey of building intimate, non-traditional support systems. They share a warm, uplifting tone and a focus on character-driven connections over plot-heavy drama. The experience is defined by its heartening message about the family we choose.

If you liked this

Movies Like Friendsgiving

Similar movies to Friendsgiving: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Categories

Movie Lists Featuring Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories

Every angle

Friendsgiving (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Friendsgiving in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app