Friendsgiving

Year: 2020

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Nicol Paone

DramaComedy

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Friendsgiving 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!

Friendsgiving (2020) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Friendsgiving (2020), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

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.

celebratoryhumorouschaoticquirkywarmensembleupliftingdysfunctional

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

warmupliftingheartfeltcelebratoryacceptancebelongingfriendshipcommunity

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Friendsgiving

Don't stop at just watching — explore Friendsgiving 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 Friendsgiving is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Friendsgiving Timeline

Track the full timeline of Friendsgiving with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Friendsgiving

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Friendsgiving. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Friendsgiving Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Friendsgiving that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Friendsgiving

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Friendsgiving: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Friendsgiving

Discover movies like Friendsgiving 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.