Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Friendsgiving (2020) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Friendsgiving (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes 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 (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Friendsgiving
  8. 8 Categories
  9. 9 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

5 main characters · contains spoilers

Friendsgiving Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Friendsgiving (2020), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Abby (Kat Dennings)

    Abby is a resilient character who embodies strength in adversity. After coming out as a lesbian and experiencing heartbreak, she is on a journey to rediscover her identity and her place in the world. Her support for Molly showcases her loyalty and deep connection with her best friend.

    • 💪 Strong
    • 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+
    • 👭 Friendship
  • Molly (Malin Åkerman)

    Molly is a renowned actress grappling with the emotional fallout of her recent divorce while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for her son. She is portrayed as nurturing yet vulnerable, navigating the complications of family, love, and her past. Her growth throughout the Friendsgiving event is central to the storyline.

    • 🎭 Actress
    • 👩‍👦 Motherhood
    • 💔 Heartbreak
  • Helen (Jane Seymour)

    Helen is Molly's estranged mother, who brings a complicated dynamic to the Friendsgiving celebration. Her intentions to mend their relationship are obscured by her hidden agenda. Helen represents the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the potential for healing.

    • 👩‍👧 Family
    • 🌍 Travel
    • 💖 Healing
  • Lauren (Aisha Tyler)

    Lauren is a supportive friend to both Molly and Abby. Her proactive approach to helping Abby re-enter the dating world showcases her enthusiasm for nurturing connections. Lauren’s presence injects energy into the gathering, making her a catalyst for adventures and new relationships.

    • 🎉 Party
    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 👫 Friendship
  • Gunnar (Ryan Hansen)

    Gunnar is Molly's former lover who remains a part of her life through social media. His sudden arrival at the Friendsgiving brings unresolved feelings to the forefront, complicating Molly's current circumstances. He symbolizes past connections that can influence the present.

    • 💔 Ex-Lover
    • 🌐 Social Media
    • 🤔 Reflection

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Friendsgiving Take Place?

The setting of Friendsgiving (2020): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Present Day

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting current societal themes of relationships and identity. The characters grapple with modern challenges, such as divorce, coming out, and balancing family dynamics, which resonate with today's audiences.

Location

Molly's home, Sweden

The film primarily takes place in Molly's home, where the Friendsgiving celebration unfolds. Molly's home serves as a backdrop for friendship and personal growth amid festive chaos. Additionally, Sweden is mentioned as the origin of Molly's estranged mother, highlighting familial ties and the complexities of motherhood.

  • 🏡 Home
  • 🇸🇪 Sweden

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Friendsgiving Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Friendsgiving (2020) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Self-discovery

    A significant theme in the movie is self-discovery, as both Molly and Abby navigate their evolving identities. As Molly deals with her divorce and Abby explores her sexuality, the Friendsgiving gathering becomes a catalyst for personal growth and acceptance. The array of vibrant characters enriches this journey of understanding oneself amidst chaos.

  • Family Bonds

    Family dynamics play a crucial role in the story, particularly with the unexpected arrival of Molly's mother, Helen. The film explores the complexities of familial relationships—both the nurturing and the painful. Through the Friendsgiving event, the characters confront their pasts and seek to create new bonds.

  • Celebration

    Despite the challenges, the theme of celebration permeates the movie, showcasing the joy of gathering with friends and family. The Friendsgiving holiday serves as a backdrop for laughter, unexpected encounters, and heartfelt moments. This celebration highlights the importance of connection and the human spirit in overcoming life's obstacles.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Friendsgiving Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Friendsgiving (2020): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Friendsgiving set?

The movie primarily takes place in Molly's home, where the Friendsgiving celebration unfolds. The setting serves as a backdrop for friendship and personal growth amid festive chaos. Additionally, Sweden is mentioned as the origin of Molly's estranged mother, highlighting familial ties.

  • setting
  • molly's home
  • location
  • sweden
Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

Friendsgiving is set in present day, contemporary times. The story reflects current societal themes of relationships and identity, with characters grappling with modern challenges like divorce, coming out, and balancing family dynamics.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • present day
  • modern
Q3

What are the main themes in Friendsgiving?

The movie explores three major themes: self-discovery, as both Molly and Abby navigate their evolving identities; family dynamics, particularly through the arrival of Molly's estranged mother Helen; and celebration, with the Friendsgiving holiday serving as a backdrop for laughter and unexpected connections.

  • themes
  • self-discovery
  • family bonds
  • celebration
Q4

Who is Abby in Friendsgiving?

Abby (played by Kat Dennings) is a resilient character who embodies strength in adversity. After coming out as a lesbian and experiencing heartbreak, she is on a journey to rediscover her identity. Her loyalty and deep connection with her best friend Molly is a central element of the film.

  • abby
  • kat dennings
  • character
  • lesbian
  • self-discovery
Q5

Who is Molly in Friendsgiving?

Molly (played by Malin Åkerman) is a renowned actress grappling with the emotional fallout of her recent divorce while striving to maintain normalcy for her son. She is portrayed as nurturing yet vulnerable, and her growth throughout the Friendsgiving event is central to the storyline.

  • molly
  • malin åkerman
  • actress
  • divorce
  • protagonist
Q6

Who is Helen in the movie?

Helen (played by Jane Seymour) is Molly's estranged mother who arrives at the Friendsgiving with a complicated dynamic. Her intentions to mend their relationship are obscured by a hidden agenda. She represents the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the potential for healing.

  • helen
  • jane seymour
  • mother
  • estranged
  • family
Q7

Who is Gunnar in Friendsgiving?

Gunnar (played by Ryan Hansen) is Molly's former lover who remains a part of her life through social media. His sudden arrival at the Friendsgiving brings unresolved feelings to the forefront, complicating Molly's current circumstances and symbolizing past connections that influence the present.

  • gunnar
  • ryan hansen
  • former lover
  • past relationship
Q8

How does Friendsgiving explore self-discovery?

Self-discovery is a significant theme as both Molly and Abby navigate their evolving identities. Molly deals with her divorce while Abby explores her sexuality after coming out. The Friendsgiving gathering becomes a catalyst for personal growth and acceptance, with vibrant characters enriching this journey of understanding oneself.

  • self-discovery
  • identity
  • growth
  • acceptance
  • personal journey
Q9

What does Friendsgiving say about family bonds?

Family dynamics play a crucial role through the unexpected arrival of Molly's mother, Helen. The film explores the complexities of familial relationships, both nurturing and painful. Through the Friendsgiving event, characters confront their pasts and seek to create new bonds, highlighting the tension between old wounds and reconciliation.

  • family
  • mother-daughter
  • relationships
  • reconciliation
  • estrangement
Q10

Who is Lauren in Friendsgiving?

Lauren (played by Aisha Tyler) is a supportive friend to both Molly and Abby. Her proactive approach to helping Abby re-enter the dating world showcases her enthusiasm for nurturing connections. Lauren injects energy into the gathering, acting as a catalyst for adventures and new relationships.

  • lauren
  • aisha tyler
  • supportive friend
  • dating
  • catalyst

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