Shithouse (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set on a contemporary university campus, primarily in the freshman dorms where Alex lives and at the Shithouse fraternity house, which hosts the lively on-campus party scene that becomes central to Alex's social experiences.

• setting
• campus
• university
• dorms
• fraternity

The Shithouse fraternity is the social hub of the campus party scene in the movie. It serves as the venue where Alex attempts to navigate college social life and where he first connects with Maggie, representing both the intimidating world of campus social hierarchy and the potential for genuine human connection.

• fraternity
• party
• campus
• social scene
• shithouse

Shithouse is set in present day, following Alex through his freshman year of college and then jumping forward about two and a half years to show how his social circle and relationships evolve over time.

• time period
• present day
• college
• freshman year

Shithouse explores three interconnected themes: loneliness and isolation experienced by college freshmen, intimacy and the challenge of balancing vulnerability with personal boundaries in relationships, and grief and growth, showing how characters confront personal losses and use honest connections to heal.

• themes
• loneliness
• intimacy
• grief
• growth
• relationships

The film depicts Alex's profound sense of isolation as a college freshman far from home, showing how he copes by fabricating an elaborate social life. His loneliness drives risky decisions and awkward social experiments, eventually prompting genuine efforts to connect with others.

• loneliness
• isolation
• freshman
• college
• social anxiety

Both Alex and Maggie carry significant grief, Alex from his father's death and Maggie from estrangement with her father and the loss of her pet turtle. The film portrays how these losses shape their actions and how forming honest connections provides a path toward healing and personal growth.

• grief
• loss
• father
• death
• growth
• healing
• maggie
• alex

The evolving relationship between Alex and Maggie explores the delicate balance between emotional closeness and respecting personal boundaries. Their connection reveals how vulnerability can lead to either growth or withdrawal, depending on honest communication and mutual respect.

• intimacy
• boundaries
• relationship
• maggie
• alex
• commitment

Alex Malmquist is the protagonist, a shy and isolated college freshman played by Cooper Raiff (who also directed the film). He copes with loneliness by fabricating an imaginary social life, but his journey involves learning to open up, be honest, and develop genuine connections with others.

• alex
• protagonist
• freshman
• cooper raiff
• character

Maggie Hill is a sophomore residential advisor who forms a deep, initially guarded connection with Alex. She carries her own grief from estrangement with her father and the loss of her pet turtle, while harboring secret dreams of acting. Her relationship with Alex evolves from a spontaneous bond into something more meaningful.

• maggie
• ra
• actress
• dylan gelula
• character

Cooper Raiff plays Alex Malmquist in Shithouse. Notably, Cooper Raiff also wrote and directed the film, making his performance as the lonely freshman central to the movie's authentic portrayal of college isolation and growth.

• cooper raiff
• actor
• director
• writer
• cast

Sam is Alex's roommate, played by Logan Miller. Initially distant, Sam gradually becomes part of Alex's growing social circle and serves as a steady friend who helps Alex navigate the complexities of campus social life and party dynamics.

• sam
• roommate
• logan miller
• character
• friend

Alex's mother, played by Amy Landecker, provides a steady supportive presence throughout the film. She remains patient with Alex's struggles, including his lies about having a best friend and girlfriend, while reassuring him that family will always be there and encouraging him to find balance and genuine connection.

• mother
• amy landecker
• family
• support
• parent