As novelist and teacher Bill Borgens (played by ???) grapples with the lingering heartache from his ex-wife Erica's departure two years ago, he finds himself in a creative slump, obsessing over his own life instead of writing. His daily jogs have turned into a covert mission to spy on the happy couple she left him for, Martin. Meanwhile, their teenage son Rusty harbors a secret crush on classmate Kate, while their cynical college-aged daughter Sam pursues fleeting connections rather than meaningful relationships.
As Thanksgiving approaches, tension simmers in the household; Bill still lays a place for Erica at the dinner table, a touching reminder of their past. The evening bears mixed emotions: Sam announces her first novel's publication, stirring pride and resentment in Bill, who feels excluded from her writing journey.
As the holiday season unfolds, Rusty swings between two worlds, attending another dinner with Erica and Martin while Sam, still reeling from her mother's betrayal, chooses to stay behind. Their separate paths begin to forge a deeper divide. Sam encounters Lou, a charismatic wordsmith at a bar, who warns her of his dubious friend, leaving her conflicted. Yet, she is drawn to Lou’s vulnerability and their shared literary passions, leading to an unexpected connection sparked by an encounter at Lou's dying mother's bedside.
Just as Bill wrestles with his past, Rusty's desire for Kate grows, culminating in an act of bravery when he intervenes against her abusive boyfriend Glen. As Christmas nears, Bill finds himself at a crossroads, beginning an affair with his married neighbor Tricia. However, this escape proves short-lived when he runs into Erica and confesses that he could have been a better husband. Tricia helps him navigate online dating, but it only magnifies his unresolved feelings for Erica.
Caught between loyalty to his parents and his affection for Kate, Rusty and Kate's moments in his closet-turned-romantic-sanctuary hint at their intense bond — a testament that even in dark times, love can illuminate paths to redemption.
During Sam's book-launch event, Bill delivers a heartfelt speech about writing, while Lou extends an invitation to Erica, who feels uncomfortable among the mingling crowd. As Bill encourages Lou to engage with Erica, Sam's refusal to bridge this gap leads to escalating tensions.
The atmosphere takes a dark turn when a careless Sam accidentally hands Kate a drug-laced champagne. The resulting chaos unravels as Bill and Erica find Kate unconscious, marking a pivotal moment of devastation. Rusty spirals into a drinking binge as he wrestles with the aftermath.
In a harrowing encounter at a convenience store, Rusty faces Glen's wrath, leading to a violent confrontation. Kate later reaches out from rehab, expressing her remorse and a desire to regain Rusty’s trust.
Sensing his son's turmoil, Bill encourages Rusty to pour his emotions into writing, resulting in "I've Just Seen a Face," a story inspired by Kate's struggles that eventually gets published through Sam's connection with Stephen King.
Amid simmering tensions, Bill implores Sam to move on from Erica, leading to a reflection on past mistakes. When Lou contacts Sam upon her mother's passing, she confronts the complexities of her emotions.
In a poignant twist, Lou and Erica rekindle their romance, providing solace in each other's grief. As seasons change, Bill clings to the hope that Erica will return home. A year later on Thanksgiving, Bill’s reluctance to invite Erica is met with a tearful plea for acceptance. Touched by her sincerity, Bill opens the door to reconciliation, as Sam and Lou celebrate their revived love, creating a warm embrace of family and togetherness amid the holiday spirit.
