The Dinner

On a cold winter evening in Dobbs Ferry, New York, history teacher Paul Lohman and his wife Claire prepare for a private dinner. They are joined by Paul's older brother Stan, a Congressman, and his wife Katelyn at an upscale restaurant reserved solely for the four of them.

During the dinner, Stan faces intense pressure as a frontrunner in the gubernatorial race. His responsibility to push through a crucial mental health bill adds tension to the already charged atmosphere of the gathering.

As the dinner progresses, the group discusses a harrowing incident involving their teenage sons, Michael and Rick, who played a part in the death of a homeless woman. This conversation reveals the shocking details of how Michael threw a lit match at her sleeping bag, igniting a tragic series of events.

The boys were not alone during the incident; Stan's adopted son Beau was present but fled before violence erupted. His presence lends an added layer of complexity as the group grapples with guilt and accountability for their children's actions.

Throughout the dinner, past grievances and family dysfunction come to light, with Stan trying to support Paul, who is facing deepening depression. The strained relationships create an uncomfortable environment as they navigate the implications of their sons' actions.

The situation worsens when Paul learns that Michael posted footage of the homeless woman’s tragic death online. This decision fuels an already mounting rift between Paul and Michael, exacerbating tensions within the family.

Paul discovers that Claire is secretly working with Michael to provide hush money to prevent the incident from coming to light. This betrayal drives a wedge between Paul and Claire, complicating their already troubled marriage.

Tensions reach a boiling point when Stan offers to take care of Michael while Claire is hospitalized. In a moment of fury, Paul accidentally strikes Stan with a saucepan, showcasing the fragile state of their relationships.

The group erupts in a heated discussion regarding how to handle the incident. Stan insists on reporting the crime, while Claire and Katelyn worry more about their family’s reputation, highlighting the stark contrast in their values.

Overwhelmed with emotional turmoil, Paul abruptly leaves the restaurant to find Beau. He becomes consumed with the irrational thought that eliminating Beau could solve their family's issues, showcasing his deteriorating mental state.

Paul’s search for Beau culminates in a violent encounter where he threatens him with a rock. This confrontation signifies the culmination of the evening's tensions and the lengths to which Paul feels he must go.

Amidst the chaos, Stan and Katelyn join Paul, seeking Beau while grappling with their own concerns about the impending fallout from the incident. The familial bonds strain under the weight of guilt and pressure, illustrating the complexities of their relationships.

Katelyn's efforts to contact Beau coincide with the news that votes for Stan's mental health bill are secured. This moment reveals the juxtaposition between professional success and personal failures, intensifying the sense of impending doom.

The film reaches its climax when Paul collapses in the snow while grappling with emotional anguish. His haunting plea for 'Mental health for everyone!' encapsulates the film's themes, as his family gathers around him in a moment of realization and despair.