Why Him?

The movie begins with Laird Mayhew engaging in a Facetime conversation with his girlfriend, Stephanie Fleming. Excited about a possible romantic evening, Stephanie invites him over for a 'Netflix and chill' session, setting the tone for their playful relationship.

Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stephanie's brother, Scotty, is preparing a slideshow for their father Ned's 55th birthday at an Applebee's. Unbeknownst to him, a live webcam feed accidentally connects to Stephanie, leading to an embarrassing reveal when Laird barges into her room unexpectedly.

After the accidental exposure of Laird, Ned, visibly upset, grabs the laptop and smashes it just as the restaurant staff begins to sing 'Happy Birthday.' This incident creates tension before Ned can even enjoy the celebration with family and coworkers.

Ned learns about Laird during a conversation with his coworker, Lou Dunne. He finds out that Stephanie wants her family to meet her California boyfriend, which adds a layer of complexity to their upcoming visit.

When the Fleming family arrives in California, they meet Laird, who exuberantly greets them in his unconventional style. Laird's eccentric home is filled with oddities, including a moose tank and a mural that creates an awkward atmosphere for the Flemings.

During a dinner at Laird's house, he shares explicit stories about his romance with Stephanie, shocking Ned and Barb. Laird tries to lighten the mood but ends up creating more tension, prompting Stephanie to intervene.

An embarrassing incident occurs when Ned faces a mishap with Laird's automated toilet due to a 'paper-free' policy. This adds to the humor and discomfort of the family gathering, showcasing Laird's chaotic lifestyle.

Feeling concerned about Laird's suitability for his daughter, Ned begins to investigate Laird's background for potential dirt. However, his attempts lead to complications and a failed hacking effort that leaves both men agitated.

Laird throws a wild Christmas Eve party, inviting his business associates amidst the chaos of family dynamics. The event causes more friction between Laird and Ned as secrets about Laird's financial difficulties start to surface.

In an unexpected twist, Laird decides to buy Ned's struggling printing company as a gesture to help with the family's financial woes. This act leads to a chaotic confrontation between Laird and Ned, complicating their relationship further.

Following the tumultuous events at the Christmas party, the Flemings leave in frustration, returning to Michigan. This marks a significant low point in the relationship between Ned and Laird as they struggle to understand each other.

As the holiday approaches, Laird attempts to rectify the situation by arriving via helicopter to reconnect with the Flemings. However, he faces a cold reception from both Stephanie and Ned, further complicating his efforts to win them over.

Amidst misunderstandings and miscommunications regarding marriage proposals, Laird finally receives a heartfelt response from Stephanie. While she expresses her feelings towards him, she also indicates that she isn't ready for marriage yet, adding emotional depth to their relationship.

In a surprising twist, Ned and Scotty join forces with Laird to embark on a new business venture based on their shared experiences. This partnership signifies a new beginning for the fragmented family dynamics.

The film concludes with the Flemings embracing Laird, who is now affectionately referred to as 'son' by Ned. The holiday festivities culminate in a joyous dance, representing their acceptance of Laird into the family.