“Nobody ever tells the truth at Thanksgiving.”
synopsis
Recently fired and romantically adrift, Claudia Larson returns home for Thanksgiving with her daughter. What unfolds is a tightly packed family gathering full of passive aggression, sibling rivalry, parental disappointment, and unspoken resentments — all simmering beneath the cranberry sauce.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
This one understands the emotional temperature of family gatherings better than almost any film in the genre. It’s messy, layered, and painfully recognizable. The comedy doesn’t come from punchlines but from human friction. Holly Hunter anchors the chaos with vulnerability, while Downey Jr. provides sly, observant relief. It’s affectionate without being sentimental — which makes it feel honest.
A glass of wine after your own holiday dinner, when you’re replaying conversations in your head.
Absurdist's Corner
Everyone swears they’re not going to argue this year. Everyone argues anyway.
fun facts
Directed by Jodie Foster in one of her early directorial efforts.
Shot in Baltimore to emphasize a grounded, lived-in feel.
Has quietly developed a cult following as a Thanksgiving staple.