Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raunchy Thanksgiving comedy is a turkey; drinking, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Friendsgiving
What's the Story?
When Thanksgiving looks like it will be a sad affair for freshly divorced actress Molly (Malin Akerman) and her baby, she invites her friends over to celebrate FRIENDSGIVING. Unfortunately, she's not the only one having a rough year, and all the guests -- including Abby (Kat Dennings), who can't get over a past breakup, and Lauren (Aisha Tyler), who's happily married with kids -- bring their own drama to the holiday dinner.
Is It Any Good?
There are surprisingly few movies about Thanksgiving, and one about friends celebrating together seems like it should be promising, but think twice before queuing up this crass, chaotic comedy. It boasts a cast full of comedic talent, is loosely based on a true story, and was executive-produced by comedy giant Ben Stiller, but it doesn't feel good to laugh at the misery of women in their 30s trying to navigate life.
It's hard to feel a sympathetic connection to any of these characters. Of the three "real" women, only one has the capability to be relatable: Abby, who only recently realized she was gay and is grappling with her loneliness. She has no children or significant other and lives far away from her family. So she envisioned a perfect holiday with her lifelong best friend, Molly, who just happens to be a movie star. Third wheel Lauren, meanwhile, seems to have the perfect life -- and despite getting schnockered by drinking too much, she really has no other dimension. The other characters are unbelievable over-the-top sketch comedy creations who don't offer insights or depth; they just get in the way of the core duo/trio and create noise. And the way the friends dish about their sexual experiences in crude terms and gestures might be funny in real life, but it could also be offensive to many viewers. In other words, in a multigenerational setting, your family will probably be grateful if you skip this film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that drinking/partying plays in Friendsgiving. Is it glamorized? Are there real-life consequences? Why does that matter?
How does this film depict its gay characters? How does it compare to other films you've seen with gay characters? Why is accurate representation important in the media?
Did you find the movie's crude jokes funny, or tacky? What's the difference, and why do you think different types of humor appeal to different people?
How does the movie handle sex, nudity, and innuendo? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Why do you think some people experience depression during the holidays?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 23, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : October 27, 2020
- Cast : Malin Akerman , Kat Dennings , Aisha Tyler
- Director : Nicol Paone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Cooking , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Thanksgiving )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude sexual content and language throughout, and for drug use
- Last updated : September 3, 2025
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