Drinksgiving

Drinksgiving is a 2016 comedy film that explores the bitter-sweet complexities of adult friendships and the angst of millennials stuck in the transition phase of their lives. This humorous and spiraling voyage down memory lane is directed by Bart Elfrink and Matthew Olmon. The brilliant ensemble cast includes Pamela Mitchell, Jacob A. Ware, and Keylor Leigh, who exquisitely portray the essence of their characters and drive the narrative forward in a refreshing and realistic manner. Drinksgiving dives deep into the complexities of life, scraping the surface of emotional vulnerability, bringing out human quirks, idiosyncrasies, and latent feelings amid festivity and friendly banter.

Focusing on the day before Thanksgiving, known as "Drinksgiving" among the youth, this movie sets a jovial tone that cloaks deeper issues of identity, love, and self-fulfillment. The storyline centers on a group of friends gathered for a joyous reunion on the night before Thanksgiving. The primary character, played by Pamela Mitchell, is Sarah Douglas, a struggling actress on the brink of turning 30. Eager to prove that she has made something out of herself, she uses the gathering as a chance to show-off her success. Paradoxically, her life is wavering on the edges of fear, confusion, and the constant worry of being left behind by her successful peers.

Jacob Ware impeccably plays the role of Trent, Sarah’s best friend since childhood. He stands as the rock in her life, exuding constant support and understanding, driving away her insecurities with his wit and warmth, even when he deals with his own chaos. The subtle nuances of their friendship add depth and charm to the film. Keylor Leigh dons the hat of Colin, Sarah's boyfriend, who is at odds with Trent’s prominence in Sarah’s life. The brewing tension between them serves as a trigger point pushing the narrative towards an intriguing climax.

Functioning as a coming-of-age drama disguised in a comedy, the movie showcases the raw existence of underlying emotions, failures, and insecurities that live beneath the veneer of youthful confidence. The party sets the stage for revelations, confession, and a reality check. It becomes much more than just a get-together; it is a riotous ride showcasing the raw realities of life.

Elfrink and Olmon craft each scene in Drinksgiving with precision and smart humor, while the brilliant acting makes the characters relatable and appealing. The dialogues are sharp and packed with authenticity, capturing the essence of millennials' lingo and addressing this generation's real-life dilemmas. The narrative travels back and forth, juxtaposing current scenarios with flashbacks, giving the audience a deeper insight into the protagonist’s journey.

Drinksgiving is not just about Sarah's struggle; it is about how each individual at the party unwraps their feelings and confront their fears, relationships, and life choices. This helps the audience relate to the discussions, the resolutions, and the comforting reassurances that resonate with their own experiences of navigating through their late twenties.

The movie impressively samples the often-inconvenient transition phase of life when people are expected to finally "grow up" while they are still figuring things out. It excellently encapsulates the pressure of maintaining an impressive social persona while battling internal chaos.

This movie offers a montage of emotions - heartwarming friendships, unrequited love, the competitive drive for success, and the fear of change. It portrays an accurate and humorous depiction of millennials' life and their unique way of dealing with their insecurities, while also providing a slice of nostalgia for the majority of viewers who can relate to various aspects of the movie.

The humor, authentic friendships, and delightful chemistry between the cast members combined with brilliant writing, make Drinksgiving a movie worth watching. It serves as a dynamic, funny, and poignant exploration of adulthood and speaks volumes about acceptance, resilience, and personal growth. If you are looking for a meaningful comedy-drama that depicts the not-so-glamorous side of adulthood, Drinksgiving is indeed a spirited toast to the confusing roller-coaster called life.