While Halloween and Christmas dominate the seasonal film calendar, one underrated indie gem has quietly established itself as a Thanksgiving classic for a dedicated following. Stuck in Love, the 2012 directorial debut from Josh Boone, offers a perfect cinematic companion to the often-overlooked November holiday.
The Borgens Family Thanksgiving Tradition
This heartfelt romantic comedy begins and ends on Thanksgiving, creating a perfect narrative bookend that mirrors the holiday's themes of reflection and reunion. The film follows Bill Borgens, played by Greg Kinnear, a divorced novelist struggling to move past his ex-wife Erica, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly.
The story unfolds around the Borgens family's complicated relationships, with Bill encouraging his teenage children's literary ambitions while neglecting his own writing. The ensemble cast includes Lily Collins as daughter Sam and Nat Wolff as son Rusty, both delivering nuanced performances as young adults navigating love and family dynamics.
More Than Just a Romcom
What begins as a typical family gathering soon reveals deeper layers of emotional complexity. Sam returns from college with a cynical outlook on relationships, telling her brother: "If love is setting a place at the table for someone who's never coming home, I think I'll pass."
The film beautifully captures the awkward transitional periods of life through its characters. Bill remains stuck pining for his ex-wife, Sam builds walls around her heart, and Rusty yearns for connection but lacks confidence. Their journeys throughout the film demonstrate how growth requires stepping outside comfort zones.
Why It Resonates Year After Year
Beyond its charming early-2010s indie aesthetic and folk-rock soundtrack featuring bands like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Stuck in Love offers genuine emotional depth. The film has cultivated a loyal audience who return to it each November, finding new meaning as they progress through different life stages.
The final Thanksgiving scene brings the story full circle, with Edward Sharpe's 'Home' playing once more as the family prepares their holiday meal. The emotional climax arrives with Erica's unexpected return, tearfully admitting she's "a little lost" but finding there's always a place for her at the table.
This imperfect but hopeful conclusion captures the essence of both the film and the holiday itself—embracing life's messy transitions and remaining open to new beginnings. Available on Prime Video and Tubi, Stuck in Love continues to inspire viewers with its authentic portrayal of family, love, and the courage to move forward.
