While Halloween and Christmas dominate the seasonal film calendar, one 2012 indie romantic comedy has quietly established itself as an unofficial Thanksgiving classic for dedicated viewers. Stuck in Love, the directorial debut of Josh Boone, has cultivated a loyal following who return to its heartfelt story year after year during the November holiday.
The Borgens Family Thanksgiving Tradition
The film opens and concludes on Thanksgiving, framing the narrative around this often-overlooked holiday. We meet Bill Borgens (Greg Kinnear), a divorced novelist who has stopped writing since his separation while obsessing over his ex-wife Erica (Jennifer Connelly), who has remarried. The story follows Bill as he nurtures the literary ambitions of his two teenage children while struggling with his own creative block and lingering heartbreak.
The Thanksgiving dinner preparation scene introduces viewers to the family dynamic, with Bill and his high school-aged son Rusty (Nat Wolff) preparing traditional holiday fare in their beachside home. The scene is accompanied by the 2009 folk song Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, a track that has since sparked online debate about its musical merits but remains forever tied to this film for many fans.
A Star-Studded Cast of Characters
Stuck in Love boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Lily Collins as Sam, Bill's college-aged daughter who returns home with a cynical outlook on relationships. "If love is setting a place at the table for someone who's never coming home, I think I'll pass," she tells her younger brother, perfectly capturing her disillusionment with romance.
The film also features Logan Lerman as Lou, the "nice guy" college classmate who gradually breaks through Sam's emotional barriers, alongside supporting roles from Kristen Bell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Glen Powell. Author Stephen King even makes a cameo appearance, adding to the film's literary credentials.
From Teen Angst to Hopeful Romanticism
For many viewers, the film's appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of characters at different stages of emotional development. Sam represents the cynical young feminist determined to avoid her parents' mistakes, while Rusty embodies the hopeless romantic yearning for connection. Bill personifies the middle-aged struggle to move forward after heartbreak.
What makes Stuck in Love particularly resonant is how each character evolves by stepping outside their comfort zones. Sam softens her cynical outlook and opens her heart to Lou. Rusty becomes more proactive in pursuing his romantic interests. Bill attempts online dating and considers moving beyond his fixation on his ex-wife.
The film concludes with a Thanksgiving dinner one year later, bringing the narrative full circle. The familiar whistle of Home plays once more as the family prepares their meal, now joined by Sam's boyfriend Lou. The emotional climax arrives with an unexpected knock at the door from a tearful Erica, who admits to Bill, "I got a little lost," finding her place at the table once again.
Though not marketed as a holiday film, Stuck in Love has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many viewers who appreciate its focus on the "awkward in-between holiday" and its message about life's transitional periods. The film's blend of early-2010s indie sensibility, wistful soundtrack, and genuine character development continues to inspire viewers to embrace new beginnings with both hope and healthy skepticism.
Stuck in Love is currently available for streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.
