Four Cousins and A Christmas (2021) Movie Script

1
Oh well wait a minute.
Aren't you supposed
to touch record?
Okay, you're all set, Mama.
Look into the camera.
This year for Christmas,
I wanted to make something
very special and fun for you.
So I made each of
you a scrapbook.
And I'm making a video.
This is it.
I'm making it right now.
Merry Christmas, my
beautiful family.
Merry Christmas,
my beautiful family.
That's
my grandma. And I'm Jennifer.
Jennifer Russo.
I write for a living.
But sometimes I like
to talk instead.
I have this crazy idea
that somehow my mom
and grandma... are listening.
Saying goodbye can sometimes
be easy.
Ciao.
Arrivederci.
Bye.
Kevin is a great guy.
And a great agent.
Between you and me,
I'm not really excited
about writing this one.
Breakfast.
Pizza and wine.
I know I said saying goodbye
can sometimes be easy,
but most times... it's not.
I miss Grandma.
And Mom.
I remember our last
Christmas together.
Grandma and Mom were very close.
I wish I could say the
same about Grandpa.
Unfortunately, no
matter what Mom did,
Grandpa didn't approve, and
they fought all the time.
Because of the
constant fighting,
Mom moved Nat and I 3,000
miles away to New York City.
That Christmas was the
last time we saw Grandma.
Grandma was diagnosed
with cancer.
Shortly after, Mom
died in a car accident.
Grandpa focused on
taking care of Grandma,
and neither could
attend the funeral.
Made it easier for Natalyn
and I to just disappear.
Grandma's favorite Christmas
tradition was having
her four granddaughters sing.
And as much as I'd
rather not see Grandpa.
I miss my cousins.
Thank goodness for my sister.
This is Natalyn.
She's the funny one.
Natalyn's always received
attention from the opposite sex.
Natalyn's confidence
and insecurity
come from that attention.
I think my sister is a goddess.
She has this superpower
ability to pass out anywhere.
Even after four cups of coffee.
Thank you, everyone,
that's my time.
You did great.
Please, it was
awful and you know it.
I gotta get outta these
afternoon time slots.
It's like happy hour for
40-year-old frat boys out there.
Natalyn, I'm gonna be
in LA for the holidays,
and you're gonna be in
LA for the holidays.
So, I was thinking
that maybe you and I
could meet up at some point.
I don't know.
You know, I'm mainly in LA
for my grandmother's funeral,
and I don't know how much
free time I'm gonna have,
you know, with the
family and whatnot.
Yeah, I get that.
Funeral? Totes on the same
page with the funeral.
That's not good.
Oh, and one more thing
about my sister, she deserves
to find the right guy.
Well, hmm hmm, I hope
you have a great Christmas.
Okay, and I'll see
you when I get back.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
Sorry about your grandma.
Okay, so do not use
any of that salami.
I ordered you some more.
It should be here by-
You're asleep.
This
is Millie, the oldest cousin.
She works for the
family business.
The Russos own the
Urban Press Winery
and Pizzeria in
downtown Burbank.
Millie is also an actress.
Well, sometimes.
She hasn't booked a
professional job in two years.
Between part-time driving
and working at the winery,
who would have the time?
I admire her work ethic, though.
She married one of the
nicest guys from high school.
Pete's every girl's dream.
Last but not least, Stephanie.
A powerhouse attorney
in the making.
Millie's little sister.
Stephanie has always
been the quiet one.
She likes keeping to herself.
The family worries about that,
but she's got a good
head on her shoulders.
If there's anyone
out of the four of us
who has their life
together, it's Stephanie.
What does a smiley face mean?
Grandpa asked the four of us
to sing at the funeral.
So Nat and I are going
home for Christmas.
Hey, Millie.
Hey.
Here we go.
Wow.
This is Stephanie's dorm?
This dorm is nicer than our
New York City apartment.
My favorite baby cousin!
- Mwa.
- Mwa.
I'm your only baby cousin.
Favorite.
Wow, Stephanie, I feel
like I'm in a Pottery Barn.
Mwa.
Thank you, hi.
How are you?
Good, good. You're all here.
Yeah.
Hi.
I'm just so
glad you guys are here.
It feels like forever
since you left.
And everything with school
and Christmas and Grandma and.
Being around you guys is
exactly what I need right now.
I miss you too. This is
exactly what we all needed.
Together again.
How's Grandpa?
Uh, yeah, ever
since Grandma, he, um,
all Grandpa does is just
shuffle paperwork around.
It's driving Mom and Uncle
Seb and Uncle Tommy crazy.
Yeah.
You guys are gonna be
with us there, right?
I mean, it'll just be
like old sleepovers.
Yeah.
Would not miss it.
Hey, you're not gonna
stay in your house
with your husband?
Don't start with me.
I see him every day.
You guys... I miss.
But isn't that strange?
Are you guys okay?
We're fine, Jennifer.
How are you and Devin? Still
treating you like a queen?
Ha ha, they broke
up like a month ago.
We're both living
that single lady life.
You, single?
Aren't you always
meeting guys on Tinder
or whatever the kids use?
I may be known to get a free
you know dinner now and then,
but I'm not having sex
with all these dudes
if that's what you think.
No.
Oh my gosh, it's Uncle Seb!
Hey, girls.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Sorry I can't be
there with you tonight.
I'll be back from my
trip tomorrow morning.
Oh.
Hi, Uncle Seb,
can't wait to see you.
Are you excited
for girlies night?
Yeah.
I'm bringing home a
professional collection.
- Woo.
- Woo.
- Okay, I can't wait.
- Aw.
- Uncle Seb.
- Bye, Uncle Seb.
Oh, I'm gonna pee.
Oh no no no, no, no.
It's a mess in there.
So?
The toilet's broken.
So, I picked the
song for the funeral,
and it's Grandma's
favorite, Silent Night.
Can I use a printer
without being yelled at?
You didn't tell her?
Tell me what?
I'm sorry. I just,
I didn't know how.
Grandpa already chose a song.
You all lied to me?
No no no, I mean technically
it was just Natalyn who lied.
She agreed to be the one
to tell you about the song.
I'm just clarifying.
Hm, thanks, Steph.
Look, I didn't wanna
tell you because
I knew you would react this way.
Me too.
Okay, of course
I'd react this way,
and you should too, Nat,
after what he did to us.
Grandpa pushed Mom away
because she got pregnant.
Grandpa never liked our dad.
Nat nicknamed our
dad sperm donor.
Mom didn't even tell Grandpa
when she was pregnant
with Natalyn.
The only thing the
sperm donor was good for
was giving Mom me, so
she thought she would get
one more good thing from him.
And that's... Natalyn.
Because of Grandpa, things
between Mom and the family
were never the same.
He's gonna choose the
song over my grandma's
and my dead body.
Geez, Jennifer, phrasing.
What song does he even want?
Amazing Grace.
Amazing Grace?
When did Grandma
ever play that song?
Wait, this isn't right.
Okay, my song actually meant
something to Mom and Grandma.
Okay, he's just trying
to control the funeral.
I mean, shouldn't he?
He was married to
her for 50 years.
Red wine on the house.
Yes, Mama needs her medicine.
Hurry, faster, faster.
Remember your Mr. Popular
quarterback prom king
senior who broke your heart
when you were a
freshman in high school?
Well this one is mine.
A walking, talking Ken doll.
Jennifer, I haven't seen you
since you moved to New York.
How's the East Coast?
Good.
Okay, good.
I better get back before
Tommy yells at me.
- Enjoy.
- See ya.
Thanks, hon.
Well, that was rude.
Please, I don't
care about being nice
to the biggest jerk
at our high school.
Okay, that is last on the list
of things I care
about right now.
You got the better one.
People change.
Girls, the Uncle Tommy
special coming in hot.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
What's the matter?
Jesus H.
I don't know. It's the smell.
Yeah, but you girls
always loved this.
Take it away,
please, Uncle Tommy.
You're right. It
kinda stinks, it does.
Tony, you screwed up
the Uncle Tommy special.
I didn't make it.
Uncle Tommy's my favorite.
He's a simple guy
with a big heart.
He gets me.
Uncle Tommy's special is
the best anchovy pizza
in all of LA County.
To Grandma's two
favorite things.
The woman had amazing taste.
Yes, she did.
Where are they? Oh, my babies.
Oh, it's good to see you.
Oh.
You look so skinny.
Oh, stop it.
What's up, girls,
how you doing?
Hi.
How's that deadbeat
dad of yours?
Dad.
I'm sorry, sperm donor?
For anyone having trouble
keeping track, let's
clear things up
with a visual aid.
Carlito Russo married Anita.
They had four children.
Carmelita, Sebastiano,
Thomas and Angela.
Angela married Anthony.
And they had Millie
and Stephanie.
Carmelita and Dad, sperm donor,
had me, Jennifer, and Natalyn.
Millie married Pete.
You're welcome.
Isn't this a
sight for sore eyes?
Oh my goodness, the four
of you together again.
What is this? Look at you.
I can't remember the last time
I saw you all together
in the same room.
New York, for
our mom's funeral.
Right, of course.
I wish she was
with us, too, honey.
Big sisters are what we all
need at a time like this.
How you doing, Aunt Angie?
Oh, honey, you know,
we all made our peace
with Mom's passing
a long time ago.
Tomorrow's just about celebrating
and cherishing her memory.
Yeah, I'll be right back.
I don't understand why you
girls aren't staying with us.
Oh come on, they don't
wanna stay with us.
No, they should stay with us.
They wanna spend time
amongst themselves.
They don't wanna hang
around with us old farts.
You're an old fart,
don't call me an old fart.
I tell you what.
Hey.
Hey, you sure we're
okay in here, Uncle Tommy?
Super, sure.
Okay.
And here you go, just take
four or five of these drops
and that should do the trick
for the edibles, all right?
What? What?
I know.
Probably not the best
idea. Don't judge.
Thank you.
Don't ever say I never
did anything for you.
I'm gonna need this
to get through the next
few days of this family circus.
Speaking to the choir.
But just, you know, take some
of that, take the edge off,
nice and easy, this way
you can enjoy yourself.
No family drama, come here.
Thank you.
Oh.
Hold on, Dad is here, hold on.
Hey, what are you doing?
I told you that we can do
this with the computer now.
You don't need to waste
your time with these papers.
Come on.
You know, I don't
trust those things, okay.
Okay.
It's a box with wires.
You click a button, everybody
knows your business.
I like to keep
everything up here.
I'll take the
papers, it's faster.
No, please, I've been
doing this for 34 years.
Okay?
I like this. It relaxes me.
Okay.
At this point in my
life, I don't need faster.
Grandpa!
Excuse me.
You're choosing the song
at the funeral tomorrow?
Everyone may have forgiven
you for what you did to Mom.
But I haven't and I never will.
Okay, if you choose the song
tomorrow, I'm not singing.
Why did I just do that to him?
I'm sorry, Grandma.
This place looks amazing.
Thanks.
Mom and the uncles have
been working really hard
to get everything
ready for Grandma.
I'll get some wine.
Are you really not
gonna sing with us?
No.
I don't know.
I mean, where
is Grandpa anyway?
If he's home, he's
already in his room.
He rarely comes out anymore.
Are we really gonna sleep
in our moms' old bedroom?
Millie's a bed hog.
Whoa!
You steal all the covers.
That's true.
Come on, it'll be just
like when we were kids.
Yeah.
I admit, this is kinda fun.
Yeah.
There's no way for me to
say this without pissing
you off, Jen, but... you
are so totally overreacting.
Well thanks for giving
it a shot, Millie.
This is Grandma's too.
That's the only
reason why I'm here.
Everyone else has gotten over
what happened between
your mom and Grandpa.
Including your sister.
Don't speak for me, Millie.
I don't think
you're overreacting.
Then get on my side.
This isn't about us, though.
Or Mom, it's about Grandma.
I know, that's
why I wanna do this.
Look, you guys can
forgive him, you know.
It's up to you.
I can't stop you.
But don't think the divide he
caused didn't affect Grandma.
All I'm trying to do
is honor her, okay.
She was such an important
part of our lives.
Doesn't Grandma deserve
a goodbye that shows
and acknowledges the
type of person she was
to her children and
her granddaughters?
This memorial is
not just about him.
No, we all deserve to say
goodbye in our own way.
And it's Christmas.
Let's choose a
song that actually
meant something to Grandma.
You know, that showed
who and what she loved.
Not some empty choice
that Grandpa is making.
Well don't say
that. He loved her.
If there's one
thing we can agree
on about Grandpa, it's that.
You really think that a song
can make this much
of a difference?
Of course it can.
Okay.
Okay?
I'm not gonna lie and
say that of the four of us
you weren't the
closest with Grandma.
And this clearly
means a lot to you.
So if you really feel
like this is the right way
to say goodbye to
her... then I'm in.
Grandma deserves the best.
This is about... her?
Hmm? Not you and Grandpa?
I promise.
Then I'm in too.
Don't you guys think we should
just talk to Grandpa first?
He's not going
to change his mind.
He'd rather me not even sing.
Okay, if you guys are
really sure about it.
That calls for wine for me.
The four of us together again.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Hey, Jennifer?
Whoa! I come in peace.
Don't sneak up on people.
Jesus, I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to scare you.
You didn't.
Okay, how was the run?
None of your business. I mean
what are you even doing here
Working for your Uncle Seb.
We're setting up for later.
Hey, I just wanted to say
I'm sorry about grandmother.
Last couple weeks, I'd
bring her her favorite soup.
Oh yeah?
What was that?
Pasta fagioli.
So cute.
Anyways, she was really
proud of you and Natalyn.
She told me you
were a writer now.
That's awesome.
She got me to read
one of your articles,
something about mass shootings
or domestic violence.
I'll be honest... it was
a little bit over my head.
Not surprising.
But really interesting.
I recently just started to find
my own passion for writing.
Children's books.
I don't mean to give
Tony a hard time.
I have to go.
You are my life force today.
Do not let me down.
Ooh, feed me.
Special gingerbread
men, you don't want one.
Oh my God, you're getting
stoned for the funeral?
I am not.
I just need a little
something to keep me
stress-free for
today, that's it.
What's keeping
you stress-free.
Nothing.
Her weed gingerbread men.
Jennifer.
Ooh, nice, Kathy Bates.
Spare me, all of you.
I am a grown-ass woman.
Well if I can't eat that.
This is clean, right?
Hello, Millie?
Well I hear Pete.
Yeah, precious Pete!
How are you?
Here.
- Hi, honey.
- Hey, babe.
Millie says we're great,
we're fine, but that's the
coldest hello I have ever seen.
Thank you so much.
Of course.
Hey.
Hey, guys.
Hey.
It's been a minute.
You never showed up last
night after Millie went to bed.
Hilarious.
So any word on the audition?
Audition, wait, what?
No, I was going to wait
till I knew for sure.
I didn't wanna build it up,
but I had an audition last week
for a recurring on a soap opera.
I don't want you
guys to freak out,
but I think I may
have gotten it.
I'll hear later today.
My goodness, please don't say
anything to anyone, all right?
And don't even talk about it.
I don't wanna jinx it, okay?
Today is definitely
not about me.
You gonna get dressed?
Right.
I guess I'll be seeing
you ladies later.
Okay, bye, precious Pete.
Oh hey, sorry, I forgot
to put the sign out.
We're closed. I'm
just locking up.
Okay, thanks.
It's a really nice place.
Yeah, you should come
back when we're open.
I really gotta lock
up here, though.
You should leave a pizza
out for people to try too.
That'd be nice.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Who let you have bangs?
Hey, Stephanie?
Yeah?
What are you doing?
Getting some reading
done for school.
I'd like to rehearse
without Grandpa hearing us.
I just saw him leave
with Uncle Tommy.
Good, all right.
It's for you.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
There you are.
Thank you.
Ready?
Mm-hmm.
One, two, three.
Hello, Uncle Sebby
is in the house.
And, nobody.
Hello?
Hello?
What the?
Everything looks nice.
Not one single niece
here to greet me.
This is an outrage.
Uncle Seb has impeccable taste.
Good at what he does, loves
bossing people around.
Especially Uncle Tommy.
Knock knock.
Oh, it's so good to see you.
Hello, hello, good to see you.
Hello, sweetheart.
Oh, oh my gosh.
My gosh, you have more
style in your pinkie
than I do in my whole closet!
Well that's just tragic.
Oh my gosh, look at my lovelies.
Oh, you brought
the holiday season,
and the East Coast humidity.
Good for the grapes, not
good for the hormones,
you know what I'm saying?
Ooh.
Uncle Seb lives at home
and takes care of Grandpa.
He has impeccable taste,
especially when it comes
time to wine... he
was mom's favorite.
How was your trip?
Good, besides being in
the red state of Florida.
Splendid, but I did find buyers
for the summer
edition red wine, yes.
So that wine will be sold.
Great.
Glad to be back, though.
Yeah.
No place like home
for the holidays.
Get to spend some
time with my nieces.
And remember Mom, so.
You know what?
No, no no no, no.
Your grandmother would
not want us moping around
like a buncha crybabies
during Christmas.
It's true.
You know.
So I have an idea.
Grandma used to always
love to pamper herself
and get gorgeous,
especially after chemo.
It was one of the only things
that she looked forward to
and it made her happy sometimes.
So I say we have a beautification
session in her honor.
- Oh.
- Yes.
Aw, we used to love
playing dress-up as kids.
To Grandma.
Okay, hold on.
Almost got it, and then.
Hey look, this
is the new label.
Ooh.
Wow.
All Mom's idea.
Isn't it gorgeous?
Yeah?
So proud of it.
Oh wow, that's beautiful.
We're gonna be serving it
at the reception this morning.
That's nice.
But, I think we
should do a taste test.
What do you think, ladies?
Um, absolutely.
Duh.
It would be irresponsible
not to try it.
Maybe we should finish
what we already opened.
All right, I'm on board.
Here we go, to Mom.
To Grandma.
I love you guys.
Love you.
Who's Casper?
Oh my God, invade
privacy much?
I am a curious person.
Nosey's more like it.
Okay, we were together in
New York, and he just happens
to be in LA for
the holidays too.
Like, it's no big deal.
And just happened to
text you 10 times today?
Is that what the
kids these days
are calling a booty call?
The kids?
You're in college.
No no no, no, no.
It's not like that.
We're just friends.
Sure.
Sure, mm.
This was our mom's.
Where did you get this?
My dad found it
a few months ago
while he was cleaning
out their house.
I thought it would make
the perfect secret Santa.
I thought she'd lost this.
I love it, thank you so much.
Yeah, of course.
What are you doing?
I'm not gonna wrap it
now. Wear it today.
Your mom would have loved it.
Aw, it looks beautiful.
Perfect, it is just perfect.
Who is my secret Santa?
If we told you then
it wouldn't be a secret.
Well, that's true.
I'm sorry.
I have not been a good cousin
or sister since I've been here.
You have been
awfully judgmental
about me and Pete's
relationship.
I know, I'm sorry.
I guess I should
apologize too.
If I'm being totally honest,
things aren't totally
great in my marriage.
Why, what happened?
It's so dumb.
It's just, lately I
can't help but wonder,
if my acting career
would have been different
if I was on my own?
You know, if I
didn't have anyone
or anything to worry
about, just... me.
Plus, he's way better at
this whole marriage thing.
It's really unfair.
Well you know he loves
you no matter what.
No, I know that and it's,
this is probably just
the wine talking,
I just, I,
I never pictured my life
being so damn predictable.
I'm a virgin.
My gosh.
Seriously?
Yeah, seriously, okay.
Don't act so shocked.
I mean, having a
pair of Double D's
makes me see how much men
have in common with pigs.
I mean, come on, Millie?
You get it.
Um, I... haven't been doing
that well in school lately.
I, um, I got a B
on my last exam.
Come on, boring.
What is her life? I
swear to God in everything.
This is where you're hiding.
Thanks for leaving
me down there.
All right, the servers
have a few more
minutes before they
finish setting up,
and then I have
about five minutes
before I have to put
out another fire.
Who's got wine?
We do.
Oh, you gave it to her early.
Yeah.
You remind me so much
of my sister right now.
You both do.
Do you think Mom and
Grandma are watching us?
If they miss us as much as
we miss them, then definitely.
Let's honor
them right today, yeah?
Anybody hungry?
Always.
Let's go.
Thomas, under the
rug, under the rug.
Someone's gonna fall
and break a bone.
Or worse, something
in the house.
Tommy, Tommy, not Thomas.
What's your plan
for changing the song
without Grandpa noticing?
Let me handle it.
Okay.
Hey, you look beautiful, Jen.
Thanks, Uncle Tommy.
You need some help.
No, help?
But I could use a little
company, though, huh?
Okay.
Come on, bring it in.
Don't you think?
Yeah.
All right, get
this show on the road.
So have you talked
to Grandpa today?
No, I don't think anybody has.
Okay, great, so I
talked to Uncle Seb,
and according to
Grandpa, he now wants
Silent Night instead
of Amazing Grace.
Are you sure about that?
Positive, I can get
Uncle Seb if you want.
No no no, it's okay.
I can, uh... I'll
change it, all right?
Okay, cool.
Okay.
Millie?
What?
Yours, I presume.
Oh, no, it's Stephanie's.
Well can you please
take it upstairs?
Yes, I can.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Nothing out of place
for you today, Mom.
What?
Mission accomplished.
Millie?
Huh?
We're all set.
Oh, good.
Yeah, but most importantly,
did you see Tony out there?
Ooh.
Yeah, and?
I can't escape this guy, okay,
first this morning, now here.
Don't be basic, Jennifer.
He's really a great guy,
and he's the best
employee we've ever had.
And, he's helped your
grandmother a lot out
at the restaurant when
she wasn't feeling good.
Hey, Grandpa.
I just wanted to let you know,
I will be singing
this afternoon.
That's so good, sweetheart.
It's gonna make your
grandmother very happy.
The kids are gonna sing.
Of course they are,
Dad, of course they are.
Natalyn, hi.
Casper, what the
hell are you doing?
Who's that?
I don't know.
Oh, maybe it's the texting guy.
Hey, listen, I'm
sorry that I told them
about your audition.
It's fine.
What the hell
are you doing here?
You can't just show up to
a funeral. It's creepy.
No, I was invited.
Are you stalking me?
No.
You never responded
to any of my texts.
I thought you might
need the support.
I mean I haven't had the
time to look at my phone.
Okay, what, why am
I explaining myself?
I'm sorry. Do
you want me to go?
Yes, I want you to leave.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
Just stop saying you're sorry.
Can I still see
you later sometime?
Yes.
Okay, maybe, I don't know, just,
can you just go, please?
Just leave, now.
Okay, sorry.
Just leave.
Hi, family.
Okay.
I wanted to thank all of
you for being here today.
I know that for some of us
it was a difficult trip.
Dad has asked me to speak
on behalf of the family.
I wish that my,
I wish my sister and my
mother could be here today
to see all the family again
together, but they can't be.
If there's one thing my mother
cherished more than family,
it is Christmas with the family.
Sometimes, we look back and wish
that we could do different,
things differently.
But I know that my mom
would have no regrets.
Sebby, I can't.
It's okay.
So, the family
would like to invite
our nieces up to enjoy their
angelic, beautiful voices,
invited by their
grandfather today.
Come on.
Thank you.
One of our earliest memories
is of Grandma singing
this song for us.
She would always say that,
no matter the season,
Silent Night was always the
song that would keep her calm
whenever she would sit still.
I know you're smiling now.
Do you wanna hang this
on the tree, Jennifer?
What the hell was
that Thomas, Tommy?
What, what?
The girls were supposed
to sing Amazing Grace.
Sorry, it was my idea.
I thought everyone
here would love this.
Jesus Christ.
Girls, that was beautiful.
Thank you.
It really was.
Took my breath away.
Thanks, Mom.
I didn't think I
could feel so close
to Mom again, but I did.
Dad couldn't have
picked a better song,
you guys sang it
beautifully, didn't they?
Absolutely.
Tommy, love you.
And the first
Christmas I can remember,
sitting by the fireplace
with Sebastiano,
when Mom played that song,
it was beautiful.
You guys did a beautiful job.
Wine, wine, wine.
That's the way to do it, huh?
To Mom.
To Grandma.
Oh here, you can
have some of mine.
Oh no, I'm good.
No.
Okay.
- Look at these.
- How cute are these?
Yeah, they're a
little burnt, but.
A cookie, get me a cookie.
You're fat. You
can't have one.
Oh my God, this is so good.
Looks delicious.
It does. It is delicious.
- Millie?
- Yeah?
It's your manager.
Oh my God, the audition.
- Oh!
- Oh my God.
Hello.
Okay, so Pete carries
her phone for her?
God, I wish he had a brother,
or two or three, I don't know.
Hey, Sean, sorry, yeah,
I found a quiet spot now.
Go ahead.
Okay.
Thank you.
So what did he say?
Oh, girls. Girls,
girls, girls.
Sh, sh, sh.
Mom, are you okay?
I feel wonderful. I do.
And I don't know why,
because I miss my mother
and I miss my sister.
I miss you girls. I do.
It's okay.
Do you remember Mario?
This is Mario.
He is... your great Aunt
Amelia's second cousin
to Grandma, twice removed.
Or was it first cousin?
I can't remember.
I don't know.
Doesn't even matter.
Doesn't matter, does it?
Oh, sweet Mario.
Yep, mm-hm.
Hi.
- Hello.
- Hi.
So your mom was
just telling me...
That's funny.
She was just telling me
that you're in law school.
I was.
Yeah, yeah, I've
got about a year left.
Great, I have a
couple of questions.
Just legal stuff, do you mind?
Sure.
Okay, so, let's just say
that a friend of a friend
finds out that his,
her boyfriend is
cheating on her.
And let's just that
friend of a friend
wants to take a bat
to that lying piece
of crap's fugly car.
Oh dear.
What would the sentence
for that be exactly,
like if they got caught?
You know, like
community service?
I'm studying civil rights law,
so I can't help you, her.
Right, right.
Oh.
Why didn't you get me some
salami? What's wrong with you?
I'll take one of those.
Are you ignoring me?
No no no, don't eat that.
Girls, look, hey,
look who I found.
Look who I found.
Look who I have found.
This is fabulous.
There you go.
Who are you?
It's not that hard.
I'm the great great
granddaughter of Alphonso,
who's your mother's
first cousin.
Hey, did you know that?
Did you know that?
No, Mom.
Nicolette, what
have you been up to?
So you do know her?
You just introduced me to her.
Oh, that's right.
I was in a rehab program
for the past two years.
No.
What were you in for?
Food.
Anchovies are my favorite.
Are you okay. Do you
want me to take this?
Sorry, it's like
a bug or something.
Hey, don't get us
sick, sweetheart.
This is Grandma's funeral.
Sorry.
So, I saw you talking to
that guy outside. Boyfriend?
No.
That's just Casper.
We're just friends.
Friends, friends, friends.
Actually, kind of, I
don't know what we are.
Boring.
Hey, take it easy on the
judgment calls over here,
because people could
judge you for those pants
you're wearing, Mario.
Wow.
So, are you seeing anyone,
any rich lawyer guy?
Uh.
I met someone like a month
ago, but it didn't work out.
So.
Why didn't you
tell us about that?
Honey, did you know this?
Mom, she doesn't
tell me anything.
I'm going to get a wine.
But, I got wine.
Why didn't you tell
us about him, honey?
It wasn't worth talking about.
Well, it's always worth
talking about, honey, come on.
Jen, any boy?
No, no one special.
I'm hungry. Is anybody hungry?
This is the way you
wanna deal with this?
This is exactly how
I wanna deal with this.
Nice.
I'm so sorry.
They're so good.
I baked them myself.
I haven't eaten all day.
No judgment.
Um, I was completely
rude to you earlier,
and I want to apologize.
It's fine. You had
a lot on your mind.
I did, but it's not fine.
I really am sorry.
Okay, apology accepted.
Good.
You're great.
I mean, you were, you
were great earlier,
when you were singing.
Why thank you.
Oh-oh.
Little gingerbread men.
I already had one of those
No, Uncle Seb.
So good.
Ooh.
Little mistletoe.
I gotta get back to work.
Scare him away.
Gingerbread.
I'll take that.
Jennifer made special
gingerbread men, okay.
No, no, no no no no.
Yes, yes, yes.
Probably should have hidden
this better, don't you think?
Oh shit.
It's okay. How many
of these did you make?
Five.
Five, there you go.
Two down, and three to find.
And I think we
found the third.
It's all right.
- Uncle Tommy?
- Yeah.
I owe you an apology.
No you don't.
It's not the first
time someone used me.
Not the first, won't
be the last, but
you girls were doing
something you believed in.
You loved your grandmother.
How could I be mad at that?
And I meant what I
said about the song.
Come here.
We gotta find one
more gingerbread man.
All right, let's do it.
I'll look inside, if
you wanna look outside?
Yeah, solid.
Cool.
Get yourself together!
You are stronger than
those little men.
You have a cookie too?
No, I don't like them.
You don't like cookies?
Those cookies were good. I'm
sorry you didn't have any.
Well I wanted one.
But look at these
pants. They're like scuba.
They're like a scuba
suit, look at these.
Just leave the guy alone.
Mario, sweetheart,
you look fabulous today.
You gotta be kidding me.
Are you kidding me?
Tommy, what is going on?
Why am I so hungry?
Honey, you're baked.
You are baked.
I bake.
I told you to give me
one of these cookies.
You want me to bake,
I'll bake you some cookies.
Somebody put stuff in your
mommy's cannoli, oh my God.
Hey, give me some of that food.
Are there cannolis?
Are there cannolis?
I want a cannoli.
I'm gonna have a cannoli.
Are they cannolis?
Are they cannolis?
Hey, are you all right?
The wall's moving.
Who are you?
Nicolette.
Oh, yeah.
Don't you see
it, Cousin Tommy?
Where'd you get that, huh?
Don't send me back.
Naw, no, no way.
I got it, yeah.
That's far out, huh?
I know that you changed
the song, Jennifer.
And Tommy was never a good liar.
I was just doing what
Grandma would have wanted.
You're just like your mother.
Get out.
No. Why?
Because Mom had me
without a husband?
I'm here because
my mom loved me.
It's not my fault I was born.
I deserve to have a
relationship with my family.
You just let Mom leave.
That was her choice.
She needed you.
She just wanted you to
tell her you loved her.
And you let her go.
I'm not having
this conversation.
Why did you let her go?
Grandpa, tell me why you
weren't there for her!
For us!
I'm sorry.
You're sorry?
I'm not doing this.
Jen?
Jen?
People make mistakes.
Sometimes you just have to
accept it and move forward.
We all deserve second chances.
I don't know if
I believe that.
I think you should
go back inside with me.
Absolutely not.
It will be okay.
I like it here.
I like feeling that I'm
a part of a family again.
Grandma... taught
Mom how to be brave.
That's why Mom left, and
that's why I'm leaving.
If you don't stop
living in the past, then
I don't know how to help you.
She didn't get the part.
Oh God. How much
has she had to drink?
Enough.
I got it, Dad.
You think Jen's okay?
She'll get over it.
Maybe we should go find her.
Natalyn's got it.
They're sisters.
Maybe you wanna
like slow down, a bit?
Now you just sound like Pete.
Want me to give up on my dreams,
too, just to pay some bills?
Okay, I understand that
you're upset about the audition,
but there's gotta be...
Oh look, a little angel
has come down from heaven
to hand out life lessons.
Is that what this is?
You have some secrets of your
own, now don't you, Steph?
When were you gonna tell Mom
and Dad that you're pregnant?
When were you gonna tell me?
Oh my, how did she find out?
And you're looking at
giving it up for adoption.
Stephanie, when
were you gonna drop
that nugget on your family, huh?
That's enough, Millie,
stop it, stop it.
Take it easy on your sister.
Millie, Stephanie.
Steph.
Thank you all for coming.
If you wouldn't
mind, we're gonna
scale it down just
to immediate family.
Nicolette, thank you so
much for coming, honey.
Thank you so much,
thanks, thank you.
Thank you so much.
Mario.
Thank you, Mario.
Thank you, honey.
Thank you so much for coming.
Bella.
I'm so sorry. Sorry.
- Ciao.
- Ciao, baby.
Thank you so much.
You know, this? This right here?
This is what killed Mama.
Sebi!
I'm sorry.
What's the matter?
Why'd you do this
to your sister?
Let Anthony handle it.
C'mon let's worry
about yourself here.
You know what,
you take it easy too.
Did she say where
she was going?
No, she didn't.
I'm sorry.
I, I don't know what happened.
All right, listen, I'm
glad that you're sorry, okay,
but it's not me you
owe an apology to.
I know.
Look, we know
you're strong, okay.
We know we don't have
to worry about you.
We know you can handle anything
that life is thrown at your way.
But Stephanie on the other hand,
she still needs our guidance.
And yours too, you're
her sister for God sakes.
Now, you on the other hand,
you're tough as nails.
But what you did and how
you did it was wrong.
Yes, sir.
I guess saying
something was right.
Okay, okay, enough.
Enough, look at me.
Wipe those tears.
Okay.
Okay.
I'm sorry, Mama.
No, no more sorries. Okay.
I could probably
offer up some help.
You know, make some calls
down to the station.
Yeah, I think
that's good, yes?
Why don't you just
be with your wife?
We'll keep you
posted, all right?
Okay.
Could you just get me
some coffee please, babe?
Listen, we're gonna
go look for her, okay?
Okay, I'll be right there.
I love you.
I love you too, Mom.
Jen won't even
talk to me about it.
And, you know what?
I don't blame her.
What kinda sister am I?
We'd all like to
think we'd be brave and
strong in tough situations.
But, the truth is,
life's not easy.
And finding our way in
this complicated world,
while staying true
to who you are
and where you come from,
it's what we're supposed
to be doing at our age.
It's human nature to screw
things up and say stupid shit.
I mean, look at me.
You didn't screw things up.
Maybe, but I
definitely do things
without thinking them through.
Like the funeral.
You coming was actually,
like, really sweet.
Can I confess something?
Uh, sure.
That show I said I had
was 100% a lie.
Why?
Why would you lie?
To impress you.
Oh, that's so stupid.
Exactly, it's human nature.
But you know, what about?
Just don't hate
yourself for being human.
Please, I make 100
mistakes a day.
Granted, they're
not as big as yours.
But... it doesn't matter
the mistake you make.
What matters is
what you do after.
I have seen
you and your sister.
And siblings, they put
each other through so much.
And it makes the rest of
life like a piece of cake.
I've seen what you two have.
And I just wish I had
the semblance of that.
I bet you've been waiting
a long time for that.
Since the first day we met.
Hi.
I can't do this right now.
Just give me five minutes,
please. I don't wanna fight.
No, I can't.
Grandpa, I just
wanna apologize.
I'm sorry for, for everything.
Don't be mad at Natalyn,
Stephanie and Millie.
The song was my idea.
I learned a lot
about myself today.
This might come as a shock,
but despite your relationship
with Mom growing
up, your marriage
with Grandma was how I
judged all relationships.
The love you two shared,
something I always wanted.
I didn't stop your mom
because I was scared.
After all those
years of fighting,
I thought I was doing
the right thing.
I was finally willing
to let her go.
And the chemo, well it
slowed your grandmother down.
But losing your mother
is what killed her.
She stopped fighting.
You know how I always say
you're like your mother?
You're like your grandmother.
If you're willing to
forgive me for today,
I'd like us to start over.
There's nothing to forgive.
I'm so proud of you.
Of all the girls.
You did the right thing.
I wonder if Grandma
is watching us.
Oh yeah.
You can bet she's
right here right now.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean what I said.
Just enough, enough, enough.
You know I'd do anything for us.
Yeah?
Yeah.
I can't do this anymore.
I've been nothing but
supportive of your acting.
Tonight was just...
It's not just tonight.
It's every night.
It's every day. It's
the way you look at me.
It's the way you don't.
Pete... I'm a failure.
I'm disappointing myself
and everyone I love.
And I keep blaming
you for everything
that's wrong in my
life, and that's,
that's not fair to you.
Because the truth is, you
deserve so much better than me.
It was just easier to,
to push you away
than to pull you in.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry, and
not just for tonight.
I'm sorry.
I love you.
And nothing else matters.
I'm not the only one
who needs to hear that.
I know.
Okay.
Well.
It shouldn't be hard
to find Stephanie.
You're married to a cop.
Everybody, where is everybody?
Hey, hey you guys.
Sweetheart? Hi.
Okay, I know that
this is my fault,
and I'm trying to make it right.
I'm really sorry.
Okay, all right.
Grandpa, this is
my boyfriend, Casper.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Russo.
Yeah, nice to meet you.
Now give me my phone.
Let's see if we can-
- Oh, so, where are we
looking for Stephanie?
That's a good
question, the library?
No, the
library's closed, come on.
The tree house?
I was just there.
She's not gonna
be in the house.
She drove off in a car.
She's not answering.
The church?
Parlor, how about the
pizza parlor, I mean.
What?
Why would she be there?
Why wouldn't she?
Why wouldn't she?
Holy shit, Uncle
Tommy's right.
All right, well there we go.
No no no.
What?
Let me go.
Seriously, it's my fault.
You do good by
your sister, huh?
Okay, Ma.
I love you.
Yeah, I love you too.
Natalyn and I are
coming with you.
I'll drive.
Thank you, honey.
I'll stay. I'll stay.
We'll all stay,
we'll all stay.
Dad, come here.
Who the hell is this guy?
Who is this frigging guy?
You good?
Yeah, I'm good.
Good, I'm glad, because
I need to talk to you.
What?
Jennifer and I had a
great conversation.
I'm so happy, that's good,
because I need to talk to you
about your other granddaughter.
No.
No!
I'm glad I was the
closest driver tonight.
Stephanie, Stephanie, please.
I betrayed you.
And I'm sorry.
I was just hurt that
you didn't tell me.
How did you even know?
I saw the email.
Look, I understand if
you hate me right now.
I get it.
I kinda hate myself right now.
And if you don't wanna talk to
me, I brought reinforcements.
I'm not gonna tell
you what to do.
You're the only person that
can make that decision.
But I need you to know
whatever your choice is, I
will always be your sister,
and you will never be alone.
Millie, I'm in the
middle of law school.
I have a career lined up.
Hey.
What are you afraid of?
Of disappointing everyone.
And I don't wanna lose my family
the way Aunt Carmelita did.
Your family loves you.
I'm sorry, I can't
go through that.
Will you please just go?
You know I'm not
going anywhere.
On no no no, baby.
No.
Listen, I'm so sorry
if we made you feel
like you couldn't tell us.
I was just so scared.
Yeah, oh, honey.
We're all here for you no
matter what your decision is.
Yeah.
Hey, listen, Grandpa
was just afraid.
We're not afraid,
just Grandpa.
Yeah, dry those tears,
oh, I blew my nose in this.
It's okay, we're
all family, right?
We're all family, right, Pop?
That's kind of... disgusting
quite honestly, all right.
Hey, you keep it to yourself
and just go get some water.
Want my handkerchief?
No, nobody wants
that handkerchief.
I'll be right back.
You're a beautiful girl.
This was you?
It was all three of us.
I love my family.
Me too.
Group hug?
What's your name, Casper?
Please, make like a ghost, okay?
I don't trust you.
Something about
you, I don't trust.
All right, okay,
Christmas, Christmas,
Christmas, Christmas.
Yeah, Christmas.
All right.
My baby.
Dad, I love you.
I love you.
Millie.
Uncle Seb!
Hey, where's Casper?
Where's your Casper guy?
Now we do a group hug, okay?
Come on, let's do a group hug.
Sebastian, get in
here, group hug.
Come on, everybody, I
love all of you guys.
I love you. Grandma
would be so happy, huh?
Thanks, Boss.
I love my family.
Thinking of Grandma and Mom.
Especially this Christmas.
Natalyn is happy.
She learned to worship
what makes her her.
Give it your
Grandma, that's it.
Give him the big one.
Natalyn wasn't the one
who had to see what was
right in front of her eyes.
Millie accepted that life is
a journey, and sometimes you
have to put your time in
before that big break happens.
Stephanie is a fantastic
mom, and a great lawyer.
She has the family to help.
Faith in herself
was all she needed.
And who knows?
Maybe I found a little
something for myself too.
Let's get the
picture. Come on, Dad.
Grandpa and I found our way.
Everybody ready?
All right, one two
three, here we go.
Even though Grandma is not here,
she still managed to give
us the best Christmas, ever.
Hey.
My grandmother's wisdom.
Oh, shout-out to Kevin,
my fabulous agent,
for his patience while
I embraced my voice.
See the good. Be the light.
Keep the faith.
Listen to your inner strength,
and don't let the
past define you.
Merry Christmas.