Turkey Drop

Turkey Drop is a delightful 2019 comedy, brimming with familial dynamics, warmth, and festive spirit. Its charming and lovable characters, brilliantly realized by Olivia Holt, Cheryl Hines, and David Hewlett, take you through a light-hearted journey of self-realization and young love, all wrapped up in the lighthearted envelope of Thanksgiving.

The story revolves around Lucy Jacobs, a first year collegian played by the charismatic Olivia Holt. After managing to survive her initial college trials, the young and naive Lucy is thrilled to return to her hometown for the much-awaited Thanksgiving holiday. She, like most youngsters, is looking for a breather, and what can be more soul-soothing than the comfort of one's home, surrounded by family and the familiar.

However, the homely cocoon shatters when Lucy confronts the looming specter of the 'Turkey Drop'. A notorious practice that has almost become a tradition in her hometown, a 'Turkey Drop' is essentially a breakup that takes place over the Thanksgiving break, more specifically when college freshmen return home. The plot thickens as she is dolled up as the next – seemingly obvious – victim of the treacherous entanglement. It's bad enough coming home to a town that hasn't changed, but worse when everyone seems intent on reminding you that your relationship is ripe for the doomed 'Turkey Drop'.

At home, her parents, in an attempt to smooth over recent financial difficulties, are plotting to sell the family home and venture down the unsettling road of entrepreneurship. Playing the parts of Lucy's parents, Cheryl Hines and David Hewlett bring a comedic spin to mid-life crisis and parental dynamics that add depth and flavor to the family narrative, showcasing the timeless struggle of parents trying to keep up with their evolving children whilst managing their own personal challenges.

The movie successfully maps the quintessential journey of self-realization and transformation that young adults undergo, capturing lucid moments of angst, dread, rebellion, self-doubt, and finally, self-acceptance. Lucy's evolving relationship with her inescapable future and with herself forms the crux of the movie. Here, Olivia Holt truly gets a chance to shine, bringing an empathetic, earnest dimension to a character navigating the messy waters of young adulthood.

On the romantic front, we find a hopeful love story brewing in the undercurrents as Lucy, in her desperate attempts to dodge the 'Turkey Drop', ends up unexpectedly growing closer to a hometown boy. Will she be able to avoid the infamous Turkey Drop? Will she discover hidden aspects of herself during this whirlwind of a Thanksgiving trip? And what will become of her parents' burgeoning risky business venture?

Peppered with moments that aid in the character development, Turkey Drop is also a beautiful exploration of diverse human relationships. From Lucy's interaction with her childhood friend to her equation with her high school boyfriend, from her deciphering the complexity of her parents' marriage to understanding her own personal growth, the movie touches upon relationships in a manner that resonates with the audience.

The movie's director Jerry Ciccoritti, known for his deft hand at handling emotional narratives, leaves his signature touch on this movie too, making it an engaging experience. Every scene is tastefully shot, effectively complimenting the strong screenplay at its core. The balance of comedy and drama is maintained throughout the movie, making it a perfect festive family watch.

Turkey Drop, with its ensemble cast, fresh storyline, witty dialogues, beautiful settings, and heartwarming performances, offers a fun-filled ride. It manages to strike a fine balance between youthful adventure, burgeoning romance, and familial pressures, making it a relatable watch for both teenagers and adults alike. Embodying the true spirit of Thanksgiving, Turkey Drop is all about being grateful for life’s messy moments and embracing change with open arms, meaningful life lessons wrapped a fun and festive package.