Thanksgiving Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, and More

In the nail-biting conclusion of "Thanksgiving," after a spree of creative murders, Jessica orchestrates a plan to bait the killer during the town's Thanksgiving parade.

by Nithya A

Updated Nov 18, 2023

Thanksgiving Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, and More
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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a 2023 American slasher film directed by Eli Roth. It's based on Eli Roth's mock trailer from Grindhouse (2007). The movie stars Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Milo Manheim, and others. Released on November 17, 2023, by TriStar Pictures, Thanksgiving received generally positive reviews.

Prepare for early Black Friday stress with Thanksgiving, a new slasher film directed by Eli Roth (Hostel). The story follows John Carver, a serial killer haunting Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a Black Friday riot. Written by Roth and Jeff Rendell (Cabin Fever), the film introduces "The Carver," a mysterious masked man causing havoc. Sheriff Newlon (Patrick Dempsey) tries to uplift spirits while dealing with the aftermath. Starring Dempsey, Rick Hoffman, Gina Gershon, Milo Manheim, and Addison Rae, Thanksgiving is a 15-year-old idea that started as a mock trailer for Grindhouse in 2007. Roth's fans are eager to see what he has in store for this long-awaited project. Although spooky season is over, Roth is ready to bring scares to other holidays. With the promise of gory and creative kills, horror fans won't want to miss out. Here's how you can watch Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Ending Explained

Jessica devises a plan to draw out the Thanksgiving killer, Carver, during the town's parade. However, Carver kidnaps Jessica's family and friends, leading to a gruesome scene where one victim is cooked like a turkey. Jessica, aided by a bladed ring, escapes with a friend.

The plot takes a twist when Sheriff Newlon is revealed as the true killer, seeking revenge. Jessica cleverly livestreams his confession, leading to a fiery confrontation. Despite authorities finding no trace of the sheriff, Jessica remains skeptical, hinting at the possibility of a sequel with the notorious Thanksgiving killer still at large.

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Thanksgiving Release Date

Thanksgiving premiered in the United States on November 17, 2023, courtesy of TriStar Pictures.

Thanksgiving Cast

Actor Character
Patrick Dempsey Sheriff Eric Newlon
Nell Verlaque Jessica Wright
Addison Rae Gabby
Jalen Thomas Brooks Bobby
Milo Manheim Ryan
Rick Hoffman Thomas Wright
Gina Gershon Amanda Collins
Tomaso Sanelli Evan
Gabriel Davenport Scuba
Jenna Warren Yulia
Karen Cliche Kathleen
Ty Olsson Mitch Collins
Shailyn Griffin Amy
Derek McGrath Mayor Cantin
Mika Amonsen Lonnie
Lynne Griffin Grandma
Tim Dillon -
Chris Sandiford Doug

Thanksgiving Plot

The storyline of Thanksgiving is currently a secret, but if it aligns with the fake trailer, it might involve a serial killer masquerading as a pilgrim and targeting teenagers. Eli Roth, inspired by an idea from his teenage years, co-wrote the film with Jeff Rendell, who portrayed the killer in the original trailer.

Thanksgiving Review

On Rotten Tomatoes, Thanksgiving has an 83% approval rating from 78 critics, with an average score of 6.7/10. The consensus is that the film combines humor and over-the-top gore, making it a feast for grindhouse fans. Metacritic gives it a score of 63 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Audience ratings on CinemaScore averaged a "B−," and PostTrak reported a 73% overall positive score.

Variety's Owen Gleiberman noted that Thanksgiving follows slasher genre rules but stands out with a more charged and entertainingly hyperbolic atmosphere. Frank Scheck, in a positive review, predicted the film's enduring presence on cable channels and streaming services during many Thanksgivings. G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle, however, gave it a score of one out of four, expressing disappointment that the film did not live up to its potential as a great horror movie.

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Thanksgiving Ending Explained - FAQs

1. What is the plot of "Thanksgiving"?

The plot revolves around a serial killer named John Carver who disrupts the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, following a Black Friday riot. The story centers on Sheriff Newlon's attempts to maintain order and uplift spirits amidst the chaos caused by the mysterious masked killer.

2. Who directed "Thanksgiving"?

"Thanksgiving" is directed by Eli Roth, known for his work on films like "Hostel" and "Cabin Fever."

3. How can I watch "Thanksgiving"?

The film was released in theaters on November 17, 2023. Check local listings for screenings. Digital platforms like Vudu, Apple, YouTube, and Amazon may offer the film for rent or purchase in late December 2023. Additionally, it is expected to be available on Netflix as part of a deal with Sony Pictures Releasing, possibly by late March 2024.

4. What is the background of the film?

The idea for "Thanksgiving" originated 15 years ago when Eli Roth created a mock trailer for Robert Rodriquez and Quentin Tarantino's 2007 Grindhouse double-feature film.

5. When was the film released?

"Thanksgiving" was released in the United States by TriStar Pictures on November 17, 2023.