Watch Feast of the Seven Fishes

Feast of the Seven Fishes is a heartwarming Christmas comedy-drama directed by Robert Tinnell and released in 2019. Set in 1983, the film takes place over the course of a single Christmas Eve in a small town in Pennsylvania, where an Italian-American family is preparing for their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, a seafood banquet that celebrates their heritage.

The story follows a young man named Tony (Skyler Gisondo), who has returned to his hometown after college and is trying to figure out his future. Tony comes from a family of fishermen, and his grandfather (Tony Bingham), a widower who still mourns the loss of his wife, insists that he continue the tradition of the feast.

As the family members gather to cook and eat their traditional meal, they navigate their relationships and personal struggles. Tony's parents (Paul Ben-Victor and Janet Zarish) have a strained marriage and are struggling to keep their business afloat. Tony's cousin Angelo (Andrew Schultz) is torn between his responsibilities to the family and pursuing his own dreams. Tony's friend Sarah (Madison Iseman) is secretly in love with him but doesn't know how to express her feelings.

Throughout the day, the family bond over cooking, drinking wine, and sharing stories, but tensions arise when Tony's ex-girlfriend, Beth (Jessica Darrow), shows up unexpectedly. Beth left Tony heartbroken and unsure of his future, and her appearance throws a wrench into the festivities.

Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beautiful ode to family, tradition, and love. It captures the essence of a small-town Christmas, with charming decorations, twinkling lights, and a sense of community. The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the winter landscape and mouth-watering close-ups of the feast's delicious dishes.

What makes Feast of the Seven Fishes so special is its relatable characters and their struggles. Each member of the family has their own story and personality, and they feel like real people rather than caricatures. Skyler Gisondo gives a standout performance as Tony, a young man torn between his family obligations and his passion for art. He captures the anxiety and confusion of being at a crossroads in life, and his chemistry with Madison Iseman's Sarah is palpable.

Tony Bingham is also excellent as Tony's grandfather, a gruff but lovable man who misses his wife and wants to preserve his family's heritage. Paul Ben-Victor and Janet Zarish bring depth to their roles as Tony's parents, who are trying to keep their family together despite their differences.

Feast of the Seven Fishes is also a celebration of Italian-American culture and its traditions. Director Robert Tinnell, who adapted the film from his graphic novel of the same name, grew up in a family that celebrated the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and his love for his heritage shines through in the film. From the food to the music to the language, the film immerses the viewers in the Italian-American experience and reminds us of the importance of preserving our roots.

Overall, Feast of the Seven Fishes is a delightful and heartwarming film that captures the essence of Christmas and family. With its charming characters, beautiful setting, and mouth-watering food, it's a movie that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Feast of the Seven Fishes is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 68.