Single All the Way (2021)

Peter Graham wakes up in his Los Angeles apartment, the morning light filtering through sleek blinds onto a cluttered desk strewn with social media campaign notes. He is a social media strategist, but the usual buzz of his work feels hollow today. His phone buzzes with a message from Tim, his boyfriend of three months, but Peter's smile fades as he scrolls through a series of texts and photos that reveal a devastating truth: Tim is married with children. The confirmation comes when Tim's wife unexpectedly hires Peter's best friend and roommate, Nick, as a handyman for some home repairs. The betrayal stings deeply--Peter's hopes for a happy holiday with a new boyfriend crumble in an instant.

In the quiet aftermath, Peter turns to Nick, his longtime friend and confidant. Nick, a handyman with a calm, steady demeanor, listens as Peter vents his frustration about his family's relentless pressure to settle down. Peter's family in New Hampshire always asks about his single status, and this year, Peter is determined to avoid the usual interrogation. Desperate, he proposes a plan: Nick will come home with him and pretend to be his boyfriend for the holidays. Nick hesitates but ultimately agrees, not wanting to leave Peter alone to face the family's probing questions.

The plane lands in New Hampshire, where a crisp winter chill greets them. The snow-covered landscape contrasts sharply with Peter's sunny Los Angeles life. They arrive at Peter's family home, a warm, festively decorated house brimming with Christmas cheer. Carole Graham, Peter's mother, bursts through the door, a whirlwind of holiday spirit and matchmaking zeal. She wears a homemade "Sleigh Queen" sign, and her eyes sparkle with excitement as she immediately announces, "Peter, I've set you up on a blind date with my spinning instructor, James!" Peter's heart sinks further. Before he and Nick can even reveal their ruse, Carole's matchmaking is in full swing.

Peter's father, Harold, and Aunt Sandy, a flamboyant and hilarious presence, join the holiday scene, their warmth and humor filling the house. The family's enthusiasm for Peter's love life is palpable, and their subtle glances and knowing smiles toward Nick hint that they've long suspected something deeper between the two men.

Despite his reservations, Peter agrees to the blind date with James, a handsome, confident spinning instructor. Their first meeting at the local spin studio is filled with polite conversation and tentative smiles. James is charming and attentive, and Peter finds himself enjoying the experience despite the awkwardness of the situation. They buy a Christmas tree together, the scent of pine filling the air, and later, they share a day skiing at a nearby resort. The snowy slopes and crisp mountain air create a magical backdrop, but Peter's mind is restless. During their time together, he can't help but bring up Nick in conversation, revealing his inner turmoil.

Peter confides in Nick, "I'm torn. I like James, but I don't want to lose what we have." Nick's expression tightens, a mixture of hope and fear flickering in his eyes. The tension between them grows as Peter contemplates moving back to New Hampshire permanently, a decision that unsettles Nick deeply.

One evening, after a local holiday pageant directed by Aunt Sandy, Peter and James celebrate at a cozy bar. James, sensing Peter's conflicted heart, gently admits, "Peter, I don't think we're right for each other. You belong with Nick." The words hit Peter like a revelation. He rushes home, only to find the house empty. Nick is gone.

Peter's heart pounds as he spots Nick's rental car parked outside a small shop. Inside, Nick is finishing a final handyman job, repainting the storefront of a retiring shop owner. Nick turns to Peter with a shy smile and reveals, "I paid the first six months' rent for this place. It's your Christmas present. I know you've always wanted to open a plant store." The gesture is both practical and deeply symbolic--a declaration of his commitment and belief in Peter's dreams.

Overwhelmed, Peter steps forward and confesses, "Nick, I'm in love with you." Their eyes meet, and the air between them crackles with unspoken feelings finally given voice. They share a tender kiss, the snow softly falling outside the shop's windows, sealing their newfound love.

On Christmas Day, the Graham family gathers once more in the festively adorned home. Peter and Nick stand hand in hand, announcing to the delighted family that they are officially a couple and plan to move to New Hampshire together. Carole beams with pride, Harold nods approvingly, and Aunt Sandy claps with theatrical joy. The nieces giggle and cheer, wrapping the moment in warmth and acceptance.

The film closes on a scene of Peter and Nick walking through the snow-covered streets of their hometown, their breath visible in the cold air, hearts full of hope and love. Peter's dream of opening a plant store is no longer just a dream but a shared future with the man who has always been by his side. The family's acceptance and the couple's honest love bring the holiday season to a joyful, heartfelt close.

In the ending of "Single All the Way," Peter realizes his true feelings for Nick and decides to pursue a romantic relationship with him. After a series of misunderstandings and emotional moments, Peter's family supports his choice, leading to a heartfelt reunion. The film concludes with Peter and Nick sharing a kiss, solidifying their relationship.

As the final act of "Single All the Way" unfolds, we find Peter, played by Michael Urie, grappling with his feelings for his best friend, Nick, portrayed by Philemon Chambers. The holiday season is in full swing, and Peter has returned to his family home for Christmas, where his mother, played by Kathy Najimy, is eager to see him settled down. She has been trying to set him up with various suitors, but Peter's heart is elsewhere.

In a pivotal scene, Peter's mother discovers that he has been harboring feelings for Nick. This revelation comes after a series of comedic yet poignant moments where Peter's attempts to hide his true feelings lead to misunderstandings. The tension builds as Peter's family, particularly his mother, pushes him to date a handsome man named James, who is charming but not the right fit for Peter.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Peter and Nick share a moment of vulnerability. They reminisce about their past and the deep bond they share, which has been complicated by their friendship and Peter's fear of rejection. This scene is filled with emotional weight, as both characters confront their feelings for one another. The warmth of the holiday lights contrasts with the tension in the air, highlighting the stakes of their relationship.

On Christmas Day, Peter's family gathers for a festive celebration. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, food, and the spirit of togetherness. However, Peter feels a sense of longing as he watches his family interact with their partners. In a moment of clarity, he realizes that he cannot ignore his feelings for Nick any longer. He decides to take a leap of faith.

In a climactic scene, Peter finds Nick outside, where they have a heartfelt conversation. Peter expresses his feelings, and Nick reciprocates, revealing that he has also been in love with Peter for a long time. This moment is charged with emotion, as both characters finally acknowledge the depth of their connection. The backdrop of the snowy landscape adds to the romantic atmosphere, symbolizing a fresh start.

The film culminates in a tender kiss between Peter and Nick, surrounded by the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season. This moment signifies not only the beginning of their romantic relationship but also the acceptance of their true selves. Peter's family, witnessing this exchange, embraces their love, reinforcing the film's themes of acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.

As the credits roll, we see glimpses of Peter and Nick happily navigating their new relationship, surrounded by friends and family who support them. The film closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the joy of love and the importance of finding one's place in the world, especially during the holiday season. Each character, from Peter's supportive mother to Nick's unwavering friendship, plays a crucial role in this journey, culminating in a celebration of love in all its forms.

In the movie "Single All the Way," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes with a heartwarming resolution to the main storyline, focusing on the characters' relationships and their emotional growth throughout the holiday season. The ending wraps up the narrative neatly, leaving viewers with a sense of joy and fulfillment without any additional scenes after the credits.

Peter decides to go home for Christmas primarily to avoid the pressure of being single during the holidays, especially after his mother expresses her desire for him to find a partner. He hopes that by bringing his best friend Nick as his 'fake boyfriend,' he can alleviate the awkwardness of being single in front of his family.

When Nick arrives, Peter's family is initially warm and welcoming. They quickly embrace him, treating him as part of the family. Peter's mother, in particular, is enthusiastic about Nick, seeing him as a potential match for Peter, which adds to the comedic tension as Peter tries to maintain the facade of their fake relationship.

Throughout the film, Peter grapples with his growing feelings for Nick, which complicates their arrangement. Initially, he tries to suppress these feelings, fearing that they could jeopardize their friendship. As the story progresses, Peter must confront his emotions and decide whether to pursue a romantic relationship with Nick or continue hiding behind the facade of their fake relationship.

Peter's mother plays a crucial role in the development of Peter and Nick's relationship. She is supportive and encouraging, often pushing Peter to see Nick as more than just a friend. Her belief in their compatibility and her desire for Peter to find love create a nurturing environment that allows Peter to explore his feelings for Nick more openly.

The Christmas setting serves as a backdrop that heightens the emotional stakes for the characters. The holiday spirit, family gatherings, and traditions create a sense of warmth and nostalgia, which allows Peter and Nick to bond more deeply. The festive atmosphere also amplifies the pressure on Peter to find love, making his internal struggle more pronounced as he navigates his feelings amidst the holiday chaos.

"Single All the Way" is generally considered a family-friendly film, particularly as it centers around themes of love, acceptance, and family during the holiday season. However, there are a few aspects that might be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Romantic Themes: The film features adult romantic relationships, including discussions about dating and love, which may not be suitable for very young children.

2. LGBTQ+ Representation: The film prominently features LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. While this is a positive aspect for many, some viewers may find it challenging depending on their personal beliefs or backgrounds.

3. Family Dynamics: There are moments of tension and conflict within the family, including misunderstandings and emotional confrontations that could be intense for younger viewers.

4. Humor: Some jokes and comedic situations may involve adult themes or innuendos that might not be appropriate for all children.

Overall, while the film promotes positive messages, parents may want to consider these elements when deciding if it's suitable for their children.