The movie opens on a chilly Christmas Eve in suburban America, where the sprawling family of the DiGiacomo clan are busy preparing for their annual Feast of the Seven Fishes. The matriarch of the family, known as Nonna, is directing the kitchen operations, while her sons and their wives take care of the decorations and other preparations. Cousins and other relatives arrive in droves, carrying with them traditional gifts like panettone and bottles of bubbly Prosecco.
As the meal heats up in the kitchen, tensions and stories start to simmer at the table. The eldest son, Tony, grapples with the idea of telling his father, Frank, that he wants to move to Chicago to pursue a career in music. Meanwhile, Michael, the youngest and most introverted son, is enamored by the new girl in the family, Beth. She's from the city and has a certain worldliness about her that has Michael smitten.
As the meal progresses, we learn about the history of the family and how the Feast of the Seven Fishes became a tradition. The stories are peppered with both joy and heartbreak, love and loss. We see how the family has grown and changed over time, but always come together on this sacred night.
As the night wears on and the wine flows freely, Tony finally works up the courage to tell his father about his plans to leave. To his surprise, Frank is understanding and supportive. Tony feels a weight lifted from his shoulders, but he knows there will still be more challenges to come.
The night ends with Michael and Beth sneaking off to a nearby hill to look at the stars and talk about the future. All around them, the lights of the DiGiacomo house twinkle like a beacon, reminding them of the importance of family and tradition. They kiss, and for the moment, all is right in the world.
Feast of the Seven Fishes is a heartwarming and poignant portrait of an Italian-American family steeped in tradition, love, and good food. It's a reminder that even in uncertain times, the bonds of family can give us strength and hope for the future.