Love the Coopers is a 2015 holiday-themed dramedy directed by Jessie Nelson and written by Steven Rogers. With a large ensemble cast and interwoven storylines, the movie captures the chaos, tension, and tender moments that often come with a family Christmas reunion. It’s a mix of humor, melancholy, and heartwarming realizations about love, forgiveness, and family.
Detailed Summary
The Coopers’ Dysfunctional Holiday
The film centers on the Cooper family of Pittsburgh, who are gathering for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. On the surface, it’s a traditional family get-together—but beneath the holiday cheer, everyone’s dealing with personal struggles.
Charlotte (Diane Keaton) and Sam (John Goodman) are on the verge of separating after 40 years of marriage. They’ve decided this will be their last Christmas together before announcing their split. Meanwhile, their adult children, Emma (Marisa Tomei) and Hank (Ed Helms), are facing their own crises.
Emma, single and lonely, is caught shoplifting a brooch meant for her sister. She ends up in a police car with Officer Percy Williams (Anthony Mackie), leading to a surprisingly heartfelt conversation about loneliness and family expectations.
Hank, recently divorced, is struggling financially while raising his three kids. His teenage son, Charlie, is experiencing his first crush but doesn’t know how to express his feelings—echoing his father’s emotional awkwardness.
The Grandchildren and Generational Chaos
The younger Coopers add their own holiday drama. Madison (Blake Baumgartner) hilariously pretends to faint in order to distract from family arguments, while Bo (Timothée Chalamet, in one of his early roles) sneaks around with his new girlfriend.
Meanwhile, the family’s eccentric Aunt Fishy (June Squibb) provides comic relief and wisdom, reminding everyone that the holidays are about love and forgiveness, not perfection.
Charlotte and Sam’s Dilemma
Charlotte and Sam’s relationship forms the emotional core of the film. They love each other but feel stuck in a routine, longing for the passion and excitement of their younger years. Sam has even secretly bought plane tickets to Africa, hoping to rekindle their spark with an adventurous trip—but Charlotte refuses to go, symbolizing how distant they’ve grown.
Movie Ending
As the night unfolds, chaos erupts at the dinner table. Old arguments surface, secrets spill out, and emotions run high. Hank finally admits how much he’s struggling after his divorce. Emma confesses her shoplifting incident. Charlotte and Sam reveal their plan to separate, shocking everyone.
Then, during the height of the family meltdown, Charlotte and Sam’s elderly father, Bucky (Alan Arkin), collapses at the dinner table, bringing the family’s fighting to an abrupt halt. They rush him to the hospital, where everyone gathers in somber silence. This moment becomes the emotional turning point.
At the hospital, the family finally comes together—sharing laughs, tears, and forgiveness. Bucky survives, and the near-tragedy reminds them all of what truly matters. Charlotte realizes that her love for Sam never disappeared, just got buried under years of routine. The two reconcile and decide not to separate after all.
Meanwhile, other emotional resolutions unfold: Hank’s ex-wife shows up, hinting at a possible reconciliation; Emma bonds with Officer Percy, suggesting a new beginning for her; and even the younger Coopers show signs of maturing.
The film ends with the entire family back at the hospital cafeteria, enjoying an impromptu Christmas meal. They laugh, share food, and finally experience the warmth and love they’d been chasing all along.
In a poetic final touch, the film’s narrator—revealed to be the family’s dog, Rags (voiced by Steve Martin)—reflects on the messy beauty of family and the importance of love in all its imperfect forms.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Love the Coopers does not have any post-credits scenes. The story wraps up fully before the credits roll, though it does end with a warm montage of family moments that serve as a kind of emotional epilogue.
Type of Movie
Love the Coopers is a romantic dramedy and holiday family film. It balances heartfelt emotion with moments of humor, delivering a bittersweet yet ultimately hopeful message about family and love.
Cast
- Diane Keaton as Charlotte Cooper
- John Goodman as Sam Cooper
- Alan Arkin as Bucky Cooper
- Marisa Tomei as Emma Cooper
- Ed Helms as Hank Cooper
- Amanda Seyfried as Ruby
- Anthony Mackie as Officer Percy Williams
- June Squibb as Aunt Fishy
- Jake Lacy as Joe
- Olivia Wilde as Eleanor Cooper
- Timothée Chalamet as Charlie Cooper
- Steve Martin as Narrator / Rags (voice)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Nick Urata, known for his work with the band DeVotchKa (Little Miss Sunshine). The soundtrack mixes whimsical, holiday-themed music with emotional orchestral pieces. It also includes classic Christmas songs from artists like Otis Redding and Bob Dylan, enhancing the nostalgic tone of the movie.
Filming Locations
Love the Coopers was primarily filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which serves as both the literal and emotional backdrop of the film. The snow-covered streets and warm interiors mirror the movie’s themes—cold exteriors hiding the warmth of human connection. Key filming sites include Pittsburgh International Airport, Ross Township, and Downtown Pittsburgh.
Awards and Nominations
The film didn’t win major awards but was nominated for the 2016 ASCAP Award for Top Box Office Film due to its strong holiday-season performance. Critics were divided, but audiences appreciated its ensemble cast and emotional sincerity.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Jessie Nelson described the movie as “a love letter to imperfect families.”
- The ensemble cast filmed many of the dinner scenes together over several days, leading to genuine family-like interactions on set.
- Steve Martin recorded his narration separately but was reportedly the cast’s favorite element when they saw the final cut.
- Diane Keaton and John Goodman had previously worked together in Morning Glory (2010), making their chemistry feel natural.
Inspirations and References
The film is not based on a book, but it was inspired by classic ensemble family movies like The Family Stone and Love Actually. Writer Steven Rogers has said he wanted to explore “how love evolves across generations,” using Christmas as the setting because “it’s the time we can’t hide from our families.”
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There were reportedly several deleted moments that fleshed out side characters, including more backstory for Olivia Wilde’s character, Eleanor. One cut scene featured an extended flashback of Charlotte and Sam’s younger years, meant to show how deeply they once loved each other. However, it was trimmed to keep pacing tight.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is an original screenplay, not a direct adaptation. However, it borrows heavily from the tone and structure of ensemble holiday films, using interlocking storylines and multiple emotional payoffs.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Emma’s arrest and heartfelt conversation with Officer Percy in the police car.
- The chaotic family dinner where secrets explode.
- Charlotte and Sam’s emotional conversation about love and lost time.
- The hospital scene where the family reunites and reconciles.
Iconic Quotes
- Charlotte: “You spend your whole life trying to make a family perfect, and then you realize it already was.”
- Sam: “You can’t make someone stay in love with you, but you can remind them why they fell.”
- Emma: “Christmas isn’t about what we get—it’s about surviving each other.”
- Narrator (Rags): “Love is messy, complicated, and sometimes a little smelly—but it’s the only thing that matters.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The snow globe motif appears throughout the movie, symbolizing how families look perfect from afar but are chaotic inside.
- Eleanor’s airport storyline subtly parallels Love Actually, serving as a playful nod to that film.
- The dog’s narration hints early on that he’s not human, but many viewers miss this until the final reveal.
Trivia
- Timothée Chalamet was only 19 when he filmed this movie, one of his earliest Hollywood roles.
- The cast included three Oscar winners (Keaton, Arkin, Tomei) and two nominees (Goodman, Seyfried).
- Jessie Nelson consulted real family therapists while writing the script to ensure emotional authenticity.
Why Watch?
Love the Coopers is for anyone who loves holiday films that blend laughter and emotional truth. It’s about the beauty of imperfection—the kind of messy, heartfelt story that reminds us why family matters, even when they drive us crazy.
Director’s Other Movies
- I Am Sam (2001)
- Corrina, Corrina (1994)
- Fred Claus (2007) – writer
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Family Stone (2005)
- Love Actually (2003)
- The Holiday (2006)
- Four Christmases (2008)
- It’s Complicated (2009)
