Nico meets his sisters at a restaurant to plan Thanksgiving. Vanessa suggests inviting additional migrants from a local shelter. When Nico asks whether Domingo must be included, citing his behavior, his sisters minimize concerns and note that only Gloria can ask him to leave. Palermo reveals Nico’s private opinion that Martine is a manipulative opportunist, which appalls Vanessa, and they accuse him of being influenced by anti-immigrant videos.

Later, Martine pours rum and asks Nico directly why he dislikes her. They argue about immigration: Nico defends the importance of home and belonging, while Martine criticizes his inactivity and lack of responsibility. She notes that his sisters are childless and suggests that immigrants will inherit the country because native-born citizens like Nico aren’t forming families.

When Nico’s father, Carlin, sends a last-minute Thanksgiving invitation, Nico accepts, partly to avoid Domingo. Gloria erupts in fury at the perceived betrayal, citing her efforts to maintain family traditions while Carlin does little. In anger, she throws the prepared turkey into the garbage.

Nico reflects on his father, a prominent right-of-center journalist who runs an online magazine called Sanity.com. He and Gloria’s divorce was fueled by political disagreements and a sexual-harassment allegation against Carlin.

At an upscale restaurant, Carlin questions Nico about his continued unemployment. Nico defends his preference for passive observation, frustrating his father, and mentions that Domingo has effectively moved in. They discuss their perceived entitlement of migrants and the city’s asylum policies. While driving home, Carlin reflects on how New York’s demographics have shifted dramatically during his lifetime and says that such changes are difficult to discuss openly.

Nico returns to chaos: unwashed dishes, Martine crying at the kitchen table, and an Ecuadorian family no one knows seated awkwardly in the dining room. Vanessa explains that Martine’s three children in Honduras have been kidnapped, with a ransom of $30,000 due by New Year’s Day. Domingo arrives and helps himself to food intended for the visitors. Vanessa distributes donated warm clothing, including one of Nico’s coats.

The next morning, the Bonaventura family gathers around Martine’s phone to view photos of her three children. Desperate, Martine proposes sex work, theft, smuggling contraband, or selling a kidney to raise the ransom. Gloria frames the situation as a shared responsibility and asks her three children to contribute from their inheritances. Palermo claims that her funds are tied up in the construction business. Nico refuses on principle, arguing that the sponsorship wasn’t his idea. Vanessa offers approximately $5,000 in savings, but Gloria rejects a partial contribution and resolves to find the full amount herself.

Days later, Nico privately tells Gloria that they have no independent verification of the kidnapping and raises the possibility that Martine, perhaps with Domingo, fabricated the crisis to obtain money. Gloria responds with fury, calling the suggestion “wicked” and “cynical” and accusing Nico of jealousy and potential “sociopathy” (118). She compels him to admit that he has no evidence and makes him promise never to voice his suspicions to Martine.

Despite Nico’s doubts, the ransom effort proceeds. During a conversation, Martine mentions that migrants at local shelters sometimes stage accidents for profit—a detail that quietly feeds Nico’s suspicions. With Vanessa’s help, Gloria initiates a $30,000 wire transfer from her IRA retirement account.

Two days later, Martine receives word that her children have been released. During a video call, the three appear unharmed. Gloria is introduced as their rescuer, and the children offer thanks in imperfect English. Nico notes that he can’t recall Martine rushing to tell Domingo the news, and he wonders if Domingo already knew.

As Christmas approaches, Nico and Gloria attend dinner at the home of family friends Vernon and Colleen Carmichael. Their son Tyler, home from Chicago, Illinois, reconnects with Nico and confronts him about years of ignored messages and continued unemployment. Nico defends his lack of ambition, claiming contentment in wanting nothing.

Over dinner, Vernon reveals that he and Colleen are completing a documentary about the southern border. He argues that the migrant crisis is an existential threat, calling it an “invasion” and challenging progressive narratives. Upset, Gloria leaves early. Nico stays, relieved to discuss his views without inhibitions. Vernon and Colleen debate how to frame their documentary to remain commercially viable while addressing controversy. The evening reinforces for Nico that his mother’s views are sustained by an ideological echo chamber in which dissenting perspectives are treated as morally unacceptable.