🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Trey Edward Shults
- Genre: Drama, Family Drama, Indie
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 23min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (10K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Aunt shows up to Thanksgiving, tries to cook, accidentally almost burns the house down, everyone’s passive-aggressive, the end.
🍿 Krisha: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Arrival and Unease
Krisha, a woman in her 60s, arrives at her sister Robyn’s house for Thanksgiving after a decade of estrangement. She’s eager to reconnect but faces a mix of warm welcomes and palpable tension due to her troubled past, hinting at substance abuse and strained relationships. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken resentments and cautious optimism.

Cooking Under Pressure
Determined to prove her rehabilitation, Krisha insists on cooking the Thanksgiving turkey, viewing it as a symbol of her commitment to change. However, the kitchen becomes a pressure cooker, filled with subtle jabs, awkward conversations, and Krisha’s increasing anxiety. The simplest tasks become monumental challenges as she struggles to maintain control.

The Breaking Point
As the day progresses, Krisha’s carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. She secretly drinks wine in the bathroom, highlighting her ongoing struggle with addiction. The tension escalates culminating in a chaotic scene involving a dropped turkey, symbolizing the complete unraveling of her attempt at reconciliation and the resurfacing of deep-seated family wounds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Krisha (Krisha Fairchild): A woman returning to her family’s Thanksgiving after a long absence, battling past addictions and seeking reconciliation.
- Robyn (Robyn Fairchild): Krisha’s sister who is cautiously sympathetic but also bears the emotional scars of Krisha’s past.
- Trey (Trey Edward Shults): Krisha’s son, who remains distant and harbors resentment towards his estranged mother.
- Alex (Alex Dobrenko): A family member who approaches Krisha without the history and offers a neutral perspective.
- Doyle (Bill Wise): Krisha’s wise-cracking brother-in-law whose humor may be used as a defence mechanism.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Krisha: “I’m doing good, Robyn. I’m really trying.” – Krisha reassures her sister, Robyn, that she’s committed to staying sober and reconnecting, but her sincerity is questionable.
- Trey: “What happened to the gates?” – Trey asks about the dog gates after finding his mother has arrived, symbolizing the broken emotional barriers within the family.
- Krisha: “(Whispering) Come back.” – Krisha whispers and reaches out for her mother who has Alzeimer’s, after she is removed from the dining room after dropping the turkey.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $14,000
- Domestic Gross: $144,822
- Worldwide Gross: $144,822
💥 Krisha Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, Krisha really hit me hard. I went into it expecting a simple family drama, but what I got was an intense, almost claustrophobic experience. The way the movie builds tension is incredible – you’re constantly on edge, waiting for something to explode. I was incredibly moved by Krisha Fairchild’s acting. Her portrayal of Krisha felt so authentic and raw.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent films”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
- “Those who appreciate realistic portrayals of family dynamics”
- “Those who like films exploring themes of addiction and redemption”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Substance abuse”
- “Strong language”
- “Intense emotional situations”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Trey Edward Shults delivers a raw and unflinching portrait of family dysfunction, anchored by Krisha Fairchild’s mesmerizing performance. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and intense realism make it a truly unforgettable indie experience.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A visceral and emotionally charged drama that resonates deeply due to its authentic performances and masterful direction. The film’s claustrophobic setting and unsettling score amplify the tension, creating a truly immersive experience.
- Variety: “Trey Edward Shults’ Krisha stands out because it gives you something different. The movie does not follow a familiar theme and allows its creative forces to do their best. It was filmed in 9 days with non-stars and little money and its effect makes you not even think about that.
Audience Reactions
The film’s raw, authentic portrayal of family dysfunction and addiction really resonated with viewers.: The intense atmosphere, realistic performances, and the director’s unique stylistic choices were widely praised.
Krisha Fairchild’s performance was universally acclaimed for its depth and emotional honesty.: Viewers praised the movie’s ability to create a deeply unsettling and unforgettable experience.
Overall Consensus: Krisha is a gripping and emotionally resonant drama that offers an unflinching look at family dysfunction and addiction, distinguished by its authentic performances and distinctive direction.
Awards
- South by Southwest Film Festival (Grand Jury Award)- 2015
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was shot in just nine days at director Trey Edward Shults’ mother’s house in Texas.”
- “Many of the cast members are Shults’ actual family, including his aunt Krisha Fairchild, who plays the lead role.”
- “The film’s score was intentionally jarring and unsettling to reflect Krisha’s inner turmoil and anxiety.”
🖥️ How to Watch Krisha?
As an independent film, ‘Krisha’ might be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability can change, so check these services for the most up-to-date options. Additionally, consider checking your local library for DVD availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Krisha, you might like these similar films:
- Rachel Getting Married (2008): Explores the return of a troubled family member to a family gathering, highlighting the tension and unresolved issues.
- Festen (The Celebration) (1998): Another film that involves a dysfunctional family gathering and the exposure of painful secrets, creating intense drama.
- Home for the Holidays (1995): Dramedy about the chaos and emotional complexities of a family Thanksgiving gathering.
- It Comes at Night (2017): Directed by Trey Edward Shults, this film shares a similar style of intense and suspenseful storytelling, exploring themes of paranoia and family dynamics under pressure.
🛒 Krisha Related Products
- It Comes at Night [Blu-ray]: From writer/director Trey Edward Shults, the same acclaimed filmmaker as Krisha. Explore the chilling post-apocalyptic world he creates, showcasing his unique storytelling style.
- Waves (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): The soundtrack features the incredible music choices from Trey Edward Shults’ critically acclaimed film Waves, showcasing the music that amplified the emotions of the film.
- A24 Screenplays: First Edition: A collector’s item for cinephiles! This special edition contains the screenplays of several A24 movies, including Krisha. Dive deep into the writer’s vision and the creative process behind the film.
- Nina Simone – I Put a Spell on You: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing voice of Nina Simone, whose soulful music provided the soundtrack to Krisha. Perfect to relive some of the most touching moments from the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
Krisha features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Krisha’ follows a woman named Krisha as she attempts to reconcile with her family at Thanksgiving after years of estrangement due to substance abuse. The film explores themes of addiction, family dysfunction, and the challenges of redemption.
While not directly based on a specific true story, ‘Krisha’ is heavily inspired by writer/director Trey Edward Shults’ own family experiences, making it a personal and emotionally resonant film. Many of the cast members are Shults’ actual family, adding to the film’s realism.
The ambiguous ending reflects the complex and often unresolved nature of addiction and family dynamics. It leaves the audience to ponder Krisha’s ultimate fate and the lasting impact of her actions on her family, avoiding a simplistic or neatly tied-up resolution.
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