You Should Meet My Son! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A delightfully overbearing Southern mom discovers her son is gay and, instead of having a normal reaction, decides her new life’s mission is to aggressively find him a husband, leading to chaos and accidental education in the gay club scene.

🍿 You Should Meet My Son!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mother’s Matchmaking Mission

Mae, a traditional Southern mother, is deeply concerned about her only son Brian’s bachelor status. Alongside her equally enthusiastic sister Rose, Mae frequently hosts dinner parties, inviting every eligible young woman in town in hopes of setting Brian up with a suitable wife. Brian, however, consistently brings along his “special friend and roommate,” avoiding their persistent matchmaking attempts. Despite Brian’s subtle resistance, Mae and Rose remain oblivious to the real reason he struggles to find a partner. Their well-intentioned but often comical efforts highlight their conservative upbringing and their earnest desire for Brian’s happiness, even if they don’t fully understand his life.

The Truth Comes Out, and a New Quest Begins

The truth about Brian’s sexuality is eventually revealed to Mae and Rose, prompting an initial moment of shock. However, their love for Brian quickly overrides any initial apprehension, leading to a surprising new resolve: if Brian is gay, they will simply find him a husband instead of a wife. This revelation transforms their matchmaking mission into a hilarious and eye-opening journey. Determined to find Brian the perfect man, Mae and Rose venture into unfamiliar territory, exploring gay bars, attending drag shows, and even dabbling in online dating sites like ‘Manhunt’ with the help of their teenage neighbor. Their encounters with the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community provide them with a crash course in modern relationships and acceptance, challenging their preconceived notions in the most humorous ways.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mae (Joanne McGee): A conservative Southern mother who, upon discovering her only son is gay, determinedly sets out to find him a husband.
• Brian (Stewart Carrico): Mae’s closeted gay son who navigates his own desires and his mother’s enthusiastic, if misguided, matchmaking attempts.
• Rose (Carol Goans): Mae’s equally determined and supportive sister who enthusiastically joins the mission to find Brian a suitable husband.
• Jennie Sue (Ginger Pullman): A devout Christian woman whom Brian tries to marry as a means of conforming to societal expectations, leading to comedic chaos.
• Chase (Steve Snyder): A charming go-go dancer and artist who becomes a genuine romantic interest for Brian amidst Mae and Rose’s adventures in the gay community.
• Greg (Chris Nolan): Brian’s tech-savvy teenage neighbor who unwittingly assists Mae and Rose in their journey to understand and access the gay dating scene.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jennie Sue: “And you know, we’ve dropped that little rule against interracial dating!” – Jennie Sue says this to Fantasia, attempting to appear progressive before Fantasia’s sarcastic retort.
• Mae: “My son is a wonderful catch, and he deserves to be loved! And I’m gonna find him a husband if it kills me!” – Mae declares her unwavering mission to find Brian a suitable partner after discovering he is gay.
• Brian: “Mom, you can’t just go barging into a gay bar and interrogate every man you see!” – Brian reacts in disbelief and embarrassment as his mother and aunt aggressively search for his future husband in public.
• Rose: “Well, I’ll be. It’s just like a big, loud family reunion, only with more glitter.” – Rose, Mae’s sister, comments on the vibrant and unexpected atmosphere of the gay bar they visit.
• Mae: “All I ever wanted was for you to be happy, and if this is what makes you happy, then so be it.” – Mae reassures Brian during a tender moment, showing her ultimate acceptance of his identity and choices.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 You Should Meet My Son! Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘You Should Meet My Son!’ not expecting much, but wow, was I pleasantly surprised! It’s such a chaotic, laugh-out-loud comedy that just warmed my heart. Mae and Rose are absolute treasures, their journey through the gay scene is just too funny, especially when they first try to navigate a gay bar – pure gold! I loved how genuine the mom’s desire was for her son’s happiness, even if her methods were wildly over-the-top. The scene where Brian finally breaks down and talks to his mom about wanting to feel loved was surprisingly touching amidst all the hilarity. It really felt like a big hug of a movie, perfect for a cozy night in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of LGBTQ+ comedies”
  • “Audiences looking for heartwarming family stories”
  • “Those who appreciate independent cinema with a comedic flair”
  • “Viewers interested in ‘fish-out-of-water’ narratives”
  • “Anyone seeking an uplifting story about acceptance and love”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Stereotypical character portrayals (for comedic effect)”
  • “Discussions of sexuality and relationships”
  • “Mild mature themes (e.g., gay bar scenes, implied themes)”
  • “Religious themes and satire”

Professional Reviews

• Queer Cinema Today: “Keith Hartman’s ‘You Should Meet My Son!’ is a delightful surprise. Despite its indie roots and broad comedic strokes, it shines with genuine warmth. Joanne McGee and Carol Goans are a hoot as the well-meaning but utterly chaotic Southern matriarchs, navigating the LGBTQ+ world with hilarious results. It’s a feel-good romp that celebrates acceptance with a huge, open heart, proving that love—and laughter—knows no bounds.
• IndieFilm Digest: “‘You Should Meet My Son!’ delivers a hearty dose of Southern-fried humor, even if some of its accents are as fake as a three-dollar bill. While it leans into stereotypes, the film’s earnest desire to entertain and uplift largely succeeds. It’s a low-budget effort with an undeniable charm, driven by a fantastic ensemble cast who embrace the absurdity. A heartwarming comedy that’s easy to forgive for its occasional missteps.

Audience Reactions

Viewers universally loved the heartwarming journey of acceptance and the outrageous, lovable Southern matriarchs.: Most agree the film’s low-budget feel is part of its charm, and its over-the-top characters and genuine humor make it a surprisingly feel-good and uplifting watch, particularly praising Mae and Rose’s performances and the positive portrayal of gay characters.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and hilarious low-budget comedy, ‘You Should Meet My Son!’ is widely celebrated for its genuine warmth, over-the-top yet endearing characters, and uplifting message of family acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.

Awards

1. Various LGBTQ+ Film Festivals (Best Feature Film)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was director and screenwriter Keith Hartman’s feature debut.”
• “It was noted by reviewers to have been shot on a ‘shoestring budget,’ which some felt added to its ‘earthy’ and authentic feel rather than detracting from it.”
• “The seemingly exaggerated Southern accents were intentionally ‘fake’ for comedic effect, contributing to the film’s broad farce style.”
• “The movie explicitly references the classic film ‘Auntie Mame (1958)’, a comedic tale of a flamboyant aunt raising her nephew, which influenced its tone of unconventional family acceptance.”

🖥️ How to Watch You Should Meet My Son!?

You Should Meet My Son! is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability to watch this heartwarming comedy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed You Should Meet My Son!, you might like these similar films:

• The Birdcage (1996): A direct comparison in genre and theme, featuring a high-energy comedy about a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for their son’s fiancée’s conservative parents, leading to hilarious culture clashes.
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Shares the comedic theme of an overbearing, traditional family meddling in their adult child’s love life and struggling to accept an ‘unconventional’ partner, leading to humorous culture clashes.
• The Kids Are All Right (2010): A dramedy released the same year, exploring the complexities of a family with two lesbian mothers when their children seek out their sperm donor, offering a nuanced look at modern LGBTQ+ family dynamics.
• Love, Simon (2018): A heartwarming and mainstream coming-of-age story about a closeted gay high school student navigating his first crush and the challenges of coming out, capturing the spirit of finding love and self-acceptance in a contemporary setting.
• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): A cult classic renowned for its vibrant characters, iconic costumes, and exploration of identity and acceptance as two drag queens and a transgender woman embark on a road trip, appealing to fans of ‘colorful characters’ and LGBTQ+ themes.

🛒 You Should Meet My Son! Related Products

• You Should Meet My Son! Collector’s Edition (DVD/Blu-ray Combo): Experience the heartwarming Southern comedy with this special edition. Includes behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast interviews, deleted scenes, and commentary tracks from director Keith Hartman, offering unique insights into the film’s production and impact.
• You Should Meet My Son! – Mae’s Matchmaking T-Shirt: Show your love for Mae’s unforgettable matchmaking efforts with this comfortable, high-quality t-shirt. Features a witty quote like ‘He’s a catch!’ or a silhouette of Mae with her signature determined look.
• The Southern Mom’s Guide to Modern Matchmaking (Seriously, Y’all!) – An Unofficial Companion Book: A humorous, unofficial e-book inspired by Mae’s valiant (and hilarious) attempts to find Brian a husband. Filled with ‘Southern wisdom,’ questionable advice, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes about dating in the digital age, Mae-style.
• You Should Meet My Son! Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Digital Album): Immerse yourself in the charming and upbeat musical score of the film. This digital album features all original compositions that perfectly capture the movie’s humorous and heartfelt tone, from quirky character themes to tender emotional moments.

🎧 Soundtrack

You Should Meet My Son! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Southern Charm Overture” – performed by Jeremy Slate
• “Mae’s Matchmaking Theme” – performed by Jeremy Slate
• “Brian’s Breakthrough” – performed by Jeremy Slate
• “Love Finds a Way” – performed by Jeremy Slate

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

15 Gay Couple Films You Need To STREAM Now

Ever wonder where ‘You Should Meet My Son!’ fits into the bigger picture of LGBTQ+ cinema? This video is a fantastic deep dive, listing 15 must-watch gay couple films, and I think it’s super cool how it highlights our movie alongside other gems you might love!

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