What’s Cooking? (2000) is a timeless Thanksgiving classic that I gladly rewatch year after year. But why is this movie still relevant? And how can we still be battling so many of the same issues decades later? That’s what we’re taking a closer look at here. And if you’re wondering if you should rewatch it this year, take this as a sign that you should!
Granted, the fact that What’s Cooking? features Kyra Sedgwick and Julianna Margulies as the cutest lesbian couple is reason enough to watch it yearly. Still, there are more reasons why I adore this movie. Admittedly, they’re all focused on the women in these stories – then again, so is the official poster.
Let’s take a look at what makes this Thanksgiving movie from 2000 a must-watch. Well, for me, anyway. And maybe you too?
What’s Cooking? (2000) remains a Thanksgiving classic – but why?
More than two decades after its release, the movie What’s Cooking? (2000) remains a cherished Thanksgiving film that skillfully blends family drama, cultural diversity, and progressive social themes. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, this ensemble film follows the Thanksgiving celebrations of four culturally distinct families in Los Angeles.
The four families are Vietnamese-American, African-American, Mexican-American, and Jewish-American. The latter even features a lesbian couple, while others have marriages that are in shambles or teenagers struggling to stay safe. Through its layered storytelling and richly drawn characters, What’s Cooking? captures the complexities of family, tradition, and identity in a way that feels just as relevant today as in 2000.
The enduring impact of What’s Cooking? is not only rooted in its portrayal of cultural diversity but also its inclusion of LGBTQ themes. Something that is still relatively rare in Thanksgiving-themed movies. Well, and Christmas movies for that matter, but it’s getting better.
LOOKING FOR LESBIAN CHRISTMAS MOVIES?
Be sure to check out our list of the Best Lesbian Christmas Movies here >
And no, I did not intend to sound like Dan Savage’s non-profit with the “It gets better” comment, but when the shoe fits and all that shebang. Also, the “It Gets Better”-project was founded in 2010, so What’s Cooking? predates even that by a decade.
In any case, there is a more recent Thanksgiving movie, we’ll get to as well: Friendsgiving from 2020. Precisely paired with modern films like Friendsgiving (2020), What’s Cooking? continues to resonate in today’s cultural landscape. So, let’s dive into why this film remains a staple and how it intersects with more recent Thanksgiving movies featuring LGBTQ storylines.
Cultural Diversity in What’s Cooking?
One of the standout features of What’s Cooking? is its unflinching portrayal of multiculturalism. The film’s narrative weaves together the unique struggles and celebrations of the Nguyen, Avila, Williams, and Seelig families. From generational conflicts over tradition to the tensions of gay and interracial relationships, the movie reflects real-life dynamics that many families still grapple with today.
Particularly during holidays like Thanksgiving, which lead to the Christmas holiday just around the corner. And if things go completely sideways during Thanksgiving, the Christmas holiday is often the victim.
Unlike other Thanksgiving movies that center on a singular family or culture, What’s Cooking? embraces the universality of holiday gatherings. This movie manages to celebrate the rich differences that make each family unique. It’s a story of finding connection amidst clashing personalities, cultural expectations, and even secrets – a theme that continues to resonate in a society where multiculturalism is increasingly celebrated yet still met with challenges.
Read up on the four matriarchs in What’s Cooking? in our companion piece here >
LGBTQ Representation in What’s Cooking?
One of the film’s most forward-thinking elements is its inclusion of an LGBTQ storyline. The Seelig family’s narrative features Rachel (Kyra Sedgwick), who struggles with coming out to her conservative Jewish-American parents. Her journey of self-acceptance and her parents’ eventual reckoning with their own biases reflect a storyline that was groundbreaking at the time and still feels poignant today.
Carla, the girlfriend of Rachel, is portrayed by Julianna Margulies. In 2000, when this Thanksgiving movie came out, she had enjoyed immense success with the TV series ER for six seasons (1994-1999). Most recently, instead of kissing Kyra Sedgwick on screen in What’s Cooking? she’s spent several episodes of the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show kissing Reese Witherspoon.
The LGBTQ representation in a Holiday-themed movie was particularly significant in 2000. It was a time when LGBTQ characters were far less visible in mainstream movies, let alone in family-centric holiday films. Today, as representation improves across media, this subplot in What’s Cooking? remains a heartfelt reminder of the importance of telling inclusive stories.
Especially during moments as universal as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
A Modern Companion: Friendsgiving (2020)
Fast-forward to 2020, and Friendsgiving offers a more comedic but equally diverse take on Thanksgiving, including strong LGBTQ representation. The film centers on a group of friends gathering for a chaotic, non-traditional Thanksgiving. Its inclusion of queer characters and its irreverent approach to holiday norms make it a modern counterpart to What’s Cooking?.
While Friendsgiving leans into humor and absurdity, it shares a similar underlying message: the holidays are not just about turkey and traditions – they’re about connection, acceptance, and celebrating found family as much as your biological family.
Together, these two films bookend decades of evolving Thanksgiving narratives, from the traditional family dinner in What’s Cooking? to the free-spirited celebration in Friendsgiving.
Why These Films Matter Today
In a world increasingly aware of the nuances of identity, inclusion, and cultural diversity, films like What’s Cooking? remain essential viewing. They remind us that Thanksgiving – and by extension, family – is not a monolith. Whether you relate to the Nguyen family’s struggle to balance traditional values with modern life, or Rachel Seelig’s journey toward acceptance as a queer woman, What’s Cooking? offers something for everyone.
Paired with newer films like Friendsgiving, it’s clear that Thanksgiving movies are becoming more inclusive and reflective of real-world experiences. For viewers seeking Thanksgiving movies featuring LGBTQ storylines, these films offer a meaningful and entertaining lens on the complexities of family and identity.
So this holiday season, consider revisiting What’s Cooking?—or discovering it for the first time. Its rich storytelling and timeless themes make it a film worth savoring, year after year.
