What Is Sisters About?
The premise of Sisters in 324 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑baked streets of a North‑African town, three French‑Algerian sisters reunite after decades of silence, drawn together by the sudden disappearance of their brother. The film opens on a landscape where bustling markets and quiet, wind‑swept alleys frame a portrait of a place both familiar and foreign to the women who left it long ago. Their pilgrimage home is less a simple rescue mission than a winding trek through memory, where the smell of cumin and the echo of childhood songs awaken feelings they have tried to forget.
The eldest sister arrives with a practical air, carrying the weight of responsibility that has defined her life abroad. The middle sister is restless, her humor masking a deep yearning for connection that she has long suppressed. The youngest sister returns with a fragile optimism, still clutching the hope that the family’s fractured past can be mended. Their contrasting personalities clash and complement each other, setting up a dynamic that feels both intimate and universally resonant. The tone balances the bittersweet nostalgia of homecoming with a quietly tense undercurrent, suggesting that the answers they seek may be as tangled as the streets they walk.
Beyond the immediate task of locating their brother, the sisters are forced to confront the shadows of a difficult childhood—unspoken grievances, lingering resentments, and the cultural expectations that shaped their identities. The film’s atmosphere is rich with the textures of Algerian life: cramped apartments filled with family photographs, vibrant cafés where old acquaintances linger, and the relentless hum of daily existence that contrasts sharply with the inner turbulence each sister carries.
As they navigate old haunts and uncovers long‑kept family secrets, the narrative hints at a deeper truth about why they separated and what binds them together. The story promises a poignant exploration of reconciliation, identity, and the enduring power of sibling bonds, all set against a backdrop that feels both specific in its locale and universal in its emotional stakes.
What Happens in Sisters?
The complete story of Sisters, from the first scene to the last, in 734 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The movie opens with Maura Ellis (Amy Poehler), a divorced nurse, who mistakenly believes she’s about to help a homeless man on the street. Her eagerness quickly turns to embarrassment as she watches him and his friends hop into a truck to return to work. After this awkward encounter, Maura connects with her parents, Bucky and Deanna (played by James Brolin and Dianne Wiest), over Skype. They’re preparing to sell their family home, which leaves Maura disheartened. They request that she break the news to her sister, who is likely to react poorly.
Maura’s sister, Kate (Tina Fey), is working from home as a stylist. During a hectic session with a client named Phil (portrayed by Chris Parnell), Kate accidentally ends up ruining his eyebrows just before his date. Her daughter Haley (played by Madison Davenport) arrives, but the visit is short-lived as Kate confesses she was fired for an explosive argument with her boss, causing Haley to leave in haste.
Later on, Kate visits Maura in Florida, and they hatch a plan for Kate to move back in with Maura while they both try to regain their footing. Stopping by a liquor store, they unexpectedly run into Dave (played by John Leguizamo), a despised former classmate who awkwardly attempts to flirt with them.
Upon returning home, they find a “sold” sign on their family house. This revelation sends Kate into a tantrum, showcasing her frustration, while Maura is stunned at the news that their parents have already finalized the sale. Almost all of their childhood belongings have been cleared out, except for their shared bedroom. While sorting through old mementos, they stumble upon their diaries. Kate expresses regret that Maura never had her “big night” in their bedroom, inspiring them to throw one final bash before the house changes owners.
With renewed energy, they embark on a mission to host an unforgettable party, meticulously choosing guests from their old graduating class and excluding Brinda (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (played by Bobby Moynihan), a classmate who often tries a little too hard to be amusing. While shopping for party supplies, they encounter Brinda at a grocery store, who is clearly upset about the lack of an invitation.
The sisters also confront the new homeowners, the Geernts (played by Santino Fontana and Britt Lower), playfully mocking their plans for the house. After treating themselves to mani-pedis, Maura’s inviting nature leads her to invite Hae-Woo (Greta Lee) and her friends to the party.
In a serendipitous moment, Maura encourages Kate to seek employment at a local salon, though she is turned away due to her unprofessional nails. While scheming to cancel dinner with their parents, they accidentally interrupt an intimate moment between Bucky and Deanna. Next, Maura has an awkward run-in with a handsome man named James (Ike Barinholtz), and after inviting him to the party, tension begins to build between the sisters as they plan for the night.
As darkness falls, their classmates arrive, including the overly enthusiastic Alex, whose jokes and antics fail to ignite the party. However, the mood quickly shifts when a lively group of lesbians shows up, introducing their own DJ and turning the event into a fun celebration. Brinda, however, is resolved to crash the festivities, leading to confrontations between her and Kate.
In a series of chaotic events fueled by poor judgment and concealed substances—like the arrival of Dave’s drug dealer Pazuzu (played by John Cena)—the night spirals out of control. Unbeknownst to them, the party creates unforeseen hazards, including a precious family tree being destroyed and a pool succumbing to a sinkhole incident.
As the night progresses, tensions rise, especially when Kate receives hurtful feedback from Haley, pushing her to resort to drinking. The sisters’ mounting frustrations culminate in a physical altercation that highlights their grievances. In the end, they face the consequences of their reckless actions alongside Bucky and Deanna, who demand they restore the house.
Through teamwork and support from friends, Maura and Kate navigate their battles, ultimately reconciling with each other. As their connection deepens, Maura finds courage to pursue a relationship with James, leading to a sweet moment in which he kisses her.
Fast forward to Christmas, four months later, the sisters arrive at their parents’ home for a festive celebration. They embrace each other warmly, symbolizing growth and newfound joy, before breaking into a silly dance that brings levity to their renewed bond.
Sisters Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Maura's Awkward Encounter” to “A New Beginning”. 14 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Maura's Awkward Encounter
The film opens with Maura Ellis, a divorced nurse, mistakenly believing she is about to help a homeless man. Her embarrassment escalates when she realizes he is merely returning to work with his friends, leaving her feeling awkward and out of place.
Where:Street
- 2
Family Home Sale
Maura connects with her parents, Bucky and Deanna, over Skype. During the call, she learns that they are preparing to sell their family home, which deeply saddens her as they request her to break the news to her sister Kate.
- 3
Kate's Job Trouble
Meanwhile, Kate is working from home when a chaotic incident leads her to ruin her client, Phil's, eyebrows just before his date. This mishap triggers her firing after a heated argument with her boss.
Where:Home
- 4
Sisters Reunite
Later, Kate visits Maura in Florida, brainstorming a plan for her to move back in. This moment signifies a fresh start as they both attempt to rebuild their lives together after recent setbacks.
Where:Maura's home in Florida
- 5
Unexpected Encounter
While stopping at a liquor store, Maura and Kate run into Dave, a former classmate who they both dislike. His awkward flirting adds a touch of humor to their day, reinforcing their bond amidst life's troubles.
Where:Liquor Store
- 6
House Sold
Upon returning home, the sisters are met with the shocking sight of a 'sold' sign on their family house. Kate is particularly furious, feeling blindsided by their parents’ decision to finalize the sale without her input.
Where:Family Home
- 7
A Nostalgic Discovery
As Maura and Kate sort through their childhood belongings, they stumble upon their old diaries. This discovery leads them to reflect on lost opportunities, particularly the regrets surrounding Maura's lack of a 'big night' in their shared bedroom.
Where:Family Home
- 8
The Party Plan
Motivated by nostalgia, the sisters decide to host a final party in their family home before it changes owners. They begin curating a guest list of friends from high school, deliberately excluding Brinda and Alex, two classmates with whom they have had rocky relationships.
Where:Family Home
- 9
Unexpected Guests
While preparing for the party at a grocery store, they run into Brinda, who confronts them about the lack of an invitation. This encounter escalates the tension as old grudges resurface leading up to the party.
Where:Grocery Store
- 10
Preparations and Invitations
The sisters confront the new homeowners, the Geernts, poking fun at their plans for the house. After enjoying a pampering session, Maura's generous spirit prompts her to invite Hae-Woo and her friends to the bash.
Where:Family Home
Show the other 5 events of Sisters Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Kate's Job Hunt
In a bid to regain their footing, Maura encourages Kate to apply for a job at a local salon. However, Kate is turned down due to her unprofessional appearance, adding another setback to her struggles.
Where:Local Salon
- 12
Tensions Rise
The evening of the party arrives, and while many of their classmates attend, the overly jovial Alex fails to energize the atmosphere. The mood shifts drastically when a rowdy group of lesbians arrives, bringing life to the gathering.
Where:Family Home
- 13
Chaos Unfolds
As the celebration continues, a series of mishaps and poor choices lead to chaos, influencing the events of the evening. Notably, the arrival of Dave's eccentric drug dealer Pazuzu contributes to the tumultuous atmosphere.
Where:Family Home
- 14
Confrontations and Fractures
In a climactic moment, Kate receives a harsh comment from her daughter Haley, triggering her to seek solace in alcohol. This leads to a physical confrontation between the sisters, revealing deep-seated frustrations.
Where:Family Home
- 15
A New Beginning
After facing the consequences of their wild night, Maura and Kate come together to reconcile with each other and their parents. Fast forward to Christmas, the sisters’ bond is evident as they share a joyous reunion, showcasing personal growth and the deepening of their relationship.
When:Four months later Where:Parents' Home
Who Are the Main Characters in Sisters?
2 characters, among them Maura Ellis and Kate Ellis: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Maura Ellis
Played by Amy Poehler
Maura is a caring and nurturing individual, often putting others before herself. As a divorced nurse, she grapples with feelings of loss and uncertainty, particularly regarding her childhood home. Despite her challenges, she displays a deep desire to reconnect with her sister and support her through turbulent times.
- 🏥 Nurse
- 💕 Supportive
- 🤝 Caring
-
Kate Ellis
Played by Tina Fey
Kate is a spirited stylist with a flair for creativity, yet she struggles with professional setbacks and personal conflicts. Her journey reflects the complexity of modern motherhood and the challenges of adult relationships. As she navigates her frustrations, her bond with Maura becomes crucial for her emotional well-being.
- 💇♀️ Stylist
- 🌪️ Chaotic
- 🧑🤝🧑 Sister
Where and When Is Sisters Set?
Sisters is set in Florida and Family Home (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The events of the film unfold in the contemporary era, reflecting modern familial dynamics and societal norms. It captures the challenges faced by two sisters navigating adult life, including relationships, professional setbacks, and familial obligations. This period is marked by a blend of humor and relatable personal crises.
Where
Florida, Family Home
The movie prominently takes place in Florida, where sisters Maura and Kate reconnect amidst personal struggles and family changes. Their childhood home serves as a central location, symbolizing nostalgia and the hardships of growing up. The house is set to be sold, evoking emotions tied to family memories and the passage of time.
- 🏡 Family
- 🌴 Florida
What Are the Themes of Sisters?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Sisterhood, Celebration and Reconciliation.
-
01
Sisterhood
The bond between Maura and Kate is a central theme, showcasing their support and understanding of each other's life challenges. Despite frequent misunderstandings and conflicts, their relationship ultimately highlights resilience and the importance of family. Through their journey, they discover the power of unity in overcoming adversity.
-
02
Celebration
The film emphasizes the theme of celebration, particularly through the sisters' decision to throw a final party in their family home before it changes ownership. This chaotic gathering serves as both a farewell to their past and a way to reclaim joy amidst their struggles. The celebration becomes a transformative experience, bringing together friends and highlighting the unpredictability of life.
-
03
Reconciliation
Amidst the chaos of the party, the theme of reconciliation becomes prominent as Maura and Kate confront their personal grievances. Their physical altercation symbolizes deeper issues, but ultimately leads to healing and understanding. By acknowledging their flaws and supporting each other, they manage to mend their relationship and embrace growth.
What Kind of Film Is Sisters?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and chaotic comedy that follows two sisters as they recklessly throw one final party in their childhood home, blending physical humor with heartfelt moments of reconciliation.
- comedic
- chaotic
- sibling rivalry
- nostalgic
- raucous
- heartwarming
- sister relationship
- family reunion
- house party
- midlife crisis
Content notes: drug reference, destruction of property, parental conflict.
Quiz
How well do you remember Sisters? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Sisters
Stream it on Philo and Starz, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Philo 
Starz 
Starz Amazon Channel 
Starz Apple TV channel 
Starz Roku Premium Channel 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
