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Plot summary

Support the Girls (2018) Plot Summary & Timeline

Support the Girls (2018) movie poster

Support the Girls is a 2018 comedy film directed by Andrew Bujalski, running 1 hour 30 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 409 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Support the Girls.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Support the Girls (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m
Director
Andrew Bujalski
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Support the Girls About?

The premise of Support the Girls in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sun‑baked stretch of highway where the neon sign of Double Whammies flickers against a sky of perpetual motion, the bar and grill pulses like a community living room. Here the clatter of plates and the roar of televised fights mix with the everyday chatter of regulars, creating a world that feels both bustling and intimate. At the center of this lively tableau is Lisa, a pragmatic yet warm‑hearted manager who has turned the chaotic energy of a roadside “breastaurant” into a sanctuary for her eclectic crew. Her dedication to shielding the staff from the less‑savory side of patronage gives the place a sense of safety that borders on familial.

Surrounding her are a cast of characters as vivid as the venue itself. Maci brings a quick wit and an unguarded honesty that often sparks both laughter and tension, while Danyelle balances the demands of single‑parenthood with the grind of shift work, hinting at the invisible pressures many carry behind the bar. Overseeing the operation from a distance is Ben Cubby, an unqualified owner whose occasional whims remind Lisa that her role is perpetually negotiated. Together they form a tapestry of ambitions, insecurities, and quiet resilience, each thread contributing to the bar’s distinctive rhythm.

When a particularly hectic day arrives, the usual upbeat hum of Double Whammies is tested by a cascade of unforeseen hurdles. The challenges—ranging from the practical to the deeply personal—push Lisa to confront the limits of her optimism and the fragile balance she maintains between authority and affection. The film captures this tension with a tone that blends sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a lingering sense of hope, inviting viewers to wonder how far a community can stretch before it must redefine itself.

Full plot

What Happens in Support the Girls?

The complete story of Support the Girls, from the first scene to the last, in 409 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Lisa, portrayed by Regina Hall, manages the lively sports bar and breastaurant Double Whammies with utmost dedication, ensuring that her staff are shielded from inappropriate customer interactions. However, her unqualified boss, Ben Cubby, continually threatens her job security. Tension rises when Lisa organizes an unofficial car wash fundraiser for her employee, Shaina, who has found herself in a dire situation after colliding with her abusive boyfriend using her car and taking refuge at Lisa’s home.

Throughout the day, Lisa faces a series of formidable challenges that test her resolve. Among these hurdles are the trials of assessing potential new hires, an unexpected robbery attempt that leaves a thief trapped in a ventilation duct, and the shocking revelation that her trusted employee, Maci, is romantically involved with an older customer. Additionally, Danyelle, a single mother, is fraught with childcare issues for her young son, while another employee goes against the workplace rules by getting a prominent tattoo of NBA star Steph Curry inked on her abdomen.

As the bar scrambles to fix the cable in time for an essential boxing match, they face increasing competition from a rival breastaurant named ManCave that is emerging nearby. Meanwhile, Lisa is also grappling with her separation from her husband, Cameron, who is battling depression. Things take a turn for the worse when Cubby, in a fit of road rage, frightens her, prompting Lisa to reach out to Cameron for a ride.

After a confrontation, Cubby ultimately fires Lisa, forcing her to leave. Upon returning home, she confronts Shaina and discovers that Cameron has vacated their shared residence. To add insult to injury, Shaina informs Lisa of her reconciliation with her abusive boyfriend and her intention to use the fundraising money to cover his medical expenses. Enraged by this betrayal, Lisa demands Shaina return the donated money.

As chaos unfolds during the highly anticipated fight night, Maci and Danyelle, disillusioned by Lisa’s exit, engage in an act of sabotage by tampering with the cable, resulting in an uncomfortable atmosphere among customers, including an off-duty police officer. The fallout leads to their dismissal shortly afterward.

The subsequent day finds Lisa, Maci, and Danyelle interviewing with ManCave. In a condescending manner, the interviewer suggests that the waitresses there lack intelligence and are easily replaceable. The trio then retreats to the rooftop, sipping on stolen liquor from Double Whammies, reflecting on their uncertain futures before unleashing their frustration in a series of cathartic screams into the night.

Timeline

Support the Girls Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Lisa Manages Double Whammies” to “Interview at ManCave”. 13 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Lisa Manages Double Whammies

    Lisa is dedicated to running her sports bar and breastaurant, Double Whammies. She ensures that her staff is protected from inappropriate interactions with customers, reflecting her commitment to a safe workplace.

    Where:Double Whammies

  2. 2

    Threats from Ben Cubby

    Lisa faces constant threats to her job security from her unqualified boss, Ben Cubby. His lack of professionalism adds pressure on Lisa as she strives to maintain the bar's reputation and her team's morale.

    Where:Double Whammies

  3. 3

    Shaina's Car Accident

    Lisa learns that her employee Shaina has had a car accident while trying to escape her abusive boyfriend. Shaina takes refuge in Lisa's home, prompting Lisa to organize a car wash fundraiser to help her.

    Where:Lisa's Home

  4. 4

    Challenges at the Bar

    Throughout the day, Lisa encounters numerous challenges, including interviewing potential new hires. An unexpected robbery attempt occurs, bringing unexpected chaos when the thief gets stuck in a duct.

    Where:Double Whammies

  5. 5

    Maci's Relationship Revelation

    Lisa discovers that her trusted employee, Maci, is romantically involved with an older customer. This revelation causes Lisa to question the boundaries and professionalism within her team.

    Where:Double Whammies

  6. 6

    Danyelle's Childcare Struggles

    Danyelle, a single mother who works at the bar, struggles to balance her work with childcare for her young son. This adds to the mounting pressure Lisa faces as a manager.

    Where:Double Whammies

  7. 7

    Tattoo Controversy

    One of the employees defies workplace rules by getting a prominent tattoo of NBA star Steph Curry on her abdomen. This act of rebellion signals growing dissatisfaction among the staff.

    Where:Double Whammies

  8. 8

    Competition from ManCave

    As the bar prepares for an important boxing match, competition arises from a rival breastaurant, ManCave. This adds further strain on Lisa, who is already juggling various issues within her team.

    Where:Double Whammies

  9. 9

    Lisa's Personal Struggles

    Lisa is grappling with her separation from her husband, Cameron, who is battling depression. This personal turmoil affects her ability to manage the challenges at Double Whammies.

  10. 10

    Confrontation with Cubby

    In a heated confrontation, Ben Cubby frightens Lisa during a road rage incident. This event prompts Lisa to seek support from Cameron, highlighting her vulnerability.

Show the other 5 events of Support the Girls
  1. 11

    Lisa Gets Fired

    After a confrontation with Cubby, Lisa is fired from her position at Double Whammies. This sudden loss marks a significant turning point in her life, leaving her uncertain of her future.

    Where:Double Whammies

  2. 12

    Cameron's Departure

    Upon returning home, Lisa discovers that Cameron has left their shared residence. This intensifies her sense of betrayal and isolation as she confronts Shaina about the situation.

    Where:Lisa's Home

  3. 13

    Shaina's Betrayal

    Shaina reveals her intentions to use the fundraiser money to support her abusive boyfriend's medical expenses. This enrages Lisa, leading to a confrontation over the misappropriated funds.

    Where:Lisa's Home

  4. 14

    Sabotage on Fight Night

    During the much-anticipated fight night, Maci and Danyelle engage in sabotage by tampering with the cable. This act results in an uncomfortable atmosphere for the customers and exacerbates the fallout from Lisa's exit.

    Where:Double Whammies

  5. 15

    Interview at ManCave

    The day after the chaos, Lisa, Maci, and Danyelle interview with ManCave, where they face condescension from the interviewer. They later escape to the rooftop to vent their frustrations while reflecting on their uncertain futures.

    Where:ManCave

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Support the Girls?

4 characters, among them Lisa, Maci and Shaina: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Regina Hall as Lisa in Support the Girls

    Lisa

    Played by Regina Hall

    Lisa, played by Regina Hall, is a dedicated manager who strives to protect her employees from inappropriate behavior. Despite her challenges with her unqualified boss and personal troubles, she is resilient and fiercely loyal to her staff. Her journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking as she navigates the complexities of her role.

    • 👩‍💼 Manager
    • 💖 Caring
  • Haley Lu Richardson as Maci in Support the Girls

    Maci

    Played by Haley Lu Richardson

    Maci, portrayed by Haley Lu Richardson, is a young waitress caught in the turmoil of workplace drama and personal relationships. Her involvement with an older customer adds layers to her character, depicting youthful naivety intertwined with the realities of adult relationships. Maci's decisions contribute significantly to the film's conflict.

    • 🌟 Waitress
    • ❤️ Young Love
  • S

    Shaina

    Played by Shayna McHayle

    Shaina, played by Shayna McHayle, is a single mother facing serious challenges that lead her to rely on Lisa's support. Her journey through domestic issues and choices around her abusive boyfriend highlights the struggles of many women in difficult circumstances. Shaina’s decisions ultimately test her bond with Lisa.

    • 👩‍👧‍👦 Single Mother
    • 🔗 Troubled
  • D

    Danyelle

    Played by Shayna McHayle

    Danyelle, portrayed by Shayna McHayle, navigates her role as a waitress while dealing with childcare dilemmas. Her character reflects the balancing act that many working mothers face, contributing to the film's exploration of personal and professional conflicts. Danyelle’s frustrations are palpable as she contends with both workplace rules and personal pressures.

    • 👩‍👧‍👦 Working Mother
    • 😟 Stressed
Setting

Where and When Is Support the Girls Set?

Support the Girls is set in Double Whammies and ManCave. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as workplace dynamics and personal struggles. The challenges faced by the characters highlight ongoing themes of gender roles and resilience in modern society.

Where

Double Whammies, ManCave

Double Whammies is a vibrant sports bar and breastaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and unique themes. It serves as the main setting for the film, where Lisa manages the staff and navigates various challenges. Rivaling Double Whammies, ManCave is another breastaurant that poses a threat to its business, adding tension to the plot.

  • 🍺 Bar
  • 🍽️ Restaurant
Themes

What Are the Themes of Support the Girls?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Resilience, Betrayal and Community.

  1. 01

    Resilience

    Resilience is a central theme in 'Support the Girls,' as Lisa faces numerous obstacles yet remains determined to support her staff. Her dedication to creating a safe environment for her employees underscores the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity. The characters' personal struggles further illustrate the broader human experience of overcoming challenges.

  2. 02

    Betrayal

    Betrayal weaves through the narrative, particularly in Lisa's personal and professional relationships. Shaina's decision to reconcile with her abusive boyfriend after Lisa's efforts to help her represents a painful twist of fate. This theme highlights the complexities of loyalty and trust in friendships and workplaces.

  3. 03

    Community

    The film emphasizes the theme of community as Lisa rallies support for her staff. The relationships among the bar's employees showcase the bond formed through shared struggles and experiences. Yet, the fragile nature of this community is tested by competition and personal challenges, leading to both unity and discord.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Support the Girls?

Bittersweet in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Bittersweet
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Bittersweet

A fast-paced and anxious slice-of-life comedy-drama that captures the chaotic exhaustion of service work, punctuated by moments of female solidarity and culminating in a cathartic, bittersweet release of frustration.

  • anxious
  • chaotic
  • cathartic
  • frustrated
  • resilient
  • exhausting
  • workplace dynamics
  • female friendship
  • exploitation
  • economic struggle

Content notes: domestic abuse, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination.

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FAQ

Support the Girls Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Support the Girls, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Support the Girls about?

In the sun‑baked stretch of highway where the neon sign of Double Whammies flickers against a sky of perpetual motion, the bar and grill pulses like a community living room.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Support the Girls take place?

Support the Girls is set in Double Whammies and ManCave. The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as workplace dynamics and personal struggles.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Support the Girls?

The story follows Lisa (played by Regina Hall), Maci (played by Haley Lu Richardson), Shaina (played by Shayna McHayle) and Danyelle (played by Shayna McHayle).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Support the Girls?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Resilience, Betrayal and Community.

The themes explained

Who directed Support the Girls?

Support the Girls (2018) was directed by Andrew Bujalski and runs 1 hour 30 minutes.

Andrew Bujalski’s films

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