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Plot summary

You Should Meet My Son! 2 (2018) Plot Summary & Timeline

You Should Meet My Son! 2 (2018) movie poster

You Should Meet My Son! 2 is a 2018 comedy film directed by Keith Hartman, running 1 hour 16 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 332 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 6 characters, where and when it is set and 4 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for You Should Meet My Son! 2.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
6
themes explained
4
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You Should Meet My Son! 2 (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 16m
Director
Keith Hartman
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is You Should Meet My Son! 2 About?

The premise of You Should Meet My Son! 2 in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the close‑knit world of a suburban community, a steadfast, deeply religious mother has long shouldered the role of matchmaker for her only child. Mae Davis, a widowed pillar of her church, enlists the help of her spinster sister, Rose, as they comb through potential suitors, believing that love‑and‑marriage are the surest path to a blessed life. Their devotion to tradition shapes every conversation, every family gathering, and the very rhythm of their days.

The carefully plotted future takes an unforeseen turn when Brian, Mae’s son, quietly reveals that his heart belongs to another man, his longtime roommate Dennis. The revelation unsettles Mae’s convictions, pitting her desire to protect her son’s happiness against the deeply ingrained expectations of her faith and community. As she grapples with this new reality, the story pivots from orchestrated courtship to a delicate, if uneasy, exploration of acceptance.

Determined to intervene before a wedding that she believes will bind Brian to a life he doesn’t truly want, Mae’s plans unexpectedly lead her into the orbit of Brian’s fiancé, a charismatic figure whose presence challenges her preconceptions. Their budding friendship becomes an unexpected source of wisdom, and Mae finds herself offering relationship advice—often with a comedic, well‑meaning clumsiness—that blurs the lines between motherly concern and sincere curiosity. The dynamic is ripe with humor, awkward moments, and the tender messiness of learning to love beyond the boundaries society once set.

The film balances warm, character‑driven comedy with a heartfelt examination of family, faith, and the evolving definition of love. Its tone is both light‑hearted and earnest, inviting the audience to watch as long‑held beliefs are gently tested, friendships bloom in unlikely places, and the characters navigate the joyous chaos that comes with embracing new possibilities.

Full plot

What Happens in You Should Meet My Son! 2?

The complete story of You Should Meet My Son! 2, from the first scene to the last, in 332 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

Mae Davis, a conservative widow, and her spinster sister Rose are determined to find the perfect girl for Mae’s son Brian, acting as earnest matchmakers as they comb through potential suitors. Their mission persists even when a surprising truth comes to light: Brian is gay and has been in a five-year relationship with Dennis, whom they believed was only his roommate. Faced with this revelation, Mae shifts course, deciding to help Brian pursue happiness by finding him the right partner, rather than forcing a traditional match. The pair dives into online gay dating and even visits a gay bar, where they encounter a vibrant mix of people and perspectives, from drag queens to leathermen, and an art student who works as a stripper.

In the bar, they befriend Chase, an art student who works as a stripper, and he becomes part of their evolving circle of acquaintances. Mae hosts a dinner with the intention of introducing Brian to Chase, but the plan is upended when Brian arrives with Jennie Sue, the daughter of a Christian preacher, and announces that he is no longer gay and intends to marry her. Mae, sensing that Brian might be shielding himself from the pain of past heartbreak, does not want him to trap himself in a loveless marriage, even if it means shaking up her own beliefs and plans. A second dinner brings together Mae’s friends from the gay bar and a local gay youth group, along with Jennie Sue’s parents, but the gathering quickly spirals into chaos. Brian ultimately admits he cannot marry Jennie Sue because he is still gay, and Jennie Sue’s parents reveal that she is a closeted lesbian and disown her.

Following the confrontation, Mae and Rose take Jennie Sue into their care, offering support in a moment of upheaval. The film closes on a note of cautious celebration among the characters, acknowledging their newfound freedoms and possibilities, while leaving open the potential for Brian to pursue a future connection with Chase.

Timeline

You Should Meet My Son! 2 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Mae and Rose confront Brian's secret” to “Jennie Sue moves in; celebration and hopeful horizon”. 12 events name a place, across 2 locations.

  1. 1

    Mae and Rose confront Brian's secret

    A conservative Mae Davis and her sister Rose discover that Brian is gay and has been in a five-year relationship with Dennis, not merely a roommate. The finding upends their plan to find a wife for him and forces them to reevaluate what happiness could look like for their son. The moment unfolds at Mae's home as they grapple with a reality they never anticipated.

    Where:Mae's home

  2. 2

    Dennis leaves Brian

    Shortly after the truth comes to light, Dennis leaves Brian for another man, leaving him to face the breach in his relationship alone. Mae and Rose must cope with the emotional fallout and reconsider their next steps for Brian's future. The scene unfolds in the context of the family home.

    Where:Mae's home

  3. 3

    Mae vows to find the perfect man for Brian

    Motivated by maternal love and a stubborn optimism, Mae decides to help Brian by finding him a suitable partner. She enlists Rose's support and commits to guiding him toward a life she believes could bring happiness. Their plan begins at home as they map out their next steps.

    Where:Mae's home

  4. 4

    Online dating and a visit to a gay bar

    Mae and Rose dive into online gay dating and soon venture into a gay bar to broaden Brian's social world. The ladies encounter a colorful cast, including drag queens, leathermen, and the bar's art student Chase, who works as a stripper. The bar becomes a doorway to a community they barely know.

    Where:Gay bar

  5. 5

    New friendships form at the bar

    The trip to the bar yields new friendships and a wider circle for Brian, as Mae and Rose connect with people who travel different paths to love. They befriend drag queens and leathermen, and they grow closer to Chase, the artsy stripper who stands out in this world. The evening broadens Brian's social horizon.

    Where:Gay bar

  6. 6

    First dinner planned to introduce Brian to Chase

    Mae hosts a dinner with the hope of introducing Brian to Chase and igniting a potential romance. The plan is to bring a hetero solution to his life, based on the belief that love should be straightforward. The dinner sets up expectations that will soon be challenged by real-life choices.

    Where:Mae's home

  7. 7

    Brian arrives with Jennie Sue and declares engagement

    At the planned dinner, Brian unexpectedly arrives with Jennie Sue, the daughter of a Christian preacher, and announces he is no longer gay and intends to marry her. Mae and Rose are stunned by the sudden reversal and wonder how to respond to this surprising development. The moment tests their earlier plans and assumptions about Brian's future.

    Where:Mae's home

  8. 8

    Mae questions Brian's change but stays firm about love

    Mae suspects that Brian is shying away from the possibility of love to avoid being hurt, but she decides not to let him trap himself into a loveless marriage. She resolves to support his right to choose, even if it means stepping back from her own expectations. The family begins to confront the emotional implications of Brian's declaration.

    Where:Mae's home

  9. 9

    Second dinner with bar friends and Jennie Sue's parents

    Mae hosts a second dinner, inviting her bar friends and members of a local gay youth group along with Jennie Sue's parents. The gathering rapidly spirals into chaos as tensions flare over identity, desire, and legitimacy. The scene underscores the clash between old beliefs and a changing world Mae hopes to navigate.

    Where:Mae's home

  10. 10

    Brian's admission that he can't marry Jennie Sue

    During the chaotic dinner, Brian admits he cannot marry Jennie Sue because he is still gay. The admission settles the immediate tension but leaves questions about his future relationships. Mae and Rose must reckon with the reality that Brian's path may lie elsewhere.

    Where:Mae's home

  11. 11

    Jennie Sue's parents reveal her closeted identity

    Jennie Sue's parents reveal that she is a closeted lesbian and disown her, adding another layer of crisis to the group. The revelation compounds upheaval and forces the characters to reassess family loyalties and acceptance. The moment deepens the sense of upheaval within the community around them.

    Where:Mae's home

  12. 12

    Jennie Sue moves in; celebration and hopeful horizon

    Mae and Rose take Jennie Sue to live with them for the time being, and the gathering ends with a celebration of Brian and Jennie Sue's newfound freedom. The ending remains open, suggesting the possibility of Brian and Chase exploring a future together. The film closes on a note of renewed choice and enduring support for those involved.

    Where:Mae's home

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in You Should Meet My Son! 2?

6 characters, among them Mae Davis (Joanne McGee), Rose (Carol Goans) and Brian (Stewart Carrico): who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • MD

    Mae Davis (Joanne McGee)

    Mae is a conservative widow who wants what she believes is best for her son. She initially misunderstands Brian's relationship with Dennis and tries to steer him toward a traditional marriage. Her arc traces a gradual softening as she confronts her biases, ultimately supporting Brian's pursuit of happiness and truth.

    • 🏠 Family
    • 💬 Bias
    • 🎭 Change
  • R(

    Rose (Carol Goans)

    Rose is Mae's practical sister who accompanies her on the quest to fix Brian's love life. She participates in the dating experiments but also voices concerns about propriety. Throughout the story, she grows to support Brian's truth while navigating her own reservations.

    • 🗺️ Family
    • 🎭 Tradition
  • B(

    Brian (Stewart Carrico)

    Brian is Mae's son who has spent five years in a relationship with Dennis. He is openly gay and challenges his mother's expectations by declaring he cannot marry Jennie Sue. The film centers on his search for love and the possibility of a future with Chase.

    • 🌈 Identity
  • D

    Dennis

    Dennis is Brian's former partner who leaves Brian for another man, triggering Mae's conflict and the family's broader turmoil. His absence shapes Brian's sense of longing and the family’s attempt to navigate a path forward.

    • 💔 Breakup
  • C(

    Chase (Steve Snyder)

    Chase is an art student who works at the gay bar and befriends Mae, Rose, and Brian. He becomes a potential love interest for Brian, embodying the bar's inclusive and creative energy as the story explores unconventional relationships.

    • 🎨 Artist
  • JS

    Jennie Sue (Ginger Pullman)

    Jennie Sue is the daughter of a Christian preacher and a potential fiancée for Brian. She is revealed to be a closeted lesbian, and her parents disown her. Jennie Sue's arc intersects with the family’s struggle to accept nontraditional identities.

    • 🏳️‍🌈 Closet
Setting

Where and When Is You Should Meet My Son! 2 Set?

You Should Meet My Son! 2 is set in Mae's home, local gay bar and community dining spaces. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Mae's home, local gay bar, community dining spaces

The story unfolds across Mae's household and the nearby social venues that host the town's LGBTQ community. The local gay bar serves as a lively backdrop for friendships, self-expression, and bystander perspectives, while home dinners become volatile stages for family dynamics. These places illustrate the push-pull between conservative expectations and the characters' evolving identities.

  • 🏠 Domestic setting
  • 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ bar
  • 🍽️ Dinner scene
Themes

What Are the Themes of You Should Meet My Son! 2?

4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Acceptance, Identity and Tradition vs Freedom.

  1. 01

    Acceptance

    Mae begins with resistance to her son's homosexuality after learning of his long relationship with Dennis. The narrative follows a gradual shift as she confronts biases and slowly embraces Brian's happiness. A chaotic dinner with both Mae's circle and the bar community becomes a turning point that tests her willingness to accept unorthodox love. The ending suggests that family bonds can grow stronger when honesty and compassion prevail.

  2. 02

    Identity

    Brian's coming out and his past relationship anchor the film's exploration of identity. The contrast between Brian's openness and Jennie Sue's closeted lesbian status adds complexity to family loyalties. The gay bar scenes with drag queens, leathermen, and Chase illuminate chosen family and self-expression. Identity emerges as a journey that occasionally clashes with social expectations but opens space for authentic connections.

  3. 03

    Tradition vs Freedom

    Mae and Rose embody conventional expectations, hoping to steer Brian toward a traditional path. The film unsettles those plans as Brian insists on living truthfully, even at social cost. Jennie Sue's closet status and her parents' disownment heighten the clash between religious or social authority and personal happiness. The chaotic dinners symbolize the limits of suppressing truth in pursuit of appearances.

  4. 04

    Freedom & Choice

    The narrative centers on the freedom to choose whom to love and how to define family. By the end, characters celebrate personal truth and mutual respect, even as relationships remain in flux. The open ending leaves room for Brian and Chase to explore a possible future together, underscoring the theme that happiness can be found when individuals pursue authentic connections.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is You Should Meet My Son! 2?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A lighthearted and humorous comedy that follows a mother's well-intentioned but chaotic meddling in her gay son's love life, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere of acceptance.

  • humorous
  • heartwarming
  • uplifting
  • campy
  • silly
  • optimistic
  • gay romance
  • coming out
  • family acceptance
  • lgbtq+ themes

Content notes: homophobia, family rejection.

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Movies Like You Should Meet My Son! 2 With a Plot Summary

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FAQ

You Should Meet My Son! 2 Plot Questions

5 quick answers about You Should Meet My Son! 2, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is You Should Meet My Son! 2 about?

In the close‑knit world of a suburban community, a steadfast, deeply religious mother has long shouldered the role of matchmaker for her only child. Mae Davis, a widowed pillar of her church, enlists the help of her spinster sister, Rose, as they comb through potential suitors, believing that…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does You Should Meet My Son! 2 take place?

You Should Meet My Son! 2 is set in Mae's home, local gay bar and community dining spaces. The story unfolds across Mae's household and the nearby social venues that host the town's LGBTQ community. The local gay bar serves as a lively backdrop for friendships, self-expression, and bystander perspectives…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in You Should Meet My Son! 2?

The story follows Mae Davis (Joanne McGee), Rose (Carol Goans), Brian (Stewart Carrico) and Dennis; the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of You Should Meet My Son! 2?

The summary picks out 4 themes: Acceptance, Identity, Tradition vs Freedom and Freedom & Choice.

The themes explained

Who directed You Should Meet My Son! 2?

You Should Meet My Son! 2 (2018) was directed by Keith Hartman and runs 1 hour 16 minutes.

Keith Hartman’s films

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