The Night Before (2015 film)

The Night Before is a 2015 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Levine, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter, and Ariel Shaffir. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anthony Mackie as three lifelong friends who reunite every Christmas Eve for a night of debauchery. As they approach adulthood and the realities of life begin to set in, they decide to make their last Christmas Eve celebration together the most memorable one yet, centered around finding the legendary "Nutcracka Ball" party.

The film follows Ethan (Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Rogen), and Chris (Mackie) as they navigate New York City, encountering various eccentric characters and facing personal challenges along the way. The plot revolves around their attempts to secure invitations to the exclusive Nutcracka Ball, a mythical Christmas party they've only heard rumors about. Throughout the night, they encounter drug use, embarrassing mishaps, unexpected reunions, and heartfelt moments of friendship.

The film features supporting performances from Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Mindy Kaling, and Michael Shannon. It was released in the United States on November 20, 2015, by Columbia Pictures. While it received mixed reviews from critics, praising its humor and performances but criticizing its reliance on raunchy humor, The Night Before was a box office success.

The film's themes explore the bonds of friendship, the passage of time, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. It is considered a modern Christmas comedy with elements of sentimentality and holiday cheer interwoven with its comedic content.