A type of film, frequently a comedy drama, in which protagonists are groups of former friends or family members who are reunited for a short period -- often a night or a weekend. Special situations, such as weddings, funerals, school reunions, holidays, or anniversary of an event, represent the numerous causes for these gatherings, prompting all characters to take stock of their lives (Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Beautiful Girl). Over the course of these talky films, old and new conflicts and love affairs between the characters resurface or begin, as in Return of the Secaucus Seven and The Big Chill. Often, the groups are drawn as stereotypes based on culture, class, race, and personality traits, allowing the film to double as a social microcosm (Metropolitan). Touches of melodrama, nostalgia, dialogue-driven humor, and social commentary are key aesthetic elements. Other examples include Grosse Point Blank, Home for the Holidays, Secrets and Lies and Something Wild.