Parents' Guide to Hunger (2023)

There's plenty to enjoy about this chef's rise to stardom, like the standout performances by its two leads and the film's attempt at critiquing "the world of the wealthy." But for many, the depiction of the haute cuisine world in Hunger will seem a little silly. The tyrannical chef master, Chef Paul, for instance, immediately brings to mind Gordon Ramsey-type dictators of the kitchen, but Chef Paul's almost robotically maniacal seriousness will be unbelievable for some. Usually, "master chefs" like him would never stoop so low to break laws, murder rare birds, or go for over-the-top performative displays of cooking, all of which Chef Paul eagerly does with zero emotional affect. His one quasi-vulnerable scene has him sharing his backstory, but it doesn't quite justify the lengths to which he goes to satisfy his clientele. Also, Aoy's very quick rise to fame isn't quite believable in that she goes from fry cook to running her own full-scale high cuisine restaurant in what seems to be only weeks.

And as for the aforementioned critique of "the wealthy," it just doesn't go far enough, like The Menu or anywhere in real depth, like Parasite. It feels like this film wants to be a mixture of both, but can't decide. Throughout, Chef Paul reminds Aoy that his clientele wants him and not really his food, but it never quite becomes clear what the film wants to say beyond that. Clearly, the film suggests that "the wealthy" only want the status that comes with having eaten something made by Chef Paul so they can boast and post about it on their social media. But the genuine heart and depth of Aoy's journey works against the ridiculousness of Chef Paul's fall from grace.