Netflix is serving up hors d'oeuvres with the first set of images from “Hunger”, Netflix’s first Thai film of the year.
Netflix describes the film as “an examination of the ugly truth behind the dishes we enjoy and the raw hunger that rests in the deeper recesses of human minds”. Though, I did get a sneak peak at the movie and I found that it is less about fine dining and more about realising that “the bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”.
The film brings together a cast whose careers cross paths for the first time. Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying, Nopachai “Peter” Jayanama and Gunn Svasti. Each actor will bring to life different takes on hunger and the need for more with a script by renowned screenwriter Kongdej Jaturanrasamee — all under the flavourful direction of Sitisiri Mongkolsiri.
The movie opens with Aoy, who is in her 20s and is tired of having to pick up the family slack because she is the eldest born. She then leaves her family’s local stir-fried noodles restaurant to pursue a job (offered to her by a customer) at Hunger — Thailand’s number one fine dining chef’s table, under the helm of the much sought after chef Paul. The film follows Aoy as she experiences the world of fine dining and comes face-to-face with her own thirst for success that threatens to takeover her life and personality.
Aokbab says, “What I like most is that there were times when I had to pull off a difficult scene — such as a cooking scene where playing with fire is an essential element. Cooking would usually be the last thing I would choose to do as I personally prefer baking because it's not as hot. When it comes to cooking, we had to understand how to use the wok and relearn everything — from using knives to slicing fish. Every time I became Aoy, I felt I could overcome many things and easily do what Aoy could do. I feel that Aoy could positively take me to another level. Her commitment, will to win, sincerity and many other aspects of the character really livened me up and gave me the drive to push further forward.”
Starring alongside Aokbab in the role of chef Paul is Nopachai "Peter" Jayanama. “There’s something to think about and a lot to focus on,” he says. “I must think about how his [Chef Paul] reaction will change in a scene. How will he feel? Personally, I like every scene chef Paul was in. When I returned home, I still felt nostalgia for this character because being chef Paul is radical in terms of emotions — he is a lone wolf. When I got into his character, it's fun and exciting.”
Gunn Svasti rounds out the main cast as Tone, the sous chef of Hunger. Tone grapples with his own eagerness to succeed, says Gunn, adding, “This is the first time I’ve had to take on a role that involves cooking and Tone is a character with a serious life and career, giving this character a lot of responsibility. I’ve had a lot of preparation myself, either by reading books, studying the lives of real chefs and even attending a cooking workshop.”
From here on, proceed at your own risk — spoilers ahead.
While the movie is a far cry from how it is advertised, it does drive home the fact that Thailand is hungry for celebrity chefs, no matter how shocking the cooking or the dishes being served are. While there are many loose ends that don’t tie up throughout the movie, the cinematography is amazing, but alone is not enough to save the movie from its marketing. The bright spot is that it does leave you hungry for the next food craze — after jjapaguri aka ramendon in Parasite — get your palate ready for ngo ngae noodles!
Stay tuned for “Hunger”, which premieres on April 8 on Netflix. Visit netflix.com.
AN INSIDE VIEW AT 'HUNGER'
● The hallway to chef Paul’s kitchen was filmed at Circle Living Prototype.
● Chef Paul's kitchen was filmed at The Food School?
● Flame restaurant was a film set at The Jam Factory.
● Consultant chef for plating of dishes was Chalee Kader of Wana Yook.
● Aoy's restaurant is a fictional restaurant created in an empty building near Soi Suan Mali 3, Pom Prap Sattru Phai.
● Chef Paul’s hospital scene with the spectacular view of the Bangkok skyline in the distance was shot at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok.
