Editor Ralph Jean-Pierre recent work on NETFLIX’s THE BEAST IN ME garnered him a nomination at the upcoming NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Movie, Series or Special. Our Gadi Elkon chatted with Ralph about this honor, his most recent edits and so much more!
PILLION – A Review by Cynthia Flores
This new, bold, subversive film, Pillion, is the feature directorial debut for British writer-director Harry Lighton. I know fans of HBO’s True Blood will recognize the hot motorcycle-riding leather-clad hunk at the center of desire in this story as the one and only Alexander Skarsgård. And Harry Potter fans will recognize the actor who played Dudley Dursley in most of the franchise as Harry Melling, who is all grown up now and ready for a different magical adventure.
***NOTE to all “Vanillias” who might clutch their pearls as they storm out of the movie theater because the sex scenes in this film are raw and unflinching. Don’t go see this film because you will not like it! It will be too shocking for your delicate sensibilities. That’s ok, you can go see the new Wuthering Heights, or the animation GOAT. There are plenty of other options for you to choose from. So save yourself some money and outrage, and go enjoy something else in theaters. If you’re looking for a different kind of romantic film experience, it may be best to explore other reviews.
Alright, if you’re still with me, I’m guessing you’re not put off by male homosexuality or zipped leather trailers. If that’s the case, this film might be your perfect date-night movie. It features a meet-cute, a mismatched couple, obstacles to overcome, growth together, and yes, intense, emotion-packed sex scenes. What more could you ask from a romantic film?
Amazingly enough, that is exactly what this BDSM story is at its core, a romance story. In case you don’t remember what the acronym stands for, it is Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism. Basically, BDSM covers a variety of often erotic practices and or roleplaying in a subculture and community of like-minded people. For the purposes of this film, the story is set in England in the 1970s.
We are introduced to Colin (Harry Melling) at Christmas, singing Barbershop-style songs with his dad in a group dressed as if they fell out of the 1950s. At the pub where they’re performing, he first meets Ray (Alexander Skargård), the dominant leather-clad ringleader of a queer biker group. To his surprise, Ray leaves him a note with the details of when and where to meet him the next night. Collin’s family is very supportive of his gay lifestyle. But they have no idea who he’s meeting for the first time. Or that it will lead to a dark alley where Colin is given an option to fall to his knees and do what comes naturally. Thus begins the master-submissive relationship between Ray and Collin, and so does this love story.
The rest of the film is surprisingly nuanced, and the director chooses to orchestrate a tone that dances between the humor and the raw, unvarnished intimacy of the story of these two mismatched men and Colin’s introduction to the very different BDSM world these bikers luxuriate in.
Pillion has the expected fun romcom awkward moments between Colin and Ray as the intensity of sexual contact increases. It is the transformation of Colin—from a totally nerdy parking meter attendant to a shaved head, leather-wearing, chain-and-lock-around-his-neck submissive man in love with his master—that undergirds the whole film. Colin seeks acceptance and belonging, which he gradually finds within the biker community. Interacting with the group’s other submissives, Colin explores his desire to fit in with those who share his new identity. Meanwhile, Ray’s motivation becomes clear as he balances his dominant persona with genuine affection and care for Colin, guiding him deeper into the group and the relationship. As the story wraps up, Ray and Colin’s love story comes to a surprising conclusion.
In fact, I was debating the ending with the person I saw Pillion with after the credits rolled. There were two options; both interpretations have a ring of truth. To avoid giving away the ending, I will have to be vague here. Option one is a more romantic and heartfelt reason for the ending that we got. Option two, the one I voted for, is more sadistic in nature for the same outcome. Either way, go see the movie, and you can decide which way you fall on the ending debate.
Pillion was beautifully shot by cinematographer Nick Morris. His choice to film the movie’s graphic scenes with a measured, sometimes humorous tone was perfect for the director’s vision. There were scenes in which the two men were on their motorcycle, and it was obvious they were no longer on the road as the story intended. Instead, they are in some dreamscapes, beautifully lit, that could give the camera access to Colin’s leather-clad touches and the emotions that played across the part of his face exposed by the helmet. Add to this mix the inspired score by Glasgow-based cellist, composer, and producer Oliver Coats. The film’s score is available with the film’s release. The cinematography and score elevate a story that could, in the wrong hands, have just been a cliché for a porno flick.
All that being said, you know I like the film, but I do have to point out the huge misstep and failure the writer-director made. I am talking about information, safety, and consent, which are the rules that govern people in the BDSM community. At no point in the film is Colin ever educated about safe words or the submissive’s power in the situation. Or even why he is being asked to do the things he is doing. They did not have to make a big deal of it, but by glossing over some core principles of BDSM, he has done the community a disservice. Which, given the director’s decision to tell this story at all and to bring to light the real romance behind the leather, was a bit distracting to the film’s overall plot.
I give Pillion 4 stars. I would have given it 5 stars, but, as I said in my review, they really missed an opportunity to show the full structure of that kind of lifestyle. It’s a sexy looking film with a super-hot lead that proves that even BDSM can have a heart.
Directed by: Harry Lighton
Written by: Harry Lighton, Adam Mars-Jones
Rated: NC-17 for festivals and now pending an R for theatrical release
Running Time: 1hr 46min
Psychological Romance Drama/ Dark Comedy
Release: wider theatrical release February 20th
Starring: Harry Melling, Alexander Skargård, Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
CHAIFLICKS SETS MARCH 17 PREMIERE DATE FOR HIGHLY ACCLAIMED AWARD-WINNING ISRAELI SERIES “ON THE SPECTRUM”
ChaiFlicks, the world’s largest streaming platform dedicated to Jewish content from around the globe, will debut the first episode of the multi-award-winning series “On the Spectrum,” Tuesday March 17. Streaming exclusively on ChaiFlicks now, after a short stint on HBO, the series gently invites viewers into the daily lives of three 20-something roommates, each on the autism spectrum, capturing their vulnerabilities, triumphs, friendships, and quiet moments as they learn to live more independently together in an assisted-living apartment. The 10-episode series runs through May 12, aligning perfectly with National Autism Acceptance Month in April.
“On The Spectrum” won the 2018 Grand Jury Prize in the French Series Mania festival, making it the second Israeli series to claim the award. It is the first Israeli show that was accepted into the Tribeca Film Festival and the ONLY non-English show at the festival in 2018. Critics rave about the series, including “‘On The Spectrum’ has solidified itself as the most beautiful series on TV…” by Walla! News and Ha’aretz says “…a series in which a cry leads to laughter, and laughter to a cry. A rollercoaster between light and shadow, high and low.”
Meet Amit, Zohar, and Ron (“Ron-Ron”) Shulman—three individuals finding their way toward independence and connection.
Amit, a young man on the autism spectrum, is learning to navigate daily life while holding close his friendship with Erez and quietly longing for Lior, a waitress he admires. A misunderstanding born from social challenges underscores how easily intentions can be misread.
Zohar is a gentle, hopeful woman searching for love and a sense of belonging. After the loss of their parents, she is cared for by her devoted older brother, Asher, as she builds a life of her own through work and routine.
Ron, 33, is a brilliant computer expert on the autism spectrum who finds comfort in structure and honesty. Living with agoraphobia, he prefers the safety of home, where his blunt sincerity offers a uniquely honest view of the world.
“On The Spectrum” offers glimpses into the intricate lives of young autistic adults and offers their unique view and interpretation of day-to-day life. Each of the 10 episodes runs 25 minutes.
Below is a brief synopsis of each episode:
Episode 1
She Sells Seashells
Ron reluctantly goes to an awkward job interview; Zohar, looking for love, goes against her protective brother; and Amit falls for a waitress he tries to befriend in his own unique way.
Episode 2
Come Here, Roomba
Zohar’s long-awaited blind date ends in quiet heartbreak when she’s abandoned, leaving Asher to take her home. Ron pushes past his anxiety to retrieve a misdelivered Roomba, sparking an unexpected connection. At the café, Amit’s hopeful gesture toward Lior ends in disappointment when he learns she has a boyfriend.
Episode 3
Looking for a Welcoming Home
Ron flees a frightening maintenance visit and bonds with his housebound neighbor over product reviews. At her first bachelorette party, Zohar’s excitement turns uneasy as she feels left behind. Meanwhile, Amit shows off his new haircut to Lior, who gently sets boundaries, reminding him their relationship is limited to the café.
Episode 4
Yes I’m Lonely
Ron impresses his neighbor at a new job—until it forces him outside, and he refuses. Amit’s misguided attempt to woo Lior ends with a restraining order and total isolation. Zohar meets a man from work, only to realize the “date” was secretly arranged by her brother.
Episode 5
Make a Wish
It’s Zohar’s birthday, but when her coworkers don’t show, she celebrates with Amit and Ron. A night out boosts her confidence—and reveals Asher has a girlfriend. Ron faces pressure to work outside or be fired. Amit regains Erez’s friendship, but turns bitter after losing Lior—and his café.
Episode 6
Going Out
Zohar meets Asher’s girlfriend Mali, who bonds with her—but Zohar’s day collapses when she’s fired and later flees after discovering Alex with Yaeli. Amit’s disastrous speed-dating ends with misguided hope. Ron attempts a small victory outside, venturing out to buy milk with his neighbor guiding him by phone.
Episode 7
What Do I Feel?
Ron once again tries to go outside, with the neighbor guiding him over the phone, but as he walks, he suddenly can’t hear her anymore. He goes back to her apartment and finds her dead on the sofa. Frightened, he goes outside and continues talking to her on the phone. He slowly begins to come out of his shell and confront her death, meeting new people and visiting new places in the process.
Episode 8
“I Don’t Want to Be an Egg”
After Asher rescues Zohar, he insists she move in with him, but she resents the control and her dull new job. Amit shows promise with a new girl until seeing Lior reignites his obsession. Ron confronts grief and intimacy after an unexpected encounter with his late neighbor’s daughter.
Episode 9
“Neurotypical”
Zohar meets a man on the spectrum who helps her embrace her identity, leading to a new relationship and a reconciliation with Yaeli. Ron struggles to navigate expectations with Paz after they sleep together. Amit’s renewed fixation on Lior spirals at a fan event, ending in serious trouble.
Episode 10
So Many Trees
Erez prepares to join the apartment and delivers a heart-wrenching speech. Zohar is expecting to sleep with her new boyfriend, but then realizes he is not interested in that. Yaeli rescues Amit from a fight, which prompts him to switch his obsession from Lior, the waitress, to her.
ABRIL – A Review by Jenn Rohm
People who make films have experienced life in ways that can influence the stories they tell. Director, Writer, and Cast Member Hernán Jiménez has chosen to do so with his recent project, Abril. At a young age, his parents divorced, which made his father, who was rarely there, the hero, and his mother, who put her life on pause to raise him, the “enemy”. In today’s world of divided families, this is not uncommon. As children get older, they often re-evaluate and, with additional information, see things differently. Jiménez asked himself, “. . . if we’re all so acutely aware of this narrative and its glaring injustice, why aren’t there more stories about it?”
This is the story of a mother (Maricarmen Merino) who has put her child first since she discovered she was expecting. She works as a social worker and does what she can to provide for her daughter. Her daughter (Lara Yuja Mora), now a teenager, tells her mother she is leaving to go live with her Dad (Hernán Jiménez). With encouragement from others Abril is starting to realize she has needs and wants as well. After meeting Gabriel (François Arnaud) she opens herself to the possibility of a relationship.
This is a slower-paced movie; I wasn’t checking my watch as much as I felt like I was in the last few minutes of school before summer break. With slice-of-life pieces, I don’t expect the same pacing as an action film; this was on the slower side of what I was expecting.
There were a few plot points that either should have been left out or explored further. At one point, Gabriel asks for her credit card instead of cash to go buy snacks. That he couldn’t fully afford was logical; the insistence on using a credit card over cash was a red flag that was left hanging. Was he going to take money from her? Was he taking advantage? If there was no nefarious purpose, why not just accept the cash or have her offer the credit card in the first place? Another is the ex-husband’s career. He had money and was recognized when out. Was he an athlete, a media personality, or a writer? In a scene with a fan, this could have been elaborated on, or at his home, a poster of him on the wall for his profession would have helped.
The development of Abril and all the emotions she was going through were clear with Merino’s performance. Her actions and tone helped me follow the story while reading the subtitles. There are moments in life that it doesn’t matter where you live, everyone can experience them. Being able to portray these emotions and coming across as natural takes time, dedication, and talent. (Which Merino has.)
If you are looking for a glimpse at the life of a single mother in Costa Rico, find a showing of Abril and go see it for yourself.
Director: Hernán Jiménez
Cast: François Arnaud, Hernán Jiménez, Maricarmen Merino
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 45m
Release Date: February 7, 2026
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
Trailer: Abril trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE – A Review by John Strange
You would think that after seeing the poster featuring Sam Rockwell’s character, this might not be a mainstream comedy. You would be correct. Writer Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying (2009) and Love and Monsters (2020)) gave Director Gore Verbinski (the first three films in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Rango, and A Cure for Wellness) a film that strikes directly at our instinctive fear of a sentient AI gaining control of the world.
This film, at first glance, reminded me a bit of Twelve Monkeys meets Pulp Fiction. But it quickly showed it was a beast of its own.
This film is a warning call that we, as humans, might want to take to heart. If an AI gets control, will we even notice? And how would we save ourselves, provided we figured out that we needed saving?
Sam Rockwell’s snazzy outfit (wasn’t that terribly hot to wear, Sam?) was but the first sign that all was not right in the future.
The supporting cast includes Zazie Beetz, Michael Peña, and Juno Temple, whose characters do their best to help “The Man from the Future” save the world and move from one disaster to another.
The CGI characters were interesting and at times, frightening. The acting is not top-notch, but it is perfect for this film genre.
Gore Verbinski took Matthew Robinson’s script and lived up to his work on the Pirates films, making the story visually wild. I had a good time watching Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Written by: Matthew Robinson
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Stevel Marc, Juno Temple, Asim Chaudhry, Tanya van Graan, Cassiel Eatock-Winnik
MPA Rating: R (for pervasive language, violence, some grisly images, and brief sexual content)
Selig Rating: 4.0 Stars
Runtime: 134 Min.
Release Date: 02/13/2026
Language: English
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Movie Site: GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN DON’T DIE Official Website
Trailer: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
A Private Life – A Review by Jenn Rohm
Foreign films can give a high-level overview of how people in other countries live. When you cast a well-known American actor in the lead role as an American living in Paris, it can add interest for an audience that may not have seen a French film before. A Private Life has Jodie Foster in the lead role. If you are a fan of French films, or Jodie Foster, or have an interest in French films, this is one to go see.
Psychiatrist Lilian Steiner (Foster) learns that a patient has passed away. She goes to pay her respects only to learn that it was a suicide. This does not sit well with Steiner, as she didn’t see the signs. Hyper-focusing on new information and having conversations with other people in her life, she decides it was murder. There is also turmoil in her personal life: her son, Julien (Vincent Lacoste), is a new father, and Steiner is in contact with her ex-husband, Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil), who still loves her. All of this creates an entertaining tale that kept my attention.
Foster has been speaking French since she began lessons at the age of 9, and her comfort with the language showed in her smooth delivery. There are a few places where it was played up that it isn’t her first language, such as when a neighbor refers to her with a term she isn’t familiar with. The audience didn’t need to know the language to realize it wasn’t a nice term. Her precise delivery showcases an intelligent woman questioning the world as she knows it, while maintaining control over everything and everyone around her.
There are touches toward Judaism and antisemitism that could have gone deeper. As things stand, they point to the existence of both in the world without truly showing their impact on the characters. To me, this was a missed opportunity.
The film’s pacing was excellent, allowing time to read the subtitles and take in the actors and visual cues. This can be a bit of a balancing act. If the script must be delivered at a very fast pace, you risk not all subtitles being read or a key element of the performance being missed. On the other hand, if it is too slow, it can slow down the movie itself.
Check your local listings to find a showing near you. This is one I will go to see again to see what I can pick up on now that I know the full story.
Director: Rebecca Zlotowski
Cast: Jodie Foster, Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira
MPAA Rating: Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language, and brief violence.
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 1h 47m
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Trailer: A Private Life trailer
Movie Site: A Private Life website
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
SCARLET – A Review by Jenn Rohm
What happens if you take the frame of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, issues of acceptance, and the political power movements in the world today, and then a touch of Buddhist philosophy? Director Mamoru Hosoda has the answer with Scarlet.
The story begins with a nod to Hamlet, taking us to 16th-century Denmark, where King Amleth is publicly executed at the order of his brother, Claudius. His daughter, Scarlet, is crushed and spends the next several years training to avenge her father. Her Uncle poisons her, and she wakes in the Otherworld. With a mysterious old woman who is a bit of a narrator and a bit of a mystic, helping the audience follow Scarlet’s path among the undead. She meets Hijiri, a modern-day man who doesn’t believe he is dead and keeps trying to remain loyal to his life as a paramedic. Uncle Claudius is also in the Otherworld and sends representatives after Scarlet. Along the way, before the two cross paths again, Scarlet is given a chance to see what other options there are outside of revenge.
The animation reminds me of the animations of my childhood, with sharp lines and bright colors. This has been blended with some hyper-realism and CGI that is now available. I found the animation’s visual style was a perfect match for the story it told. The color palette matched what was happening as well. Such as a moment with Claudius, in a lot of grey, black, and red, as he expressed his anger, and another with Hijiri joining a dance filled with bright colors.
This film can lead to deeper conversations about what one would like the future to be for generations to come, and what one can do to help create change. If you can watch in IMAX, do so; if you do not have access, see it however you can.
*For parents, I will point out that there are darker, more violent moments for you to consider if it is appropriate for your child. The dialog is in Japanese with English subtitles reading skills should also be considered.
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Masachika Ichimura
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for strong violence/ bloody images
Language: Japanese, English subtitles
Selig Rating: 3.5 stars
Runtime: 1h 51m
IMAX Release Date: February 6, 2026
Nationwide Release Date: February 13, 2026
Genre(s): Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Trailer: Scarlet Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
TRANGO Presented by The North Face Announces VOD Release and PBS Airing
Trango, a film from The North Face, will premiere on VOD February 13 on the free streaming service Documentary+, with a rollout to other premium streaming platforms to follow, and a television broadcast on PBS in select markets in Spring 2026. The award-winning documentary recently completed a 20-city U.S. theatrical run, including a VIP screening at the Oriental Theater last night in Denver, Colorado, attended by ski mountaineers Jim Morrison and Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger.
Trango follows the renowned athletes on an expedition to accomplish the first-ever ski descent of the formidable Great Trango Towers in Pakistan. The Karakoram Range, home of the Trango Towers, is among the most extreme terrain on the planet. On May 9, 2024, Morrison, Lusti and their team were the first to successfully climb and ski down the 20K-foot West Face of Great Trango Tower.
Helmed by award-winning director Leo Hoorn, Trango documents the team’s preparation and execution of the descent. Joined by Nick McNutt and Chantel Astorga, Lusti and Morrison navigate risk, grief, and the physical demands of high-altitude exposure. At over 20,000 feet, their survival hinges on trust, shared resilience, and the strength of their partnership.
Lusti recalls, “The day itself was nothing short of incredible. The captivating position that seized our imagination lived up to everything we had dreamed of. A moment in life that surpasses expectations is rare, and a luxury earned.”
After summiting Trango, Morrison pursued another groundbreaking first-descent. On October 15, 2025, he became the first to summit and ski down the Hornbein Couloir on Mount Everest, honoring his former partner Hilaree Nelson by scattering her ashes at the peak.
Morrison commented, “Trango represents a long arc of effort. The summit and the skiing are just minutes in a story built on years of preparation and exploration. We shared a vision of existing in that granite cathedral on skis, and persistence is what kept bringing us back to try to leave our tracks on that wild line.”
Trango had its media premiere at Sundance 2025 and was an official selection at 19 film festivals in 9 different countries, and won the Grand Prize Award at the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival and Best Editing Award at International Freesports Film Festival. It will be screened throughout the UK in 25 markets with the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026.
The film’s producer Kaki Orr stated “A year after its premiere, more than 20 festivals and 50 theatrical screenings, we’re honored to finally release this film to the world. Trango is more than an adventure. it’s a journey to the edge of what it means to commit, to risk, and to feel deeply.”
Trango will be having its premiere VOD release on Documentary+ on Friday, February 13 with additional streaming release on Roku and other major platforms, along with a PBS broadcast in select markets in Spring 2026.
INTRIGUING NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES “FIELD AGENT 566” PRESENTING RECENTLY UNSEALED DETAILS ABOUT FAMED MOSSAD SPY, ELI COHEN
This month, ChaiFlicks, the world’s largest streaming platform dedicated to Jewish content from around the globe, will be releasing the documentary series “Field Agent 566,” which exposes new, never before revealed information and intimate details about the rise and fall of Eli Cohen, one of the most famous international spies of the 20th century. Numerous adaptations of Cohen’s life have been made, including Netflix’s “The Spy,” starring Sacha Baron Cohen, and “The Impossible Spy,” starring John Shea. The documentary series “Field Agent 566” goes beyond the myths to reveal the true story of the legendary Mossad agent.
Utilizing interviews with Eli’s family members and former Mossad agents, authentic audio taken from Cohen’s trial in Syria, and archival footage and photos, “Field Agent 566” tells the real story behind “Israel’s man in Damascus.” Decades of mystery surrounding Cohen’s life and work are uncovered in the series, exposing his crucial service to Israel and the extremity of the Syrian regime he helped to contain. Cohen’s career as a Mossad agent embedded deep within the Syrian political establishment ended abruptly after he was caught, tried, and publicly executed.
After the fall of Assad’s regime in 2024, more than 2,000 documents related to the trial of Eli Cohen were released in Damascus. These papers, held since his capture in 1965, shed new light on his activities.
Haaretz hails, “[The series]…tackles Eli Cohen’s story in a complex, elegant, and shocking way. It presents a skeptical view against the heroic image promoted by the state, and also does justice to the family dragged into the pantheon.” Israel Hayom called it “…an impressive journalist and documentary achievement.”
The first episode of “Field Agent 566” will be released on Tuesday, February 10. Each of the three episodes is 55 minutes long and will be released on subsequent Tuesdays.
“THE CHEF” SEASON 2 ARRIVES EXCLUSIVELY ON CHAIFLICKS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
For fans of this exquisitely filmed kitchen drama, “The Chef” Season 2 is here. And while audiences wait for the next season of “The Bear” the ChaiFlicks Season 2 exclusive of “The Chef” serves up the perfect alternative. Hailed by The New York Times as “…an ambitious restaurant kitchen without overdoing the psychodrama….” and the series “…exhibits a visual and tonal sensibility that is both casual and cinematic,” the Israeli TV program precedes the Hulu phenomenon. Season 2 of “The Chef” will begin streaming on ChaiFlicks, with episodes dropping each Sunday.
The new season continues the drama, set in the high-pressure environment of a top restaurant kitchen, by following the ongoing relationship between hedonistic, single chef Dori (Gal Toren, Apple TV’s “Losing Alice,” Netflix’s “Hit & Run”) and his employee Nimrod (Guri Alfi, Netflix’s “Black Space,” the critically acclaimed film, “The Human Resources Manager”), a family man just trying to get by. The conflicts continue as we revisit the show’s lead characters two years after season 1 concluded. Dori is now a TV star who presumably has it all. In fact, he has nothing and yearns to open a new restaurant. Nimrod, now a Chef de Partie (station chef), works at a flourishing restaurant whilst withering under the fierce obstacles posed by entering the business later in life. Nimrod incessantly hits the glass ceiling for that very fact.
Following a personal breakdown and a fateful encounter with Maya, a businesswoman and daughter of one of Israel’s wealthiest families, Dori becomes inspired and decides to dive back into the game. He makes a splash by launching a new restaurant that will redefine the fine-dining experience through a showcase of his unique culinary approach.
Nimrod joins Dori’s venture as his sous chef, as Maya partners with Dori both professionally and romantically. Dori and Nimrod’s rekindled friendship sets ablaze new and old demons, forcing the pair to push their boundaries further than ever before – way past a point they could have ever anticipated. The season will follow the journey of opening the restaurant; the expectations, the experimentation, building the menu, tastings, and more, all whilst the characters fight to maintain the balance. However, as momentum builds with the new restaurant, its very existence reveals its threatening nature, which could ultimately lead the characters’ lives to collapse.
Season 1 of “The Chef”, which is currently streaming on ChaiFlicks, won Best Lead Actor at the Berlin TV Series Festival and was a part of the Special Program at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, an Official Selection at the Zurich Film Festival, and in the Official Competition at Seriencamp Film Festival. Each of the 9 episodes in Season 2 runs 40 minutes.