Now streaming on Netflix is the Thai drama-thriller, Hunger. The movie – from director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri – stars Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying and Nopachai Jayanama, and follows the story of a young woman who begins working for a prestigious chef.
In the movie, Aoy spends her days running her family’s stir-fried noodle restaurant in Bangkok. The role is hard and it is often thankless work, but it’s a job, and something which Aoy is very good at.
One day, while frying up a batch of noodles, Aoy is approached by a customer who hands her a business card with the name ‘Hunger’ on it. He then informs Aoy that her skills are wasted in her current position and she should use the details on the card to help further her career.
Aoy looks up ‘Hunger’ online, and discovers it is a name associated with high-profile cook, Chef Paul. He is a leading name in fine dining, and someone who is very respected within the industry.
The next day, Aoy goes to the kitchen of Chef Paul and takes part in a test, to showcase her abilities. After impressing the chef during the test, she is given a position on his team, but as she soon discovers, life in a prestigious kitchen is not easy, and Chef Paul is a hard man to please.
Beautifully shot, with a real attention to detail in every single frame, Hunger is an intriguing, and quite dark little thriller, which is fascinating to watch and often quite captivating. The movie moves at a steady, consistent pace, which takes its time to develop its story, and features fully-rounded characters.
While the focus of the film is on Aoy’s journey, her interactions with Chef Paul, and her understanding of the industry, the movie does dig a little deeper to reflect the type of customers that a high-profile kitchen attracts. Across the course of the narrative there are some insightful discussions about wealth and social status, and what food and cuisine mean to different people.
Hunger is about more than just a potentially talented chef going to work in a top-notch kitchen, it is a film about attitudes, beliefs, and growth. There’s a great deal bubbling under the surface here, even if it’s not always plain to see.
But as with any plate of top-notch tucker (or posh food, if you prefer), Hunger is designed for those who like to take their time with whatever is put in front of them. A great deal of the movie’s strength is found in its tone, mood, and presentation, rather than its story, and this may not work for all.
As such, if you’re after something which completely fills you up, you may not get it here. This is a slow-burn, which won’t be for everyone, and I do expect some audiences will find it a little unappetising for their tastes.
For me, visually I adored what’s on offer in Hunger and I found the overall presentation of the picture truly intoxicating. It sure has a good handle on humanity, class, and wealth, and it has some interesting ideas and discussions to contemplate.
But it is a trifle slow in places, and perhaps not quite as satisfying as I would like. There is a clear vision in here, as well as a determination to tell an interesting story, but it didn’t quite grab me at all times.
However, Hunger is a strong piece and something which has plenty of substance. Those who get caught up in the film will find much to enjoy, while for everyone else it may be a case of trying it out to see if it suits your palate.
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