Imagine a delightful recipe called “Sitting in Bars With Cake,” where the ingredients include a generous cup of heartwarming female friendships, a spoonful of adorable encounters straight out of a romantic-comedy script, a few teaspoons of unexpected heartbreak for that touch of bittersweetness, and just a pinch of an uplifting message to add that perfect flavor. Simply pop it in the oven for approximately 120 minutes, and ta-da! You’ll be treated to a deliciously surprising tale that will warm your heart. It’s truly a recipe worth trying!
Get ready to be inspired by an incredible real-life story that’s hitting the big screen on Prime Video. This action-packed movie, which is based on Audrey Shulman’s bestselling novel of the same name, features the talented Yara Shahidi in the lead role of Jane, a shy yet exceptionally gifted baker. In an exclusive sneak peek revealed by Entertainment Weekly, we see Jane being convinced by her outgoing best friend Corinne, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, to embark on a unique adventure called “cakebarring.” This involves Jane baking delicious cakes and taking them to local bars in the hopes of finding love and boosting her self-confidence at the same time.
However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when Corinne receives a life-changing diagnosis. Suddenly, the duo find themselves facing an extraordinary challenge that tests the limits of their friendship. What follows is a heartwarming tribute to the power of female camaraderie, self-discovery, and the ability to find happiness in the most unconventional of places.
Prepare to be captivated by this one-of-a-kind tale that combines the excitement of romance, the strength of friendship, and the joy of unexpected surprises. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, this movie promises to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. So, get ready to join Jane and Corinne on their remarkable journey, as they prove that sometimes the most fulfilling adventures come from the unlikeliest of beginnings.
“When I first laid eyes on the script, I was under the impression that I was about to embark on a typical movie experience. Nevertheless, as I delved deeper into the storyline, approximately 20 pages in, I came to the revelation that this film held so much more than initially anticipated,” exclaimed director Trish Sie during an exclusive interview with EW. “The artistic choice of yanking the proverbial rug from underneath me was truly captivating. It takes audacity to entice viewers with the promise of a lighthearted comedy centered around youthful escapades, only to lead them down a path of profound introspection. Yet, that is not the end of it – we strive to ultimately uplift and instill a sense of hope and elation within our audience. Although it may seem like we’ve bitten off more than we can chew, the outlook is uncertain. However, this formidable challenge was an absolute delight to tackle,” Sie remarked, reveling in her pun that aligns perfectly with her unique style.
When the filmmaker was initially asked if they wanted to be part of the movie, they were unsure about it. However, once they read Shulman’s script, they became certain that they couldn’t turn down the opportunity. The filmmaker appreciates the movie’s prominent theme, which is the strong and unwavering friendship between women. Although romance and love are appealing, making a romantic film didn’t pique their interest. To their pleasant surprise, the movie focuses on other aspects. Alongside the friendship, it emphasizes determination, bravery, and embracing life to the fullest while supporting one another.
In the face of challenging times, Sie recognizes the increased significance of a particular message. Labeling the past few years as tumultuous, Sie emphasizes the current craving for content that not only offers optimism and motivation but also avoids excessive frivolity. With all the difficult experiences we have witnessed, superficiality is not what we seek. Instead, we yearn for something that uplifts our spirits, although finding that perfect balance is quite the challenge.
As it turns out, cake helps. Throughout the movie, viewers will see Jane bake a total of 50. (The girls take a break from cakebarring for Thanksgiving and Christmas, of course.) Sie wanted to show that on screen as authentically as possible. While the director herself is not a cook or baker by any means — “It’s astonishing how bad I am,” Sie admits — her husband is a bread baker and her son’s best friend is a cake artist. “I have a healthy respect for the amount of artistry and science and rigor and attention to detail it requires to be a good baker,” the director adds.
Sie, who has an undeniable affinity for all things sweet, reminisces about the time spent on a movie set surrounded by an overwhelming abundance of cakes. Initially, the prospect of such a confectionery paradise seemed nothing short of utopian. “I mean, seriously, there were cake galore,” Sie recollects with awe. “We devoured a good share of them on camera, but let me tell you, those cakes were absolutely delectable in real life. And can you believe it? We had to whip up a multitude of cakes, not only to satisfy the cutting scenes, but also to accommodate actors with various dietary restrictions – some couldn’t have gluten, while others had to steer clear of dairy. We ended up with multiple iterations of each cake. It was a never-ending cake extravaganza, from dusk till dawn!”
On Fridays, the crew eagerly awaited the arrival of delectable treats at the production offices, which were the designated taste-testing days for the movie. According to Sie, the number of cakes devoured during the production was staggering – not just a few, but literally hundreds! The sheer quantity of cakes consumed left a lasting impression on Sie, to the point where cake no longer held the same appeal for a period of time.
Mark your calendars! The eagerly awaited show, “Sitting in Bars With Cake”, is just around the corner, set to make its debut on Friday, September 8th, exclusively on Prime Video. Get ready to indulge in some sweet entertainment as you watch the first trailer above. This show promises to captivate viewers, immersing them in a delightful blend of conversation and delicious confections. So, grab a slice of cake, cozy up in your favorite spot, and prepare to be entertained with this charming and engaging series. Don’t miss out!
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