Abe

Abe, released in 2019, beautifully depicts a young boy's exploration of love, cultures, and cuisines, all while navigating his own identity amidst a culturally diverse family environment. The protagonist is 12-year-old Abe (Noah Schnapp), an aspiring chef striding to bring his conflicted family together through the universal language of food.

Born to an Israeli mother and Palestinian father- raised by his Jewish Israeli and Muslim Palestinian grandparents - Abe is caught in a heated conflict over his religious identity. Yet despite the ideological difference, his passion for food remains unwavered as a beacon of harmony. He's constantly seen experimenting, cooking, learning about ingredients, and detailing his experiences on his food blog, a testament to his boundless creativity and desire to express himself.

The character of Abe is brought to life with soulful sensitivity by Noah Schnapp, known for his role in Netflix's Stranger Things. Schnapp expertly portrays the passion, curiosity, and heartache felt by a kid caught between his love for food and the internal family conflicts that seem to create more divisions and distress in his life.

A standout character is Chico, played brilliantly by Seu Jorge. Known as a Brazilian actor and musician, Jorge's Chico becomes an unlikely mentor to Abe. Chico is a self-taught cook from Brazil who is running a street food stand combining cuisines from different cultures. When Abe stumbles upon Chico's stand at a local farmers market, he is instantly attracted not just to the food but the philosophy behind it: the fusion of elements and flavors, much like his own conflicted identity. The duo forms a kinship, with Chico teaching Abe not only about the intricacies of food but also offering life lessons that often translate onto his plates.

Abe's mother and father, played deftly by Dagmara Dominczyk and Arian Moayad, respectively, contribute to the conflicting backgrounds clashing in Abe's world. Their portrayal of the deep-seated animosities rooted in cultural differences encapsulates the complexity of their son's struggle.

The family tensions are mirrored in the heated Middle East conflict that drives a wedge between Abe's relatives. The filmmakers tactfully weave in snippets of these antagonistic forces, sometimes as part of dinner table conversations, other times reflected in the news programs playing in the backdrop.

Directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade, the cinematography of the film is particularly praiseworthy. The vividness of the Brooklyn setting, the bustling farmers market, the family dinners and heated debates, and most significantly, the intricate and delectable dishes that Abe cooks, are filmed with attention to detail, adding to the overall appeal of the film.

Where Abe shines is in its portrayal of culture and identity through the culinary arts. The food in the film takes on its personality, from traditional dishes rooted in specific cultures to innovative fusions that personify Abe’s unique take on his multicultural background. The way Abe cooks, infusing his dishes with ingredients from both Israeli and Palestinian cuisines, to create something blended and beautiful, is a striking metaphor for his situation and his hopes for unity among his warring family.

The film is also backed by a versatile soundtrack that covers Hebrew pop, Arabic music, and even a bit of American rock, purveying an audio translation of Abe's multicultural world. A whimsical touch is the addition of animated graphics illustrating various cooking techniques and flavor combinations used by Abe, designating his blog-like narration throughout the story.

In conveying the emotional and sharp realities of a multicultural upbringing, Abe navigates the complexity of cultural identities and the acceptance of diverse faiths. The film subtly underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving deep-rooted conflicts, a message that resonates well beyond the scope of the movie. Through a combination of excellent performances, direction, and a coming-of-age story characterized by rich culinary diversity, Abe is a definite delight to watch for anyone who cherishes food, culture, and heartfelt storytelling.