Eat, Drink and Be Married

Eat, Drink and Be Married from 2019 is an intriguing romantic comedy film packed with humor, charm, and love triangles, offering an exciting exploration of familial bonds, traditions, and the unpredictable journey towards true love.

The movie features captivating performances from Jocelyn Hudon, Jake Foy, and Sam Robert Muik amongst others. Jocelyn Hudon shines in the role of Brooke Bartlett, a young woman from a family that operates the successful Bartlett Family Wines company. Brooke's character exudes headstrong independence and ambition, adding a layer of depth and relatability to the narrative.

Contrary to her family's expectations, Brooke shows little enthusiasm for joining the family wine business. Her dreams are more aligned with broadening her individuality beyond the family fold, making her own choices, and making her mark in the world. Her job at a small advertising agency, away from the family business, beautifully depicts her pursuit of her own passion and freedom.

The film takes a turn when Brooke's parents, wonderfully portrayed by Beverley Breuer and Dion Riley, decide to host a lavish wedding for Brooke’s brother and his bride. The event will also double as a splashy release party for their new wine "Wedding Cuvee." This earns Brooke an unwilling role as the wedding planner, where she finds herself at odds with the wedding's ambitious chef, Jake Foy’s character, Luke.

At this juncture, Jake Foy brings a delightful contrast to Brooke's character. Where Brooke is independent and somewhat rebellious, Luke is charming, warm, and somewhat traditional when it comes to love and relationships. His portrayal of Luke adds a delightful dynamic to the story, as he works to cater to the Bartletts' upper-class tastes.

Adding to the intricate dance of personalities is Sam Robert Muik's character, Ben. Ben is Brooke's colleague at the advertising agency, where they share a close bond and an underlying affection. He is a reliable, steady presence in Brooke's life and seems to be the safer choice, maintaining the status quo.

The film is beautifully fortified with a series of compelling subplots as well, particularly exploring the strained relationship between Brooke and her family, her aversion to the family business, and her journey towards finding love. The interpersonal dynamics showcased throughout the movie add facets of tension, humor, and heart to the narrative.

The wine vineyard serves as the backdrop for a majority of the film, presenting viewers with a visually soothing palette. The lush vineyards, sunny fields, and luxurious house of the Bartlett family offer an array of aesthetically pleasing visuals, which add a certain romantic ambiance to the film.

Director Heather Hawthorn Doyle smoothly navigates through the myriad of the movie's themes, including family, love, and duty. The narrative's light-hearted approach to the madness of wedding preparations, mixed with romantic conundrums and the backdrop of a bustling family wine business, creates an engaging viewing experience.

An interesting element in Eat, Drink and Be Married is the exploration of love in its many forms – the love between families, the love between friends, and romantic love. All are juxtaposed in a tale that continues to surprise you with each twist and turn.

While the movie primarily revolves around wedding preparations, the underlying layers and internal conflicts of the characters are what truly draw the viewers in. Jocelyn Hudon's portrayal of Brooke's internal struggle between fulfilling family expectations or pursuing her dreams is a running theme that resonates with many viewers.

At its core, Eat, Drink and Be Married is a sweet, warm, love-filled narrative on how sometimes you have to break away from expected norms and follow your heart. It manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, laced with hearty laughter, love-filled gazes, and a dollop of drama. The intertwining narratives of family dynamics, career growth, personal freedom, and romantic entanglements amalgamate beautifully, making it an enjoyable romantic comedy.

Overall, the film is a delightful and easy watch, perfect for those who love feel-good movies with an underlying theme of personal growth. It's a stimulating blend of laughter, tears, love, and a dash of confusion, akin to a well-aged glass of wine.