Sweetbitter

Sweetbitter is an American drama television series, based on the international bestseller of the same name by Stephanie Danler. Hinged on some of life’s complex moments, it is an exploration of teasing senses, evoking rich flavors of the extravagant life in New York City, revealing a world not usually seen by outsiders. Developed for television by Danler herself, this Starz original premiered six episode run in May 2018, which was subsequently extended into a second season that aired in July 2019.

The story follows the life of Tess, a 22-year-old woman, played by British actress Ella Purnell, who arrives in New York City filled with ambition. Fleeing an unfulfilling suburban life, she's engulfed by the intoxicating rush of the city. With not a lot of money in her pocket and little knowledge about the city, Tess lands a job at a celebrated downtown Manhattan restaurant. Think upscale, think vibrant, think Michelin-star - the kind of restaurant that serves as the backdrop to people celebrating milestones and marking special occasions.

The restaurant serves as a microcosm of New York itself, encapsulating its contrasting cultures, class divides, and striking richness in a dining area. Tess is taken under the wing of the restaurant's general manager, Howard, portrayed by Paul Sparks. She then begins her initiation into this fresh world brimming with complex characters including servers, hostesses, cooks, bartenders - all with their unique stories to tell.

Simultaneously, Tess embarks on an epicurean journey, learning and assimilating the gourmet dining scene, understanding the fine art of wine, and discovering various types of food she's never tasted before. Through this journey, she’s embroiled in a love triangle with the restaurant's charismatic bartender Jake, played by Tom Sturridge, and an older, worldly wise and experienced waitress – Simone, portrayed by Caitlin FitzGerald. This forms a large part of the narrative as we see Tess navigate these tricky relationships.

Sweetbitter also dives into the grittier side of the hospitality industry, examining the power dynamics at play, the brutal long hours, the often overlooked hard work behind the scenes, and the camaraderie that brews amidst the kitchen chaos.

The series, particularly in its second season, allows other restaurant staffers' narratives to unravel, which adds multiple perspectives to the viewing experience. This ensemble serves as an interesting study in personalities, each with their distinctive quirks, making it a veritable treasure trove of character arcs, waiting to be explored.

The series is a mix of coming-of-age story and a sensory smorgasbord. It not only charms its viewers with lighthearted moments and vibrant culinary visuals but also sucker punches them with the sprinkling of harsh realities and raw emotions which gives it a different flavor.

Sweetbitter involves viewers through its well-crafted portrayal of human existence, the lust for life, and escalating aspirations in the big city. It uses Tess's perspective as a wide-eyed newcomer to capture the grandeur, challenges, missteps, and excitement that come with starting life anew in an unfamiliar city. All the while, maintaining a strong foothold in the restaurant industry's narrative.

The series brings considerable visual appeal using its rich cinematography, as it captures the bustling vibes of New York and the essence of the restaurant industry through beautifully shot sequences. The vibrant color palette utilized in the show complements the storytelling perfectly, adding an artistic appeal to the narrative.

One of the show's striking elements is its focus on sensual and sensory details. From the taste of a ripe fig to the sound of a cork being pulled for expensive wine, Sweetbitter heightens sensation to captivate viewers with an authentic New York City culinary and cultural experience.

In essence, Sweetbitter is a fearless young woman's exploration of self, an intoxicating sensory endeavor, a flawed love story and a gastronomic jubilee. Tess's journey in the series acts as a metaphor for all of us, reminding us of the challenges and thrill of stepping out of our comfort zone and experiencing the unfamiliar.

Despite being largely centered around the city and the hospitality industry, Sweetbitter is an intimate, multilayered, and at times poignant tale, that is bound to resonate with anyone who's ever been young and uncertain, testing new waters while attempting to make a mark in the world.