For those who like ‘Seashores’ ‘Bars with Cake’ would possibly match the invoice

I’m a feminist, so I actually hate the time period “chick-flick” because it pertains to films that middle on girls’s tales and have girls in lead roles. I typically suppose a well-told story will transcend any demographic and be relatable to individuals, even when they don’t appear like the characters on display. All that stated, considered one of my favourite films from the Nineteen Eighties is the certifiable chick-flick “Seashores.” It’s not significantly good, nevertheless it holds a smooth spot in my coronary heart — and if I would like cry, I can put it in with assured outcomes. After I learn the synopsis for “Sitting in Bars with Cake” by director Trish Sie, I received some “Seashores” notes and knew I needed to test it out.

Jane (Yara Shahidi) is a reserved younger lady finding out for legislation college and dwelling together with her energetic and barely flaky roommate Corinne (Odessa A’zion). Corinne needs to assist Jane escape of her shell, so she means that Jane indulge her ardour of baking and bake a cake every weekend to take to a bar to fulfill guys. The 2 take pleasure in this new manner of courting, till one evening, Jane is woke up by Corinne having a seizure. Jane and Corinne now should navigate a brand new dynamic of their friendship as they take care of sickness and fogeys — all whereas determining methods to be their most genuine selves.

It is a stunning film. It does give me some sturdy “Seashores” vibes, elevated by the inclusion of Bette Midler as Corinne’s boss. The themes of a longtime feminine friendship between two opposites is there, in addition to a life-threatening sickness. However the place “Seashores” has a comparatively skinny story, “Sitting in Bars with Cake” is way richer.

The performances had been all fantastic. Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly are fantastic as Corinne’s dad and mom, portraying an amazing stability of humor, anger and compassion for his or her daughter’s sickness. The majority of the emotional weight, nonetheless, falls on Shahidi and A’zion and they’re greater than as much as the duty. They each flip in glorious showings, giving us well-rounded characters, even in well-worn story traces.

This film is loosely primarily based on the 2013 weblog by Audrey Shulman who wrote the script for the film. Regardless of this being primarily based on a real story, the story beats are very acquainted. I consider that familiarity is what makes this film accessible to everybody, even those that aren’t 20-something younger girls. Perhaps you haven’t gone “cakebarring,” however you’ve hatched loopy plans with a buddy. Perhaps you haven’t walked by way of the demise of an in depth buddy, however you’ve skilled loss. Perhaps you haven’t had an uncomfortable dialog along with your dad and mom about altering your profession objectives, however you’ve had different powerful discussions with them.

And whereas our causes for needing a cry would possibly differ, all of us want try this typically. No matter your motive is likely to be, “Sitting in Bars with Cake” can most likely allow you to get there.

ALISE CHAFFINS is a Morgantown author who opinions a film from a streaming service each Saturday and one newly in theaters each Sunday. Discover extra at MacGuffin or That means on Substack.