After the back-to-back successes and pressure of films like Iron Man 2 and Cowboys & Aliens, in 2014, he created his most personal movie yet. Chef is a charming, low-budget comedy about a chef who finds his passion again through cooking, reconnecting with his family, and traveling across the country in a food truck from Miami to Los Angeles.
The film Chef was a financial success, earning $49.8 million globally on an $11 million budget, and received positive reviews. While it’s become a well-loved hidden treasure available for streaming, it’s currently on Netflix but will be removed at the end of July. If you haven’t seen Jon Favreau’s fantastic performance yet, now is the time! It’s also recommended for viewers who enjoy shows like those found on FX and Hulu.
Chef Is As Much About Food As It Is About Second Chances
The movie Chef tells the story of Carl Casper, a well-known chef who leaves his high-profile job in Los Angeles because he doesn’t want to sacrifice his passion for cooking. He then moves to Miami and starts a food truck with the help of his ex-wife, a friend, and his son.
Jon Favreau not only wrote, directed, and produced the film, but also stars as the main character, Carl. He’s joined by a talented cast including Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Amy Sedaris, and Justin Hoffman, with a special appearance by Robert Downey Jr. The story follows Carl and his team on a cross-country road trip, starting in Miami, traveling through New Orleans and Austin, and ultimately returning to Los Angeles. This journey is also about Carl rediscovering his passion for cooking.
As a food lover and movie critic, I have to say the food in Chef felt incredibly authentic, and that’s thanks to Roy Choi, the real-life food truck chef who served as a co-producer and essentially put the film’s kitchen scenes together. He didn’t just oversee things; he made sure everything looked and felt right, thankfully without all the stress you’d expect. And audiences seem to agree – it’s a well-loved film, boasting an 87% ‘Fresh’ rating from critics and an 85% audience score. It’s a genuinely satisfying watch, and the food is a big reason why.
Chef Gave Rise To A Hidden Spin-Off Too
In 2019, Jon Favreau and Roy Choi created a Netflix docuseries called The Chef Show, which hasn’t gotten as much attention as some other programs. The show features the pair trying out their favorite recipes and cooking methods, and they often collaborate with celebrities and chefs, including Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her role in Iron Man. A second season was released in 2020.
If you’ve enjoyed both seasons of the show and are looking for more, the original movie is available to rewatch soon – it’s heartwarming, funny, and surprisingly helpful. However, it’s leaving Netflix at the end of July, and after that, it will be harder to find.
Chef is leaving Netflix on July 31.
2026-07-19 17:40