“Sitting in Bars with Cake,” based on the novel by Audrey Shulman and produced by Yara Shahidi, Janet Knutsen and Teri Simpson, is very well produced.
Inspired by true events, “Sitting in Bars with Cake” follows Jane (Yara Shahidi) and Corinne (Odessa A’zion), best friends since elementary school, as they navigate life in Los Angeles in their 20s . Corinne, the quintessential extrovert, convinces her shy but extremely talented pastry chef best friend, Jane, to commit to a year of baking cakes and taking them to bars (also known as “cakebarring”) in an effort to meet people and develop their confidence.
During their struggling year, Corinne receives a life-changing diagnosis, and the couple faces an unprecedented challenge. “Sitting in Bars with Cake” isn’t just a wild ride through some of Los Angeles’ most colorful watering holes; it’s a moving celebration of female friendship, the forging of identity, and joy in the most unexpected places.
There’s a lot to love about “Sitting in Bars with Cake” and a lot to love. The friendship between Jane and Corinne as they try to live their best lives in a tough Los Angeles rings true. Their lives are closely intertwined. They live together and work at the same PR agency, located in the iconic Capitol Records building. Corinne works as an assistant to a formidable powerhouse, Benita (played by Bette Midler), while Jane toils in the mailroom. Jane’s true passion lies in baking, and she harbors a secret desire to get away from her powerful family’s expectations of a legal career.
The most daring, Corrine, believes that Jane’s reserved nature needs to be shaken up. An idea takes shape: Jane should bake cakes and bring them to bars – a novel tactic for catering to potential romantic interests. Jane may not like the nightlife of Los Angeles, but she reluctantly embarks on the adventure. Corinne takes it upon herself to give Jane a complete makeover, paving the way for an unexpected journey.
“Sitting in Bars with Cake” takes an unexpected turn early on, propelled by events based on real experiences, thus moving away from the initial premise of cakebarring. When Corinne is diagnosed with cancer, her parents (Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly) move in temporarily to provide support and care. Then the story shifts to his illness and the characters face unforeseen obstacles.
Bette Midler plays a small but significant role and, in some ways, it’s a nod to her iconic performance in “Beaches” (1988), which deeply influences the emotional resonance of the film.
Once the story addresses issues of loss, the cake-related sequences serve more as a backdrop than a driving force, despite the film’s title. But it is okay. Life happens and the genuine camaraderie embodied by the two young actresses and supporting cast allows the film to successfully navigate this change in direction.
The film also benefits from its authentic Los Angeles settings, providing a refreshing sense of realism often absent from contemporary cinema. Although the cake aspect of the story may seem somewhat forced, given its role as the film’s organizing principle, the authentic and heartfelt depiction of Jane and Corinne’s enduring friendship ultimately transcends the initial gimmick.
Congratulations to Yara Shahidi as actress and executive producer. It’s a job well done on both fronts.
“Sitting in Bars with Cake” is now available to stream on Prime Video and features a cast including Yara Shahidi, Odessa A”zion, Bette Midler, Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly.
Official hashtag: #SittingInBarsWithCake
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