Watch Northwood Pie

Northwood Pie is a 2019 indie film directed by Jay Salahi and starring Johnny Chang, Kristina Cohen, and Mendel Fogelman. The film revolves around a group of young adults who work at a pizza parlor in Northwood, California. Over the course of one night, they confront their fears and insecurities, and learn to reconcile with the past and embrace their dreams.

The film opens with a shot of a pizza being prepared in a kitchen. We are introduced to our protagonist, Kevin (Johnny Chang), a Chinese-American college student who works at the pizza parlor to pay for his tuition. Kevin is a reserved and introverted young man who struggles with his identity and place in the world. He lives with his grandmother, who clings to traditions and expectations that he does not necessarily share.

We also meet his co-workers: Jesse (Kristina Cohen), a free-spirited and rebellious young woman who wants to escape her hometown; Nick (Mendel Fogelman), a friendly and outgoing guy who dreams of becoming a musician; and Tony (Scott Kruse), the boss and owner of the pizza parlor, who is struggling to keep his business afloat.

As the night progresses, we see the characters interact with each other and their customers, revealing their hopes, fears, and conflicts. Kevin, who is secretly in love with Jesse, must overcome his shyness and confess his feelings. Jesse, who is tired of her dead-end job and her abusive boyfriend, must decide whether to stay in Northwood or leave for good. Nick, who is about to perform in a local music venue, must confront his stage fright and self-doubt. Tony, who is struggling with financial and personal difficulties, must find a way to keep his business going and support his family.

The film explores themes of identity, migration, racial tension, social inequality, and generational conflict. It portrays a diverse community of young people who share a passion for pizza and music, but also face challenges and opportunities that reflect their individual and collective experiences. The characters are sympathetic and believable, and the actors deliver convincing performances that convey their emotions and motivations.

The film also features a lively soundtrack that combines rock, hip hop, and indie music, giving it a distinctive and engaging vibe. The cinematography is simple but effective, focusing on the characters and their surroundings, and capturing the ambiance of a small town in California.

Overall, Northwood Pie is a heartfelt and entertaining film that conveys a universal message of self-discovery and aspiration. It showcases the talent and vision of its director and cast, and offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of contemporary life in America. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys indie films, coming-of-age stories, or pizza.

Northwood Pie is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.