Watch Pot Luck
- NR
- 2020
- 1 hr 17 min
Pot Luck is a 2002 independent comedy film directed by Coky Giedroyc and written by Rachel Hirons. The film stars Jay Bulger, Susan Lynch, Danielle McCormack, and Robin Quivers. Pot Luck is a British film, set in London, and explores the friendship between three young women, Alice, Benika, and Carmen. The movie begins with Alice (Susan Lynch), who is struggling financially and needs to find a new flatmate, finding Benika (Danielle McCormack) asleep in her wardrobe, and later bringing her into her flat. The two women become fast friends and share a love of food, despite their differing personalities; Alice is reserved and introverted, while Benika is impulsive and wild.
The third character in the film is Carmen (Robin Quivers), an American radio DJ, who is returning to London after several years away. She arrives at her friend Alice's flat, delighted to be back in the city, but soon sees that the flat's small size is a problem. Carmen is surprised to learn that Alice and Benika are fervent foodies, and quickly joins in with their love of cooking.
As Pot Luck unfolds, the three friends share a series of small adventures, including a night out on the town, a disastrous cooking lesson, and various romantic entanglements. The film touches on themes of loneliness, friendship, and the search for identity.
Pot Luck is notable for its use of food as a narrative device. The movie's characters bond over shared meals, talk about their favorite foods, and even take cooking lessons. The food they eat is often a reflection of their emotional state; for example, Carmen arrives in London and indulges in junk food, while Alice tries to impress a potential love interest with a fancy dinner.
In addition to the film's exploration of food and friendship, Pot Luck is also notable for its portrayal of LGBT issues. Both Alice and Benika are queer, and their sexualities are portrayed in a nuanced and celebratory way. The film also features a host of supporting characters from the LGBTQ+ community, including an openly gay chef and a drag queen.
Pot Luck is a warm, funny film, with nicely drawn characters and a delightful tone. It avoids the rom-com clichés that often afflict films about women and romance, instead portraying a refreshing, real-world approach to friendship and relationships. The three leads are beautifully acted, with Susan Lynch and Danielle McCormack bringing a depth and subtlety to their roles. Robin Quivers, best known as Howard Stern's sidekick on his radio show, is a revelation in her role as Carmen, exuding a cool, world-weary charm that is both captivating and poignant.
Overall, Pot Luck is a charming slice-of-life drama that explores the complexities of friendship, sexuality, and the pleasures of good food. It is a warm, engaging film, that showcases a talented cast and a witty script. Despite being little-known outside the UK, it is a true gem of independent cinema, and well worth seeking out.
Pot Luck is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.