Watch 42 Grams

42 Grams is a documentary film released in 2017 directed by Jack C. Newell. The movie revolves around the story of Jake Bickelhaupt, a young and promising chef, and his wife Alexa Welsh, who opened a restaurant called 42 Grams in Chicago. The plot is based on the transformation their lives undergo when they leave their normal jobs to follow their passion for food.

The documentary starts by giving an introduction to Jake and Alexa, who narrate their journey of opening a restaurant, which initially began as an underground restaurant in their apartment. Alexa, who had no prior experience in the culinary industry, managed the finances and business aspects, while Jake, with his expertise in cooking, undertook the responsibility of the kitchen.

The movie takes the viewer through the day-to-day operations in the restaurant, starting from the time Jake spends in the kitchen, designing a new menu every day, to the time Alexa spends on purchasing the necessary ingredients, managing finances, and ensuring customers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the restaurant.

The documentary is beautifully shot, and the viewers are treated to delicious-looking dishes that are carefully presented to the customers. The camera pans over the kitchen, where Jake uses innovative techniques, experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, to create extraordinary dishes.

As the couple’s dream of opening a restaurant becomes a reality, they begin to witness its highs and lows. Business booms, and the restaurant receives critical acclaim from reviewers and customers alike. However, with success comes pressure, and the couple must learn to cope with it. Alexa, the backbone of the operation, often finds herself working more than 14 hours a day, struggling to balance work with her personal life. Jake, on the other hand, is creatively consumed and often puts the restaurant before personal relationships.

The documentary sheds light on the challenges that come with running a restaurant, including food and labor costs, managing relationships with suppliers, and making sure customers are satisfied. The couple constantly learns from their experiences, and their love for each other, and their passion for cooking, keeps them going.

The heart of the documentary lies in the couple's drive and work ethic. Their hard work eventually pays off when the restaurant receives two Michelin stars, the highest culinary accolade. However, it is not long before their success takes a toll on them, and the couple begins to face personal and professional challenges.

Towards the end of the documentary, we see the couple's marriage struggle as they begin to drift apart. Jake decides to pursue his culinary career on his own, and after his successful stint, he opens a new restaurant. Alexa reflects on her journey with Jake, and the documentary ends on a poignant note, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of success and the sacrifices one has to make to attain it.

In conclusion, 42 Grams is a captivating and insightful documentary that takes the audience on a journey of culinary exploration and human relationships. The documentary provides an intimate look at the struggles that couples face while running a business, the sacrifices they make and the obstacles they overcome to achieve success. With its stunning visuals, interesting characters, and gripping narrative, 42 Grams is a must-watch for anyone interested in the culinary world, entrepreneurship, and the human spirit.

42 Grams is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.