Watch Short Order

Short Order is a quirky 2005 movie from writer and director Anthony Byrne. Set in a trendy bistro in London, the film follows the intertwined lives of the restaurant staff and customers over the course of one evening. The plot centers around the bistro's head chef, Viktor (played by Rade Serbedzija), a gruff and bluntly honest man with a love for good food and little patience for anyone who gets in his way. Despite his gruff exterior, however, Viktor is also a man with a soft heart, taking in a stray dog and caring for it throughout the film.

One of the bistro's waitresses, Lenny (Cosma Shiva Hagen), is a young German woman looking to make her way in the world. She has a crush on the bistro's owner, Olivier (played by Yves Afonso), who is more interested in playing guitar and seducing women than running his business. Lenny also has an admirer in the form of the bistro's sous chef, Randy (Jai Taurima), a sweet and earnest young man who dreams of opening his own restaurant one day.

Into this mix comes a new waitress, Fifi (Emma de Caunes), a Frenchwoman with a dark past and a mysterious agenda. Fifi is immediately drawn to Viktor, and the two find themselves embarking on a romance despite their considerable age difference. Meanwhile, Fifi also has a mission to accomplish, one that will have significant implications for the bistro and its staff.

The film's narrative is divided into multiple vignettes, each centering around a different character or group of characters. These include a group of wealthy diners with complicated relationships, a young couple on a first date, and a down-on-his-luck musician who finds solace in Viktor's kitchen. As the night wears on, the various storylines weave in and out of each other, building towards a bittersweet conclusion.

What makes Short Order stand out is its focus on character and atmosphere. The bistro itself is a character in its own right, with its warm lighting and eclectic decor lending it a unique personality. The film also features an impressive soundtrack, with a range of songs from jazz standards to indie rock providing the perfect backdrop to the action.

The performances are uniformly strong, with Serbedzija in particular standing out as the gruff-yet-lovable Viktor. De Caunes brings a mysterious energy to Fifi, while Hagen imbues Lenny with a sense of vulnerability and determination. The supporting cast is also notable, with standout turns from Afonso, Taurima, and an unrecognizable Erich Redman as one of the wealthy diners.

Overall, Short Order is a charming and offbeat film that rewards viewers who are willing to immerse themselves in its world. While some of the plotlines may feel predictable, the film's strength lies in its attention to character and detail. Fans of indie cinema and slice-of-life stories will find much to appreciate here.