Watch The Essentials

The Essentials is a 2013 indie film directed by Eric McCoy and produced by Russell Reed. The movie stars Jim Toepper, Chris Barbis, and Jeff Moon in the lead roles. The film follows the story of two brothers, Scott and Nick, who inherit a rundown restaurant from their father. It's their dream to revive the restaurant, but their efforts are thwarted by a number of obstacles.

The story starts with Scott (Toepper), who is living in Chicago and is a successful chef. He is called back to his hometown in rural Illinois when he learns that his father, who he had not spoken to in years, has passed away. He is welcomed back by his brother Nick (Barbis), who is still living in their hometown and running their father's old restaurant. The restaurant is in a dilapidated condition, and Nick is barely managing to keep it open.

Scott tells Nick that he wants to help him revive the restaurant and restore it to its former glory. Despite Nick's reservations, both brothers start working together to manage the restaurant. However, they face numerous challenges along the way. To begin with, their father had borrowed a large sum of money before he died, and the brothers need to pay back the loan to keep the restaurant open.

Another challenge they face is the local competition. A big chain restaurant has opened in town, and they need to compete with them. Scott and Nick come up with a number of innovative ideas, such as a farm-to-table menu and theme nights to attract customers.

As the brothers work together, they confront their own personal demons. Scott has a strained relationship with his father, and he needs to come to terms with his loss. Nick, on the other hand, is struggling with his own insecurities as he tries to keep the restaurant afloat.

The movie has a number of poignant moments, as the brothers share memories of their childhood, their father, and their struggles. It also has some hilarious scenes, such as when Scott attempts to cook a bizarre meal for a customer who asks for something "different." The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, as it features tracks from various indie artists, adding to the movie's indie vibe.

Overall, The Essentials is a heartwarming movie about family, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. It's a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to keep a small business afloat or who has had a strained relationship with a family member. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of the rural midwest. The actors deliver compelling performances, and the chemistry between the two brothers is palpable. Moreover, the movie has a strong message about the importance of sticking together and persevering through tough times. For anyone looking for an indie gem, The Essentials is definitely worth watching.

The Essentials is a 2013 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.