Watch Toast

Toast is a British coming-of-age film from 2010, based on the autobiography of the renowned food writer, Nigel Slater. The film revolves around the childhood and teenage years of Slater, played by Oscar Kennedy, who becomes a culinary star in adulthood. The story chronicles his journey of self-discovery and passion for cooking, as he grows up in a working-class family in Wolverhampton, England.

The film is set in the 1960s and 70s, and the era is captured beautifully through the costumes, props and music. The production design is impressive, reflecting the British working class culture of the time. Toast explores themes of family, sexuality, and class, as Nigel navigates through the struggles of his childhood, adolescence and early adulthood.

The film opens with a young Nigel developing a love for food while watching his mother cook. His father, played by Colin Prockter, is a working-class man who struggles to make ends meet as a factory worker. Nigel's relationship with his father is strained, and it is clear that Nigel is more emotionally connected to his mother, played by Victoria Hamilton. The family dynamics are shown to be complex, as Nigel's dad is very traditional and critical of his son, while his mother is a more progressive and loving figure in his life.

As Nigel grows up, he becomes increasingly interested in cooking, and his passion for food propels him forward in life. However, he faces many challenges along the way, including sexual awakenings, school bullies, and a jealousy towards his mother's new boyfriend. Nigel's life takes a turn when his mother falls ill and eventually passes away. Nigel is then sent to a boarding school, where he continues to explore his culinary talents.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery as Nigel battles with his own insecurities, explores his sexuality, and ultimately finds his place in the world. Despite the difficulties he faces, his love for cooking serves as a constant source of comfort and solace.

The performances in the film are captivating, with Oscar Kennedy delivering an exceptional portrayal of Nigel Slater at various stages of his life. Victoria Hamilton is also fantastic as Nigel's mother, and her relationship with Nigel is one of the most endearing aspects of the film. Colin Prockter is convincing as Nigel's gruff father.

Toast is a beautifully crafted film that tells the story of an ordinary young boy who discovers an extraordinary talent. The pacing of the film is steady, and the narrative is engaging, keeping the audience invested in Nigel's journey. The cinematography is stunning, and the imagery of the food and cooking is both sumptuous and visually impressive.

In conclusion, Toast is a must-watch film for foodies and coming-of-age enthusiasts alike. It is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, family, and the love of food, expertly brought to life by the talented cast and crew. Nigel Slater's story is an inspiration, and the film adaptation does justice to his life and legacy. If you're in the mood for a feel-good film with plenty of heart, then Toast is the perfect choice.

Toast is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 57.