The Chef
9 Episodes
Nimrod (42), lost his Hi-Tech job and has been unemployed for over a year. After yet another failed job interview, and desperate to provide for his family – he takes the first job he can get. And so, in his 40’s he finds himself on the bottom of the totem pole working as a prep cook in the kitchen of a prestigious restaurant: ‘Sophia’. Nimrod slowly learns the demanding and exciting world of an upscale the kitchen – from chopping, to blanching, and poaching - to a complete service – ruled by strict hierarchy and highly competitive. When Sara, a young and talented cook, joins the team, she helps him find his place in the kitchen. But as Nimrod starts feeling empowered at work, at home things deteriorate. As the financial pressures mount, he and his wife are drifting apart, and their relationship crumbles. Dori (40) is the restaurant’s charismatic, successful chef, and an eligible bachelor. Despite his fame and accomplishments, he feels isolated. As he sees new young chefs around him getting the attention that was once his, the fear of losing his fame and standing makes him paranoid and anxious; he cannot see anyone close to him come up and make a name for themselves. Lonelier than ever, Dori surrounds himself with the new people that look up to him – Nimrod and Sara. Unthreatened by Nimrod, the two become closer, and Dori soon makes him his prodigy. Sara brings with her a fresh vibe in the restaurant, and Dori falls for her professionally. He mentors her while also confiding and consulting with her often, soon making her his right-hand person. However, as soon as Sarah starts succeeding Dori’s old demons come out, threatening to destroy everything near him. The close relationship between Dori and Sara brings Nimrod to the edge, and they both compete for Sara’s attention, forming a complicated love triangle. For first time, the lowly cook goes against his chef... and the two lose out.
Created by: Erez Kavel & Orit Dabush
Directed by: Erez Kavel
Written by: Erez Kavel & Orit Dabush
Production Company: yes TV, Kastina Communications
Producers: Ayelet Imberman, Meny Aviram
Director of Photography: Guy Raz
Editor: Amir Winkler
Set Design: Shunit Aharoni
Original Soundtrack: Atar Mayner
Sound Design: Ronen Nagel
Cast:
Gal Toren (Dori)
Guri Alfi Aaron (Nimrod)
Rotem Sela (Ossi)
Yael Elkana (Sara)
Omer Etzion (Efi)
Gitit Fischer (Sunny)
Romi Aboulafia (Alona)
Keren Berger (Efrat, Nimord's Wife)
Release Date: 7 November 2020 – Israel
Festivals & Awards:
2020 Zurich Film Festival –World Premiere (episodes 1+2)
2020 Berlin TV Series Festival - Winner, Best Lead Actor. German Premiere (Episode 1)
2020 SerienCamp, Munich – Official Competition. German Premiere (Episodes 1+2)
2021 Toronto Jewish Film Festival
2021 UK Jewish Film
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The Chef | Episode 1
An unemployed Hi-Tech worker starts working in the kitchen of a prestigious restaurant run by a brilliant chef who is struggling to stay relevant and keep his place at the top.
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The Chef | Episode 2
Dori and Osnat receive a business offer from Yonny, one that can bring in new energy.
Nimrod discovers that working in the kitchen makes him feel a sense of belonging. This
is Sarah's first day at work. -
The Chef | Episode 3
Nimrod faces financial hardship and Dori offers him to join him for a special working day
outside the restaurant. There the connection between them is escalating. Dori receives a
tempting offer and Osnat has a secret. -
The Chef | Episode 4
Dori fights for Alona's heart. A crisis between Nimrod and Efrat leads Nimrod to choose
between his responsibility for his family and his passion for the kitchen and Sarah, who
turns out to be very talented. -
The Chef | Episode 5
Nimrod is invited to a party at Sarah's house. A party that will bring him against all
expectations to a new peak with the woman in his life and an unplanned shock. -
The Chef | Episode 6
Back in time, Dori is desperate to find a new interest in his life. He discovers a hidden detail about Sarah and invites her to join him for a shooting day for a reputed magazine.
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The Chef | Episode 7
Nimrod faces the consequences of the party. Dori offers Sarah a business proposal and the article in the magazine is published and causes a stir.
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36:33Episode 8The Chef | Episode 8
Episode 8
Nimrod and Dori spend a rough evening together, at the end of which each learns something new and surprising about himself and the other. Nimrod and Sarah are getting closer. Dori is experiencing a crisis.
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The Chef | Episode 9
Nimrod realizes that the moment has come when he must choose who he is and what he wants in his life. Dori loses control and threatens to collapse everything he has built.
