Uncorked
Starring: Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Sasha Compère, Gil Ozeri, Matt McGorry
Director: Prentice Penny
Elijah (Mamoudou Athie) is at a crossroads in life. His father, Louis (Courtney B. Vance), is grooming him to take over the family BBQ business like he did from his father. Elijah has other plans, as he has a second job at a wine store and wants to break from the family business and become a sommelier. Elijah has the chops, something that is very evident when he sells Tanya (Sasha Compère) on what wine to getby comparing different bottles of wine to qualities of singers. This intrigues Tanya and they begin a relationship. Elijah's mother Sylvia (Niecy Nash) is happy to let Elijah follow his dreams, but Louis just can't get over the fact that Elijah is turning his back on family, especially when they are about to open a second location. When Elijah wants to enroll in school to earn his sommelier diploma, Louis reluctantly agrees as long as Elijah can still support the BBQ business. While in school, Elijah joins a study group consisting of Ritchie (Gil Ozeri) and Harvard (Matt McGorry). When an opportunity to do an exchange program in Paris comes up, it drives the rift between Elijah and Louis even further. Will father and son be able to reconcile and will Elijah be able to achieve his dream of becoming a sommelier?
Despite hitting many familiar elements, this Netflix drama was better than expected thanks to two powerful and understated lead performances, one coming from a talented up and comer and the other from a seasoned veteran. Mamoudou Athie and Courtney B. Vance could have both overacted their parts but instead play their characters more grounded, which keeps the drama at hand from slipping into the melodramatic. Niecy Nash, best known for Reno 911!, gets to show off some solid dramatic chops, especially once her story takes a strong dramatic turn.
Most films like this end very cliche and I appreciate that the film went for a more grounded and realistic ending. Also, writer/director Prentice Penny must have a wealth of knowledge on wine. I haven't heard people talk about it this way since Sideways.
Even with Courtney B. Vance's terrific performance, I have issues with some aspects with Louis's characterization. It just doesn't make sense to me why he is so against Elijah wanting to do something other than the family business. Yes, it's the family business but it doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility that Elijah would have other interests. And Elijah isn't doing anything disrespectful, even doing his best to balance both school and work. And the resolution of their bickering ends so abruptly after they actually talk it out like adults that it makes everything before it ring even more false. There is also no real villain in the film, as anyone at school that could have challenged Elijah, like Harvard or Ritchie, ends up being his friend and helping Elijah out with studying or with money.
If you have some free time, and believe me you do, there are worse ways to pass your time. The film has a number of fantastic performances and will leave you feeling good, even if some of the characterizations don't ring true.
Grade: B-
Uncorked is available to stream on Netflix.