“Mam”

The structure of director Nan Feix’s documentary-like film “Mam” is definitely a slow burn, but you can understand why it moves at that pace. The story may drift mightily at times, but everything ultimately clicks into place as it mirrors the long, messy, and often exhausting process of building something from nothing. If you’re even remotely into food or have spent time in the restaurant world, there’s a lot here to latch onto.

The film follows the small town Texas self-taught chef Jerald (Jerald Head), who is chasing the dream of opening his own Vietnamese restaurant in New York. When he meets a witty waitress from Vietnam named Nhung (Nhung Dao Head), their partnership leads to creative and culinary ventures throughout the city. The narrative it really leans into the grind of the ups and downs of the restaurant world. This isn’t a glossy chef movie, but a scrappy, rough around the edges, and gritty quality that makes everything feel lived in. You can practically feel the late nights, the financial stress, and the constant hustle that’s baked into every scene with a knowing honesty.

What stands out most is how authentically Feix and co-screenwriter Marine Garnier capture that obsession, which in large part is due to the casting of the real people behind the story. The kitchen is Jerald’s escape, his purpose, and his “happy place,” and the film does a great job showing how all-consuming that passion can be. From sneaking into basement kitchens to experimenting with recipes after long shifts, it’s a raw look at the kind of dedication it takes to even have a shot in this dog eat dog industry.

The dynamic between Jerald and Nhung adds a nice emotional backbone. Their partnership is awkward at first, but slowly grows into something genuine and necessary as they build trust, grounding the film in themes of connection, resilience, and the idea that you don’t build something like this alone. Knowing the film is rooted in the real-life story of the couple behind the restaurant just adds another layer of sincerity to it.

This film won’t be for everyone, mostly because its pacing demands patience, but “Mam” is an engaging, heartfelt portrait of culinary ambition. For food lovers or anyone who’s ever dreamed of opening a restaurant, it feels especially personal, capturing the blood, sweat, and uncertainty that come with chasing something you love.

By: Louisa Moore