Is Working Lunch Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2018, Working Lunch represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into On a regular work day, two liberal friends Nina and Jess, an Indian-American and a member of the LGBTQ community, excitedly head to lunch at a new Indian restaurant, until they are stopped in their tracks by hate graffiti scrawled tragically across the restaurant's facade. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "On a regular work day, two liberal friends Nina and Jess, an Indian-American and a member of the LGBTQ community, excitedly head to lunch at a new Indian restaurant, until they are stopped in their tracks by hate graffiti scrawled tragically across the restaurant's facade. Determined, Nina pulls her friend into the empty restaurant anyway, surprising the devastated owner, Shantu. As they sit, another stunned patron enters- Mark. When it quickly becomes apparent that Mark is a dedicated Trump voter, a slanderous argument between Jess and Mark ensues. Ultimately, Jess, Mark, and Nina find that they must get over their misconceptions of each other and come together for the common good: they transform the message of hate into a positive Hindu blessing, not only for their friend, but for their community."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Rachael Perrell Fosket, the performance in Working Lunch feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Shilpa Sunthankar is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 8 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Working Lunch truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Working Lunch explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Shilpa Sunthankar respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Working Lunch is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rachael Perrell Fosket or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Working Lunch is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.