Abe (2020)

Abe is a charming idea that may not be executed in the best way but still ends up being pleasing, even if just for the food porn. The film perhaps tackles some issues that it never quite successfully addresses, it's also too short, skipping through some of the work necessary to truly take on those issues. But it's heart is in the right place and Noah Schnapp is outsanding in the title role.

Abe is the story of a boy whose father's family is Palestinian Muslim and whose mother's family is Israeli Jew. His grandparents can't stop fighting about the Middle East and Abe turns to his passion for food and cooking, especially the idea of fusion cuisine (you see where this is going) to get reprieve. He meets a street food vendor from Brazil, Chico, who teaches him about cooking and through this he brings his family together.

Okay yes it's cliched and yes the film presents its problem and solution rather ham-fistedly. But despite all that Abe remains enjoyable. At the centre of this is Schnapp as Abe and he sells it. he's got the makings of a star and he exhibits it here. Also director Fernando Grostein Andrade may fumble some of the narrative aspects but films his story beautifully with a loving eye for the food. You won't be able to come out of this film not feeling hungry.

And despite how elementary the film's take on religion, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships are, they aren't off the mark. This is a very strong film for young viewers to tackle something a bit more heady than they might get in a standard children's film. For families, Abe is actually quite strong. So in the end Abe satisfies just enough, creating a fusion taste just like its title character would want.

Abe
Starring: Noah Schnapp, Seu Jorge, Dagmara Dominczyk, Arian Moayed, Mark Margolis, Salem Murphy, Tom Mardirosian
Director: Fernando Grostein Andrade
Writers: Lameece Issaq, Jacob Kader, Fernando Grostein Andrade