Review of The Cakemaker (2017) by Allen G — 16 Dec 2018

An exceptionally beautiful film. The small set of characters are well developed as the film proceeds and the acting is superb - particularly by the two leads, Tim Kalkhof and Sarah Adler. Few films today move at the gentle pace of The Cakemaker, with the camera held on a face long enough for powerful emotions to be seen developing simply from a changing expression.

I read one review that said this is a film that hits you quite powerfully the day after you've seen it, and I believe that's an apt description. It flooded my thoughts with its nuanced emotions and powerful story of coping with loss.

This will long be a favorite film of mine - I only wish I could have seen it on the big screen. (My fault for missing the Provincetown Film Festival.). For those who have seen the film, read on (spoiler for others): Two brief scenes deserve special mention: when Thomas visits Oren's mother, and when Thomas learns of Oren's true intentions cut short by his death.

The facial emotion displayed by Tim Kalkhof in each is devastating in its powerful display of unstated recognition.