Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Adrienne Shelly’s Waitress into the ol’ VCR.
[CW/TW: spousal ab*s* (physical, emotional, and verbal), SA/attempted r*p*]
Waitress has always felt like a fall movie to me. For some reason, it feels almost like an edgier Gilmore Girls.
Waitress centers around Jenna (Keri Russell), a waitress with dreams of leaving her abusive and controlling husband (Jeremy Sisto). Jenna uses her phenomenal baking skills to combat her unhappiness, which only increases when she finds out she’s pregnant. When a new doctor (Nathan Fillion) comes to town, Jenna may finally be able to break free from everything that’s been holding her down.
Telephone ft. Beyoncé
I love Waitress for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, I think Jenna’s pie daydreams to work through her problems are exceptionally clever.
Additionally, I think the portrayal of Jenna and Earl’s relationship is realistic. It’s hard to watch, but I can tell you, based on experiences from my past, that Earl’s character isn’t exaggerated. There’s no one archetype for an abuser, but a lot of Earl’s actions ring true.
Lastly, I just think Waitress is a good movie. Adrienne Shelly was so talented, and her death was so incredibly tragic. If she was still here, I wholeheartedly believe that she would’ve been a tour de force. I could even see her teaming up with the likes of A24.
RIP 🖤
Waitress is such a little gem. It’s not a movie I turn to for comfort, and, quite frankly, there are some really heavy themes throughout. However, if the subject matter isn’t triggering, I don’t think it’s one to be overlooked.
It doesn’t sugar coat the realities of childbirth or abusive relationships, and it presents life with all of its complexities. I also love how all of Jenna’s emotions are captured with spotlights and blurred backgrounds. The blending of surreal and hyper-realistic elements is *chef’s kiss*.
Let’s end on a recipe for “Writing a Piece on Waitress” pie.
- Take Adrienne Shelly’s incredible writing and directing skills
- Add in Keri Russell’s wonderful performance
- Mix with Cheryl Hines’s comedic relief
- Top with a brilliant supporting cast
- Serve fresh on the B Movies Blog
B Movies Blog 
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