Double Belgian

Double Belgian is a comedic drama movie released in 2019, introducing audiences to the world of craft beer brewing with a side of friendship and romance. The movie is directed by Graham Winfrey and stars talented actors Townsend Ambrecht, Isabel Bacon, and Daniel Cangelosi in leading roles.

The story unfolds in New York City and takes us through the journey of two best friends Ryan, played by Townsend Ambrecht, and Pete, portrayed by Daniel Cangelosi. They define the classic cliché of the city - young, ambitious, with hearts full of dreams yet stuck in their mediocre jobs. Ryan is a frustrated writer struggling to find his groove in the competitive literary scene, while Pete is a trivial English teacher trying to break the mundane routine of his life.

Both men share a passion for craft beer, and this common enthusiasm brings an engaging twist to the story. Tired of their uninspiring jobs, they decide to open their own microbrewery. The path to turning their hobby into a lucrative business is fraught with learning curves, complex licensing laws, competition, and personal issues. However, with a little wit, courage, and a lot of beer, the duo ventures headfirst into the choppy waters of entrepreneurship.

Isabel Bacon shines in her role as Jess, a confident, friendly, and enchanting woman who enters the lives of these friends. A mixologist skilled in the art of brewing beers, she becomes a significant factor in the success of this nascent brewery. Her character adds a romantic subplot to the narrative, adding spice to the story and further complicating the already tangled friendship between Ryan and Pete.

The film superbly showcases the camaraderie and competition that exists in the brewing community. The audience gets a behind-the-scenes look at New York City's thriving craft beer scene, complete with its trials and tribulations. Moreover, it delves into the complexities of relationships - both professional and personal - and how they evolve when faced with the challenging task of setting up a business.

Double Belgian deftly captures the allure and intricacies of craft beer brewing. The director, Graham Winfrey, has painstakingly evidenced the detailed procedure - from brewing to fermentation to bottling. The love and effort that goes into creating a glass of craft beer are profoundly portrayed in this drama. Scenes related to the licensing process, market competition, and brand promotion insights have been woven into the plot, making it a film with substance beyond just its interesting character arcs and subtle humor.

One of the film's standout features is its ensemble cast, strongly led by Townsend Ambrecht, Isabel Bacon, and Daniel Cangelosi. Each of these actors develops their character with nuance and depth, infusing the film with authenticity and resonance. The sparkling friendship between the two male leads is compelling and forms a strong emotional core of the film.

The real triumph of Double Belgian, however, is in its celebration of the characters' love for craft beer. It presents the characters' journey to develop their own brand not as a mere escape from their jobs, but as an epicurean pursuit. The synergy between this very specific passion and the broader human drama at play creates a compelling and relatable narrative.

Overall, Double Belgian is an entertaining cinematic feature that offers a glimpse into the craft-brewery milieu and the entrepreneurial spirit. It cleverly highlights the passion, skill, and determination required to turn a dream into reality, making it an engaging watch for cinephiles and beer enthusiasts alike. The balance of humor, drama, and romance ensures a pleasant viewing experience, leaving audiences with a heady mix of emotions and a newfound appreciation for craft beer brewing.