Take Me To Dinner

Take Me To Dinner is a Malaysian film directed by Gavin Yap that released in 2014. The movie has an international cast, with the leading roles taken up by notable actors such as Patrick Teoh, Susan Lankester, and Kar Hoong Thor.

The movie is primarily a character-driven drama and focuses on the evolving dynamics and complexities of human relationships. Based in Malaysia, the director uses the local context and cultural mash-ups to lend a distinctive flavor to the story. There is a veneer of comedy as well that continually weaves around the narrative, keeping it refreshingly upbeat and light.

The plot centres around Edward (Patrick Teoh), a veteran hitman who has seen the worst side of life. Living a solitary life, Edward is weary and has become cynical about life and its meaning. Decided on retiring from his notorious career, Edward wants to host a dinner where he expects his closest friends and colleagues to come and bid him adieu.

As the narrative unfolds, this ‘farewell dinner’ takes an altogether different path. Peter (Ben Tan), Carl (Umapagan Ampikaipakan) and Alex (Sunny Pang), Edward's dearest friends and his partners in crime, join him, along with his wife Barbara (Susan Lankester) and her sister Alison (Sara Ali). Each character brings their unique perspective and interpreted reality to the table, leading to a series of colourful arguments, recollections, and confessions that eventually push Edward to the cliff-edge of his carefully crafted retirement plan.

Patrick Teoh, who plays the central character Edward, delivers a power-packed performance, and the subtleties of his character are well exhibited through his nuanced rendition. His interactions with his wife Barbara, played by Susan Lankester, brings out the emotional undercurrents in this drama. Lankester gives a riveting performance as Barbara, an independent woman dealing with her unique relationship with her husband Edward.

Kar Hoong Thor, who plays a pivotal role, delivers an impressive performance. His interactions with Edward provide some of the most memorable and emotionally charged scenes in the film. The cast’s strong performances and undeniable chemistry form the backbone of this film, making it a compelling watch.

The director, Gavin Yap, superbly navigates the complexities of the narrative and keeps the audience engaged in the emotional dynamics among the characters. Despite the dramatic theme, Yap manages to intersperse moments of humour, adding a lively tone to the story. The parallels drawn between the morally ambivalent profession of the characters and everyday personal relationships are tactfully handled without making it preachy.

An important aspect that makes the movie stand out is its screenplay. The dialogues are sharp and reflect local nuances, largely placing the movie within a culturally specific milieu. These aspects are well knitted into the plot, naturally amplifying Malaysia’s diverse cultural influences. The cinematography deserves a mention too, with stunning shots that effectively communicate the emotional landscape of the story.

Another interesting facet of the movie is its approach to morality. The film doesn’t attempt to put its characters in boxes of good and evil. Instead, it delves into the greyness of human morality, settling into the comfortable notion that everyone has their reasons. This narrative choice makes its characters more human and relatable.

Take Me To Dinner has been praised for its engaging narrative, well-rounded characterization, and excellent performances. Its unique narrative style and cultural setting offer something different for the audience, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy character-driven plots with an edge of dark comedy. This film is not just about the individual characters but also about their resonating relationships, the choices they make, and the consequences they face, making it a compelling exploration of the human condition.