Hunger (2023)

Hunger plot summary (no spoilers)

Hunger (original Thai title: คนหิว เกมกระหาย) is set in two very different kitchens. Aoy, played by Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, is a gifted young cook whose skills come from the world of street food. Her life changes when she receives an offer to train with Chef Paul (Nopachai Jayanama), a chef with a reputation for brilliance and cruelty in equal measure.

To learn from him, Aoy steps into the high-pressure world of fine dining. Plates are judged to the smallest detail, and Chef Paul demands total commitment. As she tries to prove herself, Aoy must decide how far she will go for success and what she is willing to give up along the way.

The film’s tagline, “There is a hunger that can never be fulfilled,” points to its central theme. Here hunger is not only about food. It also stands for ambition, recognition and the drive to rise above where you started. This summary covers only the premise, so the story’s turns are left for viewers to discover.

What makes Hunger notable

• Director and writer: The film is directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri from a screenplay by Kongdej Jaturanrasmee.
• Lead performances: Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying leads as Aoy opposite Nopachai Jayanama as the formidable Chef Paul. The supporting cast includes Gunn Svasti (Tone), Bhumibhat Thavornsiri (Au), Varit Hongsananda (Tos) and Prachan Vong-uthaiphan (Uncle Dang).
• Genre and setting: It is a drama built around chefs, cuisine and the competitive culture of high-end restaurants, contrasted with the energy of street cooking.
• Origin: This is a Thai production from Song Sound Production, filmed in the Thai language.
• Scale: At 145 minutes (about 2 hours 25 minutes), it takes time to explore its characters and its world.

If you’re looking for a Hunger review, see the Drama4U Score shown on this page for an at-a-glance view of how audiences have received the film.

Who will enjoy Hunger

• Viewers who love food-centred dramas and behind-the-scenes kitchen stories
• Fans of tense mentor-and-student power dynamics
• Anyone interested in Thai cinema and Thai-language films
• Audiences drawn to character studies about ambition and the cost of success
• Viewers comfortable with mature content (rated R in the US)

Hunger release date and where to watch

Hunger had its world release on 4 April 2023. In the United States, it was released digitally on 8 April 2023 via Netflix, with an R certification.

In the US, the film is available to stream on Netflix, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan. A trailer is also available to preview before you watch. Availability can vary by region and change over time, so check your local Netflix catalogue.

Trailer

Cast

• Chutimon Chuengcharoensukyingas AoySee credits →
• Nopachai Jayanamaas Chef Paul
• Gunn Svastias Tone
• Bhumibhat Thavornsirias Au
• Varit Hongsanandaas Tos
• Prachan Vong-uthaiphanas Uncle Dang
• Ratchawat Vichianratas Tue
• Pattarawit Junthaias Keng

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Hunger (2023) released?

Hunger had its world release on 4 April 2023. In the US, it was released digitally on Netflix on 8 April 2023.

Where can I watch Hunger?

In the United States, Hunger is streaming on Netflix, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan.

Who is in the cast of Hunger?

Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying stars as Aoy and Nopachai Jayanama plays Chef Paul. They are joined by Gunn Svasti, Bhumibhat Thavornsiri, Varit Hongsananda and Prachan Vong-uthaiphan.

What is Hunger about?

It follows Aoy, a talented street-food cook who accepts an offer to train under Chef Paul, a renowned and ruthless figure in fine dining, and is tested by the demands of his kitchen.

How long is Hunger and what is it rated?

Hunger runs 145 minutes (about 2 hours 25 minutes) and is rated R in the US. It is a Thai-language film.

Sources

1. TMDB
2. IMDb