The way the first trailer for Michelin Stars: Tales From the Kitchen is edited, you'd think trying to get a Michelin star was a matter of life or death wrapped inside a nervous breakdown presented with a generous handful of dread. And it kind of is! The best chefs in the world, including Daniel Humm, Alain Ducasse, René Redzepi, Andoni Aduriz, Yoshihiro Narisawa, Victor Arguinzoniz, and Guy Savoy, have all attained one, wrapping their restaurants in glory—although that glory can be temporary.
As Barbara Eselböck of Austria's Taubenkobel says, "Michelin is like an ex-boyfriend who never wants to see you again." Harsh.
Fifteen chefs came together to speak about their individual quests for Michelin-starred success for the documentary, which premieres 23 September at the San Sebastián Film Festival. Call it an airing of grievances—or a dire warning to up-and-coming chefs—about the punishing star system. Looks like it will make great movie-watching, though, with plenty of gorgeously shot food to pair with the bountiful angst.
