Directed by Sébastien Tulard
Starring Riadh Belaïche, Dycosh, Pascal Légitimus, Marwan Amesker, and Loubna Abidar

If like me, you are currently striving to make better lifestyle choices, starting with dietary ones, then Sugar and Stars is not exactly sugar, spice, and everything nice to us. 

Don’t get me wrong. It is actually a lovely and heart-warming film to watch. But this film based on the autobiography of pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahem is proudly ★★★★★ food porn to behold.

Growing up with a troubled mother and having a very unstable upbringing had all likelihood to distract Yazid from his natural predilection and talent for pastry making and truncate any early ambitions. As a 17-year-old, Yazid (now played by Algerian-born social media influencer Riadh Belaïche) is shifting between foster homes and visitations with his mother (Loubna Abidar) as he continues to pursue his dreams. Even when that goal is achieved and Yazid has a steady job and regular income to his name, the challenges keep on coming. But this kid’s determination is something else and he just doesn’t know when or how to stop dreaming. Despite experiencing homelessness and facing sabotage in the workplace, Sugar and Stars is the story of how Yazid overcomes personal adversities, conquers the culinary world, and sets his sights on representing France at the International Pastry Championship.

If you’re someone who simply relishes a film that continually triumphs over travesties and delivers the uplifting finish you came wanting and expecting, irrespective of any imperfections along the way, then Sugar and Stars will definitely hit your sweet spot. If imperfections can or do alter the experience for you, then I would say this true story is still worthy of being watched, but like me you’ll be left hungry for more than what is dished out. In fact, I’d liken this movie to a dining experience in which everything you see on the plate looks more satisfying than it is. By far and away its greatest asset are those delectable dessert montages that had me wishing this were a 4D experience and almost had me licking the screen. Sugar and Stars could have been a whole heap more fulfilling had its writing and directing been given the same attention its food contributors devoted to their craft. The timeline frequently shifts back and forth between the late nineties when Yazid was a child and from 2006 onwards, but there are too many times some important plot details, such as when and why he goes between homes, isn’t apparent enough. I also believe a little restraint would’ve gone a long way here. This real story has plenty of drama and we are always rooting for Yazid, so there was absolutely no need to forcibly dramatise certain moments. To get past that though, at least Sugar and Stars exhibits adoration for something far less harmful than most other movies choose to glorify. 

Sugar and Stars is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from July 20th.

Moviedoc thanks Rialto Distribution and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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