Dough (film)

Dough poster

Dough is a 2015 British comedy-drama film directed by John Goldschmidt and written by Jonathan Benson and Jez Freedman. The film stars Jonathan Pryce as Nat Dayan, an old Jewish baker whose failing business is inadvertently saved by his young Muslim apprentice, Ayyash, played by Jerome Holder. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the breaking down of cultural barriers through the shared enterprise of reviving the bakery.

Plot

Nat Dayan is a widowed Jewish baker who is struggling to keep his family bakery afloat in London. His customers are dwindling, and his son has no interest in taking over the bakery, preferring a more lucrative career. In a bid to help his mother pay the rent, Ayyash, a young Muslim immigrant from Darfur, is hired as an apprentice. However, Ayyash, who also sells cannabis on the side to make ends meet, accidentally drops his stash into the dough mix, leading to an unexpected surge in the bakery's popularity. As the bakery's fortunes begin to rise, so does the bond between Nat and Ayyash, despite their different backgrounds and beliefs. The film humorously and heartwarmingly navigates their journey as they learn from each other and reconcile their differences.

Cast

• Jonathan Pryce as Nat Dayan
• Jerome Holder as Ayyash Habimana
• Phil Davis as Sam Cotton
• Ian Hart as Victor Gerrard
• Pauline Collins as Joanna Silverman

Production

The film was shot in various locations around the United Kingdom, with a focus on capturing the essence of London's diverse cultural landscape. The production aimed to highlight the contrast between traditional Jewish culture and the modern challenges faced by immigrants in the city.

Reception

Dough received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The performances of Pryce and Holder were particularly praised, with many noting the chemistry between the two leads as a highlight of the film. Critics also appreciated the film's gentle humor and its attempt to tackle serious themes in a light-hearted manner. However, some criticized it for its predictability and a lack of depth in exploring the cultural issues it raises.

Themes

The film delves into themes of cultural diversity, the importance of community, and the power of unlikely friendships. It also touches on the struggles faced by small businesses in changing urban landscapes and the challenges of integration for immigrants. Dough uses the bakery, a symbol of tradition and sustenance, as a backdrop to explore these themes, making it a poignant commentary on contemporary society.

See Also

• Cinema of the United Kingdom
• List of British films of 2015