'Waitress': As Fulfilling As Pie

Written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, 2007's indie hit Waitress is a refreshing dramedy dealing with loss, learning to love, and liberation.

Shelly also co-stars in the movie, yet sadly was brutally murdered a few months before the movie's premiere.

The film stars Keri Russell as Jenna, a small town waitress, unhappy with every aspect of her life other than creating inventive pies.  She is a second generation pie expert, and wishes everything in her life could be as simple and "easy as pie."

But things aren't that easy.   Instead, Jenna finds herself completely broke and married to Earl (Jeremy Sisto), a man she despises.  When Earl forces her to have sex with him, she unexpectedly gets pregnant.  Unlike many wives, Jenna is distraught with her pregnancy, and begins to resent Earl's baby which is ruining her plans.  She decides to start hiding her money from Earl; saving it til she has enough to run away.

Her plan soon changes when she falls for her married ob-gyn, Dr. Pommeter (Michael Fillion).  They begin having an affair, and the plot really thickens.

Along with the help of her friends, (two waitresses and the grumpy old man who owns the pie diner) Jenna gets enough nerve to stand up to her husband.  She has a baby girl Lulu, tells her husband she wants a divorce, breaks off the affair, and decides to finally do what's best for herself and her daughter, whom she now loves.

A surprise ending (which I won't give away) makes this a feel-good movie.  Jenna makes the right decisions, and in the end is rewarded for it.  The movie is very relatable and real.  I laughed with them, and felt their pain.  I felt connected to all the characters, and couldn't get enough.  

I would highly recommend this movie.  It is a comedic tragedy which will leave you feeling satisfied.  I give it two thumbs up.

Also, a sidenote: Shelly's daughter makes an appearance in the movie as the little toddler Lulu.  This film, I'm sure, will be an emotional keepsake for her: forever a connection to her mother through the outstanding piece of work she created.  The film focuses a lot on the relationship Jenna had with her mom, and also Jenna's relationship to Lulu.  I'm sure Shelly's daughter Sophie will appreciate that.

For more information on Adrienne Shelly's untimely death, click here