About Pie Review: Playful and Breezy!

September 17, 2025September 20, 2025 Surya Komal 0 Comments About Pie, English Movies, Hollywood, Hollywood Movie Reviews, Hollywood Movies, Joshua M Lester

Romantic comedies often thrive on quirky premises, and About Pie leans fully into its eccentric charm. Written, directed by, and starring Joshua M. Lester, the 87-minute indie film takes the everyday indulgence of dessert and transforms it into a philosophy for navigating modern romance. With its vignette-style storytelling and an unusual fixation on pastry, the film offers a fresh spin on the traditional coming-of-age narrative, centering on a young man known only as “The Pie Guy.”

The story follows The Pie Guy as he takes every first date to a pie shop, turning dessert into his personal ritual of courtship. Through a series of encounters with different women, we see a mix of awkwardness, humor, and fleeting sparks of connection. His only constant is the pie on the table, while the relationships themselves rarely last. Alongside these misadventures, he consults a therapist who nudges him toward embracing the temporary nature of these connections, setting the stage for a conclusion that feels natural rather than conventionally romantic.

Where the film truly shines is in its presentation. The visuals are striking, with polished lighting that makes each café and restaurant look warm and inviting. The Los Angeles exteriors add texture, capturing breezy streets, cozy corners, and an urban charm that grounds the story. Interiors are equally thoughtful, giving each date its own personality through atmosphere and design. These details keep the vignettes from feeling repetitive. The background score by Lawrence Carroll IV ties it all together, its playful rhythms enhancing the whimsical tone while adding a layer of sophistication that complements the film’s lighthearted spirit.

Yet for all its charm, I couldn’t help but wish there was a bit more substance to the story. Toward the end, in a clever meta moment, one of the characters—who also plays the Pie Guy’s friend—remarks, “It’s not a high concept idea, it’s a low concept idea, it’s about a guy who is trying to get laid.” It’s a wink to the audience, and a reminder that Joshua Lester is fully aware of his film’s simplicity. That said, within this stripped-back framework, there are still flashes of self-discovery, some genuinely funny beats, and a handful of solid performances that keep the narrative engaging.

The overall vibe of About Pie reminded me of That Awkward Moment (2014), another rom-com I often revisit for its easygoing humor and earnest take on modern relationships. This film carries a similar energy, blending awkward encounters with a relatable search for connection. I liked the premise and appreciated the quirky execution, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was holding back—that just a little more depth, or a sharper exploration of the Pie Guy’s journey, could have elevated it from a lighthearted indie curiosity to something more memorable.

In the end, About Pie is a playful, well-shot romantic comedy that doesn’t pretend to be anything beyond what it is. It delivers breezy entertainment with stylish visuals, a fun score, and a likable central character whose misadventures feel both silly and sincere. While it might leave some viewers craving a richer story, it still serves up enough charm to make the slice worthwhile.