Uncorked

Aspiring sommelier balances family expectations and dreams

Watch on Netflix
About Uncorked

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 44m

Cast
Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash-Betts, Sasha Compère, Bernard D. Jones, Gil Ozeri, Matt McGorry, Meera Rohit Kumbhani

About Uncorked

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About

Uncorked is a drama television series that aired in 2020. The show revolves around the story of a young man, Elijah, who has to choose between taking over his family's barbecue business or pursuing his dream of becoming a sommelier. The show takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, and explores themes of family, tradition, and following one's passion.

Elijah's father, Louis, is a well-respected and successful barbecue pitmaster who wants his son to continue the family legacy. However, Elijah's true passion lies in the world of wine, and he aspires to become a master sommelier. As Elijah embarks on this journey, he must navigate the expectations and pressures from his family while staying true to himself.

Making / Production

Uncorked is a Netflix original production created by Prentice Penny, who also serves as the show's writer and director. The show was released on March 27, 2020. It was produced by Mandalay Pictures and Argent Pictures.

Actors

  • Mamoudou Athie as Elijah: He portrays the lead character, Elijah, a young man torn between his family's barbecue business and his dream of becoming a sommelier. Athie skillfully brings out the internal conflict and emotional journey of the character.
  • Niecy Nash as Sylvia: Nash plays Elijah's mother, Sylvia, who supports his dreams but also wants him to take on the family business. Her performance adds depth and warmth to the show.
  • Courtney B. Vance as Louis: Vance plays Elijah's father, Louis, a successful barbecue pitmaster who wants his son to continue the family tradition. Vance's portrayal brings out the complexity and emotional struggle of the character.
  • Meera Rohit Kumbhani as Tanya: Kumbhani portrays Tanya, Elijah's supportive girlfriend who encourages him to pursue his dreams. Her character adds a sense of stability and understanding to the storyline.
  • Matthew Glave as Tony: Glave plays Tony, Elijah's mentor and a sommelier. He provides guidance and inspiration to Elijah as he navigates the world of wine.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Prentice Penny, the creator of Uncorked, drew inspiration for the story from his own experiences growing up in Memphis and his passion for wine.
  • The acting performance of Mamoudou Athie received critical acclaim, with many praising his portrayal of Elijah and the depth he brought to the character.
  • Uncorked showcases the BBQ culture of Memphis, known for its rich history and unique flavors. The show incorporates elements of food and wine, highlighting their importance in the storyline.
  • The filming of Uncorked took place in various locations in and around Memphis, adding authenticity to the portrayal of the city's vibrant culture.

Awards

As of now, Uncorked has not received any major awards.

Quotes

  • "Sometimes, we have to choose our own path, even if others don't understand it." - Elijah
  • "Family is important, but so is following your dreams." - Tanya
  • "Barbecue and wine may seem like an odd pairing, but they both bring people together." - Louis

Music

The music in Uncorked is a blend of various genres, reflecting the cultural diversity of Memphis. The soundtrack features a mix of soul, blues, hip-hop, and jazz, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.

Soundtrack

  • "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave
  • "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn
  • "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
  • "Mojo Pin" by Jeff Buckley
  • "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey
  • "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s