A suicidal man is given a second chance at life when a compassionate pawnshop owner offers him an unusual choice: a gun or a cookbook. In the process, he finds passion, romance, heartbreak, and a genuine sense of purpose.
Lucas(Played by Rich Frohman): A suicidally depressed young man. He’s lonely and purposeless. When Carter gives him the deal, it awakens his desire to keep living.
Carter (Played by Joe Adams): A gruff, laconic, yet kind pawnshop owner. He sees a younger version of himself in Lucas. He helps him by being there, but understands that no one can do the work of healing for you.
Claire (Played by Nicole Olivia Carson) : A bubbly chef in training. She develops a connection with Lucas. However, his illness prevents them from getting closer.
Angela (Played by Molly Loveless) : A web designer with anxiety and depression. She and Lucas form a strong bond because of their shared illness, not in spite of it.
The film will initially feature washed out pales and blues, long takes, and expressionistic techniques. As Lucas heals, colors will saturate, shots will normalize, and there will be less dramatic lighting. The food photography, however, will be vivid and colorful as a balance to the grit and naturalism of the story. Super gorgeous, with lots of color and flashy lighting.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and aged 20-34. Death by suicide has increased 30.3% over the last 20 years. (source) In 2023, firearms were used in
55.36% of all suicide deaths in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). There are many reasons why people are suicidal, including depression, job loss, and social isolation. There is an ever-present stigma surrounding both mental illness and media depictions of suicide.
We want to combat that. By providing an alternative story - in which someone heals and by depicting suicidality realistically - we hope to provide a counter to the current media messaging surrounding illness and suicide. This is a film for people who struggle. To give them hope, and a reason. Even if it’s a simple grilled cheese.
You will be sent a digital Thank You card for your contribution.
Digital Recipe Card from Cast and Crew
Donate $10.00 or more
Amount over $1.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you will receive a randomized recipe card from the kitchens of our cast and crew. All recipes are written with love.
Full PDF Version of the Script
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount over $5.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you will receive a watermarked PDF version of the script.
Link to Director’s Cut of the Film
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount over $10.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you will be sent a watermarked link to the director's cut of the film. This reward will be sent out upon completion of the film. (est. November 2025)
Signed Physical Copy of Script
Donate $75.00 or more
Amount over $15.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you will received a printed version of the full script, signed by director and writer Eric Koenig.
Digital Cookbook w/ Recipes from Cast & Crew
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount over $20.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to the previous rewards, you will receive a cookbook containing all of the recipe cards from the cast and crew.
Video of Table Read Session w/ Cast
Donate $250.00 or more
Amount over $30.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you will receive a link to a recording of the table read from our lovely cast.
Executive Producer Credit
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount over $50.00 is tax-deductible.
In additional to the previous rewards, you will receive an Executive Producer credit in the end credit of our film. You can also choose to have your credit listed on the film's official IMDb page (optional). No compensation or legal entitlements.
Private Screening w/ Cast & Crew
Donate $1,000.00 or more
Amount over $100.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all of the previous rewards, you will be invited to an exclusive screening with all of the cast crew, and donors at this reward level. The screening will take place in NYC in November/December 2025.
Become an Extra in the Movie
Donate $2,500.00 or more
Amount over $220.00 is tax-deductible.
In addition to all previous rewards, you have the opportunity to actually be in the movie! We have several scenes involving extras, and you will be featured in one of them. We will coordinate with you on your availability, but the tentative shoot dates are from July 6th through 31st.
