Omnivore

I truly enjoyed Omnivore. It's not only beautiful filmed, it's also educational, enlightening and inspiring. I like how each episode is structured slightly differently, so the show never gets repetitive or boring. There are certain themes that are present throughout, but each ingredient is treated in a unique way. It's interesting the way different styles of farming are compared and contrasted, such as massive U. S. corn production versus micro-farming where tiny cobs are harvested by hand. Some viewers might see the series as being judgmental, but I think it acknowledges the need for mega-farming (feeding the entire world for an affordable cost), versus the need for micro-farming (preserving traditions or, in the case of bananas, ensuring that if and when Cavendish bananas can no longer be produced we have another variety to fall back on). All in all, this series fascinated me. It's definitely one of Apple TV+'s best documentaries. Excellent watch and an 8.8 for me.

"Omnivore" is a captivating new series on Apple TV+, a visual feast that dives deep into the stories behind essential food ingredients, with educational and entertaining episodes on chilies, tuna, salt, rice, coffee, corn, bananas, and pork. The cinematography is stunning, and I was often so mesmerized by the visuals, I had to rewind to catch the dialogue we missed. Renowned chef and host René Redzepi guides viewers through each episode with his mellifluous voice making even the most commonplace ingredients seem significant. Each episode serves as a deep dive, exploring cultural relevance and the intricate connections in our lives. The series transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, reminding us of the importance of the ingredients we often take for granted.

Chef Rene Redzepi is many things in the world of gastronomy--a master craftsman, creative genius, famously disciplined, a generational talent and visionary. David Attenborough he is not.

Whoever decided to give Redzepi narration responsibilities for this series should forever be second guessed on any and all creative matters. Any moments of visual brilliance or stirring storyline are instantly deflated by the insipid voice that overlays them. Redzepi is at his best, and his dry Nordic charisma most appreciated, when speaking off the cuff. In Omnivore it's clear that while he may have contributed in some way to the writing, they are not his words, and the AI-like delivery only emphasizes this.

In truth, the whole production fails to live up the subject matter. What's more, the first episode revolving around chilies was possibly the most uninspiring of the lot with the direction and cinematography failing to deliver what an amateur could provide with a cellphone on a gimbal. There's no doubt that the crew was high-fiving and chest bumping after wrapping a shot of the Thai chef resting on, and being showered by, bird dropping chilies like he was Mena Suvari. I wasn't expecting to get second-hand embarrassment from my viewing, but this scene nonetheless provided it.

Anthony Bourdain famously said he would rather fail miserably than to make competent television. If only the creators of Omnivore had taken the same advice.

Rene Redzepi, the acclaimed chef of Noma, is undoubtedly a culinary genius. His innovative approach to cooking has revolutionized the food world, making him an influential figure in contemporary gastronomy. However, the decision to cast him as the narrator of "Omnivore" seems to have been a misstep. Redzepi's narration lacks the engaging dynamism needed to capture and retain the audience's attention. His delivery, while knowledgeable, feels monotonous and fails to evoke the excitement and curiosity that the subject matter warrants.

The first episode of "Omnivore" sets the tone for the series, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The pacing is slow, and the content, though rich in potential, is presented in a way that feels uninspired. Viewers may find their minds wandering, unable to connect deeply with the material. The episode's structure and presentation do not do justice to the vibrant and diverse world of food it aims to explore.

I found this series to be educational, with stunning imagery and told by someone with a true love of food, its roots, and respecting quality over quantity. These naysayers can get lost. It's interesting, and makes me fall in love with food again and the love of how its binds us by brining us together all over again. I highly suggest watching this series if only to learn that we need to respect where our food comes from, who is involved with getting it to us, and how important is is to connect with its producers in some way.

Every episode was educational and relatable. Every subject important to myself as they're all things I consume, most of them daily.