High school senior Jake (Cardi Wong) finds himself weighed down by the expectations of those around him as he tries to figure out who he is. His father (Ryan Mah) is pressuring him to make the basketball team while his girlfriend Val (Parmiss Sehat) is trying to convince him to take the next step in their relationship. The arrival of Aleks (Chris Carson), a new student at the same school who has moved in across the street, stirs feelings up in Jake that’s he’s never explored or admitted to himself. As Jake gets to know Aleks, the lines between friendship and romance blur, leaving Jake to make some tough choices about his life.
‘Golden Delicious’ is a coming-of-age drama from director Jason Karman and writer Gorrman Lee. The film shines a light on a subject we don’t often see from an Asian-American perspective, not just around sexuality but also the expectations of parents on their children. Jake is happy to go through the motions to keep his parents happy and he’s content to keep up appearances with Val, believing that if they just keep progressing their relationship his feelings about his sexuality may change. The introduction of Aleks, who is openly gay, throws a spanner in the works as Jake finds himself prioritising being around him. Initially it’s under the guise of friendship but Jake’s attraction to Aleks becomes impossible for him to hide as the two grow closer.
As Jake tries to understand his burgeoning feelings, he’s also having to contend with being hugely unpopular at school. He’s picked on by one of the jocks on the basketball team and Aleks attempts to defend him make matters worse. The fast friendship between the two boys leads to rumours starting, which only serve to make Jake try even harder to suppress his real feelings.
A sub-plot in the film explores the break down of Jake’s parents’ marriage. His father George (Ryan Mah) and his mother Andrea (Leeah Wong) run a restaurant together, which causes plenty of friction, and it’s evident early on that their hopes and desires have drifted apart during their marriage. They’re so busy battling one another that they don’t see that their son is struggling. A bit of a deeper dive could have really explored the family and its culture, and how that informs who they are, but the script and the story never really goes that deep.
Part of the reason I enjoyed ‘Golden Delicious’ as much as I did is because Cardi Wong and Chris Carson are so good in their respective roles. Wong gives Jake a sweet demeanour that makes it impossible to get annoyed with him while Carson’s cockier Aleks makes for a fantastic love interest. The two interact well together on screen and it’s often the moments in the film when it’s just them together that are the strongest. The film also highlights how young people can’t experience anything anymore without it ending up on social media, which inevitably ends up making things feel a hundred times worse.
Extras on the release include interviews with director Jason Karman and actor Chris Carson, a blooper reel and a selection of deleted scenes.
‘Golden Delicious’ is an enjoyable romantic drama and while it doesn’t take too many risks, what is does do is tell a charmingly engaging story. Jake is a likeable character so even when his behaviour isn’t great, you forgive him because you sympathise with what he’s going through. The end of the film feels a little bit rushed, not to mention conveniently tied up, but I liked the story the film-makers were telling enough to not really care. As long as you’re not expecting a film that’s going to resonate deeply with you on an emotional level, you’ll find yourself struggling to resist ‘Golden Delicious’.
Cast: Cardi Wong, Chris Carson, Parmiss Sehat, Ryan Mah, Leeah Wong, Claudia Kai Director: Jason Karman Writer: Gorrman Lee Certificate: 15 Duration: 120 mins Released by: Peccadillo Pictures Release date: 30th October 2023 Buy ‘Golden Delicious’ now
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