Chili Finger

When a newly empty-nested mom (Judy Greer) finds a human finger in her chilli and seeks a quick payday from the fast-food chain’s owner (John Goodman), her life spirals into chaos. As she clashes with ruthless forces (Bryan Cranston) unleashed by the restaurant, her blissfully clueless husband (Sean Astin) stands by.

Loosely inspired by an infamous 2005 real-life incident in which a woman claimed to find a severed finger in a fast-food chilli bowl, Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad’s dark comedy is a feast of wild performances by its stellar cast. The pleasure of taking in John Goodman and Bryan Cranston’s commanding presence, full of controlled violence and mean playfulness, is only surpassed by the thrill of fearing for Judy Greer’s reckless crime rookie.

The actress is hilarious as Jessica Lipki, a small-town Midwestern divorce lawyer facing empty-nest syndrome and severe financial stress with her husband Ron, played by Sean Astin. When she finds a severed finger in her meal at a regional fast-food chain named Blake Junior’s, she sees it as a long-awaited opportunity to tear her perceived working-class mediocrity to pieces. But the restaurant’s CEO sends an ex-Marine enforcer (Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston) to investigate, sending the situation into a chaotically comedic and violent downward spiral.

Book the screening only or pair it with a dinner full of... surprises!

EVENT: Tiger Balm Club brings you a Chili Finger American diner experience at Bakestone Cafe, Perry Street. Expect a welcome drinks reception and an American diner-inspired experience, with sharing plates of sliders, hot dogs, fries… and, of course, chilli - all inspired by the film. 

Please note: Gluten-free and vegetarian preferences can be accommodated. Please email events@corkfilmfest.org with your booking request.