LAST MEAL | Omeleto

A man who cooks last meals for death row inmates dreams of becoming a celebrity chef.
LAST MEAL is used with permission from Austin Simmons. Learn more at austinsimmonsfilm.com.
Roger McNamara has a dream: he wants to be the next great celebrity chef and is aiming for a spot on a cooking competition show to fast-track his way into the spotlight.
But his aspirations and potential audition are jeopardized by his current job, cooking last meals for prisoners on death row. Torn between his livelihood and his dreams, he decides to take a leap but lands in an unexpected place.
Directed by Austin Simmons and written by Michael Boyle, this nimble dramedy has visual panache, a jazz-like pace and rhythm and great energy, providing an entertaining, compelling entry point into what eventually becomes a portrait of a man examining the distance between his dreams and reality.
Featuring bright, color-filled cinematography and dynamic camerawork, the narrative premise is executed with a breeziness and verve that has the spirit of the early comedy of the Coen brothers. The pacing skitters from one story development to another, covering a lot of ground and skillfully building up a narrative that is unexpectedly complex for a short.
We see Roger at work and home, navigating both his frustrating job (complete with a hilariously gruff prison warden boss), his hopefulness at a show audition and his kitchen, where he works diligently at his craft. His life and decisions are all aimed at becoming a famous, great chef, to the exclusion of almost all else.
Actor Nate Ward deftly captures Roger's passion and drive, but also the darker sides to these traits, including the judgment he has for his paying gig and myopia that overlooks the people and moments around him. But when the film slows down and deepens as Roger inches closer to his dream, he also experiences an eye-opening disappointment -- one that causes him to re-examine his goals, dreams and maybe even his purpose.
LAST MEAL has many potential elements of a more serious, grounded drama, ranging from the nature of Roger's job to the sincerity of his passion and dream. But it's a testament to the film's buoyant, energetic style that these elements are handled with a lightness that never makes light of them.
It finds humor in some of the more circus-like elements around the celebrity and media aspects of his job and his aspirations, but the film's heart is actually in the scenes where Roger is alone in his kitchen, communing with his craft. The kitchen is where he returns when he must look at his dreams differently -- and, like many who must recalibrate their hopes after setbacks and run-ins with reality -- get in touch with the initial spark of creativity and inspiration that may have been lost along the way.

[@nosysprat6170]

If I had a nickel for every time I saw an omeleto short film about a cook for last meals, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

[@missseaweed2462]

I would have the same two nickels, I think.

[@charlottegrace6656]

Me too. And it may only be two nickels but we're far the richer for it.

[@teestjulian]

Hey! Me two!

[@floralcapacity7319]

What is the other movie called?

[@nosysprat6170]

@@floralcapacity7319 Last Requests

[@Ouvise]

His passion for cooking, and the way he made the spaghetti bolognese in a sad state of mind, but still put all his effort and passion into it. That made me cry happy tears. what a great man, doing what he loves, not letting others judgement of him, stop him from his passion.

[@juniperabbott2614]

It made me cry too....it's an art, definitely.. Cooking, not crying... Although... Lol

[@Ouvise]

Cooking pasta in water from tears. Cooking is an art! That is too my words, maybe not for everyone, but a chef will feel it's art I am sure.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@emmaandersson393]

Italians say never break pasta its an insult to food

[@natenate2280]

he broke the pasta before cooking

[@mah7961]

Kinda of reminds me of that dude from Texas who was a prisoner himself, but also cooked the last meals for the death row inmates for 15 to 20 years. That dude too made a cook book of all the meals he made for some of most terrible prisoners, but put his heart and soul into every meal he prepared

[@b2kzangelalwayz]

I remember Brian Price. He went to prison for beating on his wife and kidnapping her brother. Glad he turned his life around.

[@nhlanhlasithole2899]

@@b2kzangelalwayz lol

[@katekat1064]

Brian Price

[@kevinpiacente3456]

Brian price

[@loudandlucky6967]

“We had good guys and we had good food” I’m gonna remember that line forever

[@A0A4ful]

We were Good Fellas, and we had good food...

[@rubenleal4821]

Today's food is so overprocessed ...

[@SimmonsProductions21]

One of my favorite lines from the script 👍🏻

[@islamicschoolofmemestudies]

I think this guy in the Mob LOL.

[@bradleys9676]

no you're not omegalul

[@tiberiusgracchus4222]

Wow, this actually hit me kinda hard. In the US, we celebrate the individual successful people who achieve their dreams, as if it's the norm. Meanwhile; ignored, are the far greater number of people who work their asses off and pour their passion into something but never quite get there. If you have a passion and work yourself to the bone for it I salute you. I hope your dreams come true but remember, your value as a human being is not determined by what you do or if you're successful. It's about who you are inside and how you treat your fellow travelers.

[@rekostarr7149]

thank you. A+

[@mok2nd]

very nicely said

[@sticksbass]

@@mok2nd beautiful. too bad the typical only treat fellow travelers as stepping stones and crap.

[@danielstudioemail671]

how true 👏👏👏

[@codeXenigma]

If you do what you love then you are successful. If money feels like a bonus that means you have found your passion.

[@mannixisle]

I love this chef! So satisfying when he's finally appreciated by an Italian who knows good cooking. He's the genuine artist who loves his craft - a stark contrast to the typical arrogant TV chef who humiliates him.

[@ChristianW1975]

I don’t always watch the Omeleto films, because you have to be ready for them. When i do watch them, i’m always glad i did.

[@ayush5349]

Sooo true

[@AvantGrade]

I always contemplate whether I want to ride that emotional Rollercoaster today or not

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

I know what you mean. I just only watched it today, cause I wasn't ready yesterday. Omeleto's stories are like good food, we need to be able to enjoy every bit of it. We shouldn't rush trying to watch it without enjoying it.

[@niapawina]

Yesssss

[@Draco-jk3rb]

what? theyre so predictable and basic emotionally

[@julessompayrac2317]

I'm a chef who recently lost his passion for it an this reignited my passion. Thank you.

[@giggoty4926]

nice

[@ihaveautism666]

Don’t do it

[@adriannathegreat9890]

it's so ridiculous for the public to be angry with the cook. It's a job!

[@Shensdojo7]

imagine using your time to go to a damn prison just to throw tomatoes at some dude's car.

[@anyoneanywhere8212]

@@Shensdojo7 imagine giving killers and RAPISTS paid taxpayer luxuries instead of pain

[@collectibletaco7797]

@@anyoneanywhere8212 Yeah but why throw tomatos at the cook? He is just doing his job

[@sir.niklas2090]

@@anyoneanywhere8212 Imagine giving inhumane treatment to a defenseless inmate whos spent time in a hell hole for 30 years.

[@blazezackaburg3539]

@@anyoneanywhere8212 well, they were dirty and all over the floor, and maybe the quality was simply too low!

[@az_exit1279]

The elegant meals that he prepared were simply to die for.

[@stregahex]

LOL. Love it.

[@DoDo-xv3xc]

😂You just did not-

[@marko.7961]

No please💀💀💀

[@myfairlahey5738]

well said

[@kubankhaos]

If this was real and this man made his own KZbin channel something called "Death row chef", He would never have to work another day in his life.

[@rune.theocracy]

OH MAN I forgot that reminds me of that KZbinr who was a former inmate for petty charges and is on KZbin telling and teaching us about how life was in prison, forgot his name. I'd bet a "Death row chef" and he would get along very well.

[@orland1995]

Envisioning this concept as a watchable Netflix series

[@michaelfranks2844]

@@rune.theocracy I know of a Larry Lawton or something like that.

[@drow7284]

@@rune.theocracy AfterPrisonShow?

[@quackss6384]

@@rune.theocracy Alexander something

[@sassyscribe8642]

I watched it again and realized another reason I like it is that the screenplay didn’t go the predictable route of the external tension of Roger almost missing or missing the audition because of being held up at the prison. How many times have we seen that that type of scenario? Instead, the tension was internal and all about figuring out his value and place in the world.

[@avedanoir6826]

No onions were cut on camera, but I’m still tearing up…

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you for enjoying the short!

[@DoubleAO]

@@SimmonsProductions21 This is a beautifully made short. Great job sir

[@drew6108]

@@SimmonsProductions21 one of the best short films I have watched, and I have seen countless

[@SimmonsProductions21]

@@drew6108 thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@tuberobotto]

Very impressive close up shots, taken at well thought of angles to project emotions 'sans paroles'. The gloom in the room where Roger gets complimented by Bianchi is genius! The grey lighting empathizes with that of a man due for execution and Roger's failed audition. One would think the story would end so nonchalantly and insignificantly, yet in the end there was the sudden outburst of gladness and triumph. Beautiful! It's a real 'feel good' film for everyone. And the cast all gave a high caliber acting which would make Hollywood jealous. I love it.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you so much! Our cinematographer, Dakota Diel, was an all star and helped shape the entire look of the film.

[@uslph.]

@@SimmonsProductions21 Felt like a cinema grade movie. 10/10

[@daftyduckie4207]

when he added more chocolate to the tiramisu after a second thought! beautiful - no, bellisimo!

[@SimmonsProductions21]

We added that character beat on set that day. Really glad we did, i feel like it really punctuates Rogers commitment to his craft even when totally dejected. Thanks for enjoying the film!

[@madhuryasen1974]

It doesn't matter what kind of crime in life you did... The notorious criminal in this scene became so good and friendly with the chef... it shows us that however bad a person maybe there will be some amount of goodness still left in him

[@commandericeman8588]

He wasn't so much "good" as he was "grateful." The prisoner understood his situation and that for his last meal, the chef could've easily not put forth any effort into it. The prisoner or inmate was still an unapologetic wise guy or made man; but he understood how rare it is to have passionate and talented "servants." Even as he sat there in his orange jumpsuit condemned to death he saw that chef as nothing more than "the help."

[@juniperabbott2614]

@@commandericeman8588 partially agree

[@-HowaHowa]

Unbelievable. The writing, directing and acting A++++++++ Great job and thank you for bringing this to us

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you so much!!

[@richardharrison859]

The cinematography was great too!

[@AGDinCA]

One of the best I've seen on this channel! He just wanted to be recognized by someone who understood the value of his work. The irony is that the TV star didn't even understand the value of his _own_ recipe, let alone the efforts of the protagonist.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words.

[@AGDinCA]

@@SimmonsProductions21 Well, I don't post comments of praise unless I mean it. It is just an excellent short film. I loved it from beginning to end. Looking forward to your next creation(s)!

[@lotussystem7586]

This was truly something beautiful. Better than most movies you see now and days

[@blakenorton1608]

now and days

[@MiticDane]

Now and days

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you so much!

[@DavidaVeddar]

It really was a beautifully filmed, perfectly paced movie that said more in the short amount of time than overlong mediocre movies. The acting was perfect. I totally agree

[@shlecko]

now and days

[@tishw4576]

It killed me when he put down the fork of beautiful lobster and didn't eat it. My chest ached.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Nothing worse than being on set and not being able to eat it 😫

[@RayMak]

I cried during the last conversation... Sir...

[@BTClips522]

Keep trying

[@hopper6094]

Hello again

[@davus2368]

ray mak?

[@recolty]

Dude you’re literally everywhere, just today I saw you at least ten times

[@iissss9847]

why 34 likes?

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

Cooking for those who appreciate your work is way better than cooking for those whose sole intention is to judge you and demean you.

[@Vegan_scorpioo]

If just one person is happy with your work that's for you❤️

[@SimmonsProductions21]

That was the core concept I wanted to tackle in the film. I truly believe that theme is universal.

[@Vegan_scorpioo]

@@SimmonsProductions21 oh really ? you are the director, well it's amazing i realy enjoy it, thank you for your work and precious concept 💎

[@sassyscribe8642]

Very impressive film with fantastic acting from the lead. Almost immediately, I cared about him and felt his struggle.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you! Nate Ward carries the whole film on his shoulders, and he knocked it out of the park.

[@sassyscribe8642]

@@SimmonsProductions21 Thank you so much for responding! Your direction played a huge part as well. Loved that the tomatoes at the end create a kind of sauce on his windshield but he’s too lost in his realization of the value of his work - learned from an appreciation of his tomato sauce - to notice. Definitely the sort of film where there are a lot subtle details to notice and appreciation.

[@claytonconley6696]

That was REALLY well-done from start to finish; acting, camera work, lighting, production values, EVERYTHING! I also really liked the message; money, power, fame, it all means absolutely nothing without appreciation for the effort of a job well-done. This film was a job VERY well-done, and I'll be sharing it with some of my students. Sincerely, thank you for your creation :-)

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@factbeaglesarebest]

Everything they make is near flawless like this.

[@Godisfirst21]

We all have a role in life. I loved this guys acting and really felt entertained. I didn't want it to be over.

[@mr.nobody9086]

Do we all really? I think most of us are just flesh waiting to decompose in earth.

[@Godisfirst21]

@@mr.nobody9086 My theory changes with my mood....every hour or so.

[@axel015cds]

This was awesome, the main actor did an amazing job

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you! Nate Ward is a superstar.

[@martinwyke]

Failed the audition because he didn't _look_ the part, not because his food was bad.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

Didn't look the part? How should he look?

[@dejojoo]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 Above average. Or at the very least not balding.

[@rme1383]

I didn't get it. explain pls

[@adamsultan4126]

Actors would understand

[@factbeaglesarebest]

It was a reality tv show. So no… that’s really not the point they were trying to convey. The reason he got denied is directly related to the central plot… He followed directions of Tv chef and got attacked for it. He followed directions of the inmate, and was praised for it… You missed the entire point. He’s dismissed by the tv idol chef he looks up to, but is immensely appreciated by the inmate sentenced to death…

[@jeremytravis360]

When people were people and we could engage with people and feel good. Nice film.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you!

[@daveweller9579]

Amazing story he made a meal that really counted and a tv show that didn't matter

[@captainamerica6525]

Every head chef i have ever known, save one, were so full of themselves they deserved a swift kick in the ass.

[@thomsonthomas4118]

I swear to God... Best Short Film I've Ever Watched! Shout out to the actors and production team!

[@A0A4ful]

Great flic, Austin! 11:45 Comfort food (PP & J) at the end of a day, that started badly, but ended well.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you very much Anil!

[@abstreebee]

I'm pretty sure the PB and J symbolizes him wanting to die. He talks about how he is sick of making pb and j's for deathrow inmates...im pretty sure the story ends with him commiting suicide...its unfortunate, but thats my take

[@calibratingspirit]

*he broke the pasta*

[@RayMak]

It is like playing happy music to people who are about to die.

[@peopleperson]

not you again

[@jacen8281]

You’re everywhere

[@fluffehpancakes1102]

This guy probably hired a few guys to comment for him, get popularity and subscribers, i'll tell ya what though, his videos are kinda good but this free advertisements is kinda scummy...

[@BTClips522]

Not the way to go ray

[@rebeccadixon4645]

THAT, was a FREAKIN' AWESOME STORY! GOOD writing, HEART, Delivery.....Yeah, this one is a keeper.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you Rebecca!

[@mchoffner8497]

My compliments to the Chef

[@Legohaiden]

Everything we do matters to someone somewhere. This is a great short showing you that you should take pride in your work, regardless of what it is, do it well, someone appreciates the effort, even if you dont see it first hand.

[@emiliebova]

The second short I have seen about death row last meals. What a subject. Dramatic and it must affect the chefs in a strange way.

[@mc-cockpot5791]

The cast for this short fil is longer than a movies🤣

[@Edescho]

Such a great commentary on so much of life. Beautiful.

[@kholoudfayssel92]

One of the most beautiful short movies i've ever seen.

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you Kholoud! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@robotomo4249]

I only just found this channel and I have to say, from the first short film I watched, I love it! Everything is perfect, from the writing to the filmography!

[@marih3286]

Never thought of the people who do this in real life before. Wow! Always a good day when I've learned something new. Much respect.

[@DavidaVeddar]

This was such a beautiful, surprisingly heartfelt gem. I adored it- absolutely wonderful!

[@phoebechung5860]

Amazing short film all around! My compliments to the chef ❤️❤️

[@Draeber]

Got a tear in the eye when the inmate said "my compliments to the chef".

[@mamarobyn]

This is the 2nd short movie I've seen based on a death row cook being a complete true crime nerd I love it.

[@Ratman258]

What an amazing short you got there ! Really good mix of emotions with a wholesome ending !

[@SpiritualBabe101]

Bless this man and thanks for the movie. I feel wholesome

[@carloselizondo7671]

The toughest most thankless job...THANK YOU.

[@icarus42046]

As a deaf chef, this one hit home for me. Excellent work.

[@qixsphere.1600]

If you don't mind me asking, how is life without any audio. Is it true that your other senses increase?

[@icarus42046]

@@qixsphere.1600 lost my left ear when I was 4 in 87. Lost my right slowly into my late 20s. Now that I'm almost 40 I don't notice anything extraordinary about my senses. It's not like I went deaf overnight. I think my brain just had time to adjust. I don't know though.

[@sensah100]

really good, brought memories from my previous chef career, teared up 10/10

[@Joviaa]

Very important message in this short. Thanks for this.

[@foreverfuturebound]

This channel has the best short films 🔥

[@factbeaglesarebest]

It is amazing how many great films this channel makes. Cinematography, writing, casting, just about everything is stunningly top tier!!!!! They just keep making them!!! Unknown cast, but they perform better than many a listers do.

[@razrdemonic]

omeleto doesn't do anything but put small films on the radar, they don't make them

[@NothingMaster]

Finally a decent short film. 👏🏻

[@Triillmiixx]

Wow. Here’s what I got out of this… someone can give u a recipe to success and still say your doing it all wrong but when u continue on with passion even after you think you’ve failed you will always be rewarded in the end.

[@user-pn9zf2lj4c]

10:07 hit me in the feels

[@zixianchen9901]

Same here - sincere interaction between two people regardless of background is always heartwarming in any circumstances imo

[@LisaNC832]

Beautiful message in this story. Well done 👍

[@aldenbynum742]

Jason Billings messed up by not getting Roger on the show. He was somewhat making a name for himself on TV already, when Carlos said, "You can't stay of TV'. Billings missed out on some great ratings, if he would have had Roger and his story. Now that would have been great Television.

[@SwordOfS]

This is quite a good one ! Worth watching.

[@monro2159]

Great story and a great piece of work. The direction and cinematography were on point and the shot choice, editing, and ambient lighting drew you into the narrative. An understated and truthful performance by the lead Nate Ward topped off an enjoyable and engaging watch.

[@diabolicaldebacle]

The actors in this short are better than some hollywood celebrities.

[@helenm2169]

i love these short films x

[@VarnasL]

Who on their right mind would have something against a last meal? Those chefs're heroes

[@ianpalacios6154]

What’s funny is the very first thing I noticed was he was following a cookbook instead of making his own dishes still a far better cook then I’d ever be.. but it’s crazy they paid enough attention to detail where it hurts him later

[@brandondimmitt5050]

The acting chops on the mob boss is *chefs kiss. I felt him

[@arifahx3790]

The beauty in this can't be put into words❤️💚🖤💛

[@daniellamcgee4251]

How about some other art form? Interpretive dance, perhaps?

[@joeyhernandez5078]

@@daniellamcgee4251 lol

[@daniellamcgee4251]

@@joeyhernandez5078 ;-)

[@docfmb1]

very well done, great actor. enjoyed it greatly, thanks

[@eddydelacruz2898]

This is a good one, it deserves a longer version.

[@vipset87]

this was really really good. powerful imo. he found hope in such a hopeless place

[@Rod_Johnson-Moroni-Saw-Me]

This actually made me cry. This was so full for such a short movie.

[@EggnogonthebogProductions]

Loved this short. 10/10

[@ak0097]

I love the ending where as something so simple as a pb and j with the crusts cut off can make you smile and probably make your day.

[@TheGrandmaster1]

There really are levels to this. And the acting on the films on this channel is always incredible, top level feature film acting. Any of the other short film sites, and you can tell the acting is just..."off." It's not.."right." It's like they are tring to emulate what they think people "should" be doing but they are trying so hard it comes across just wrong. This is all awesome acting and feels so natural.

[@lastmanstanding2622]

When you're good...never let anyone say you're not.

[@oussably4335]

im calling it, this channel would easily get 10 mil if it just posted more often.

[@haveablessedday9996]

This was good, and I'm assuming that that guy that was the show host who reviewed his food and turned it down was supposed to be like a Gordon Ramsay? But the quality of these videos are very good.

[@sweetp.e.a.8065]

Omg this has gotta be one of my favorites, I ♡'d it!

[@IronicKnight]

This was like chicken soup for my soul

[@stevethebeast150]

i want more of this i love this so much

[@adrienpolo2255]

This made me sad and hungry at the same time 😞 , great film great acting hell everything is great about it

[@saramatthews7159]

The chef is such a handsome and humble man.

[@Mango-vy9im]

You should make this one a series it was the best one i think so far.

[@cornydude8434]

best short films ever

[@robmarino314]

That was a great story, I'm glad that chef got the validation he needed from someone who truely appreciated his skill.

[@imastari2360]

Such a great movie!! You really just need one that person to appreciate your work so that you can kee going

[@valmid5069]

Fun Fact: *In his certain TV Show episodes, Gordon Ramsey have interviewed and cooked with English prison inmates who have amazing cooking skills*

[@KELLYKH]

wow what a film. Brought me to tears. Bravo

[@SimmonsProductions21]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words.

[@steadyfishing3613]

That was an awesome short film

[@SuperCHERISHED]

i loved seeing the beautiful fresh vegetables and fruit. The colors are breath taking. i always get very excited when I see food being prepared and cooked. i enjoyed seeing the kitchen and appliances. It is a honor to be able to prepare and cook the best food you can for anyone. You don't have to have lots of money to prepare with love and serve quality food!

[@rme1383]

the lamb dish was like gordon ramsay's and the dude behaved like him

[@keystoneguardian7543]

Loved this!!

[@thevideogamebanana]

Bro this is really good!

[@RobiJMusic]

lovely piece of work, everyone

[@DanDCool]

9:55 maybe after *30* years he changed :/

[@asidharta]

very warm and nice story ...

[@MarinoBaccarini]

Nate Ward is just great humanizing this "guy next door" dreams. 🙌