Somm (2013) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Four candidates pursue the demanding Master Sommelier diploma through months of preparation, an intense examination, and unequal outcomes.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

The Candidates and Their Stakes

The documentary introduces the Master Sommelier exam and its four candidates. Their families and personal motives establish how much the diploma means to them, while winemakers abroad demonstrate the breadth of wine knowledge they face.

Key Events

• Wine History and the Exam — The film introduces wine history and the prestigious Master Sommelier examination. Location: San Francisco Bay Area
• Four Candidates Introduced — The documentary introduces four candidates preparing for the Master Sommelier diploma. Location: San Francisco Bay Area
• Personal Reasons for Passing — Candidates and their family members describe the personal stakes behind the exam preparation. Location: San Francisco Bay Area
• The Scale of Wine Knowledge — Winemakers in several countries illustrate how difficult it is to know everything about wine. Location: United States, Italy, France, and Germany

The Relentless Study Countdown

With three weeks left, the candidates use maps, flashcards, late-night quizzes, and practice tastings. As the deadline nears, their workload and anxiety increase.

Key Events

• Three-Week Countdown — With three weeks remaining, the film begins counting down to the three-part examination. Location: Various study locations
• Mapping Wine Regions — Candidates trace and color-code wine regions as part of their intensive study. Location: Study locations
• Flashcard Marathon — The candidates prepare a large volume of flashcards to memorize wine knowledge. Location: Study locations
• Late-Night Mock Quizzes — Candidates quiz one another over Skype in the early hours of the morning. Location: Online study sessions
• Practice Tastings — The candidates take practice tasting examinations with current Master Sommeliers. Location: Practice tasting sessions

Pressure Before Dallas

Ten days remain, and candidates face intense preparation in theory, service, and tasting. A suspicious practice tasting and fears about being left behind add strain before the exam journey.

Key Events

• Ten Days Remain — As the exam approaches, tension rises while candidates cram wine history, geography, and culture. Location: Various study locations
• Final Service and Tasting Drill — Mentors give the candidates a demanding final round of service and tasting exercises. Location: Practice examination setting
• Rapid Wine Chilling Exercise — The candidates face a practical exercise testing how quickly they can chill a bottle of wine. Location: Practice examination setting
• Suspicion During Tasting — During a practice tasting, one candidate becomes convinced that the wines have been switched. Location: Practice tasting session
• Fear of Being Left Behind — A candidate considers the possibility that two close friends will pass while one remains behind. Location: Study setting

The Examination and Its Outcome

In Dallas, the candidates continue long study and tasting sessions, including an all-night review. The exam results divide the group: two pass, while two do not.

Key Events

• Arrival in Dallas — The candidates arrive in Dallas for the examination and make their lodging arrangements. Location: Dallas, Texas
• Sixteen Pounds of Wine — One candidate arrives with a suitcase containing sixteen pounds of wine for review. Location: Dallas, Texas
• Dallas Study Sessions — The candidates spend long days tasting wine, studying flashcards, and speculating about their mental state. Location: Dallas, Texas
• An All-Night Study — One candidate stays awake all night studying as his stress continues to build. Location: Dallas, Texas
• Exam Results — Two candidates pass and join the organization, while the other two do not pass. Location: Dallas, Texas

A Later Attempt

The coda moves one year forward. One candidate reattempts the exam and earns the diploma, while another is still studying.

Key Events

• A Return One Year Later — One year later, the candidate who failed reattempts and passes; another remains studying. Location: Master Sommelier examination

Story Breakdown

• Exam and Wine World — The documentary introduces the examination and the vast subject candidates must master.
  • Wine History — The opening touches on wine history and the prestigious diploma examination.
  • Global Wine Knowledge — Winemakers in the United States, Italy, France, and Germany illustrate the breadth of the field.
• Candidates and Motives — Four candidates and the personal reasons behind their commitment are introduced.
  • Personal Stakes — Family members and partners vouch for the candidates' investment in preparation.
  • Different Ambitions — The candidates' motives include personal commitments, fixation on passing, and professional image.
• Study Countdown — As the examination approaches, the candidates use demanding and varied study methods.
  • Region Mapping — Candidates trace and color-code wine regions using online maps.
  • Flashcard Preparation — They produce large quantities of flashcards to memorize material.
• Practice and Pressure — Mock quizzes and practice examinations expose the candidates to the demands of the test.
  • Late-Night Quizzing — Candidates quiz one another over Skype in the early morning hours.
  • Tasting Rehearsals — Current Master Sommeliers supervise practice tasting examinations.
• Final Preparation — The last days bring harder drills, rising stress, and anxiety about the outcome.
  • Service and Tasting — Mentors give a demanding final round of situational exercises.
  • Fear of Separation — A candidate imagines two close friends passing while one must continue alone.
• Dallas Examination — The candidates arrive in Dallas and sustain intense study before the exam.
  • Last-Minute Review — They spend long days tasting wine, reviewing flashcards, and speculating about their condition.
  • All-Night Study — One candidate stays awake through the night studying flashcards.
• Results and Aftermath — The exam produces contrasting outcomes, followed by a one-year-later update.
  • Two Candidates Pass — Two candidates pass and are welcomed into the organization.
  • Later Reattempt — One candidate passes on a later attempt, while another remains in preparation.

Directed by

Jason Wise

Key Cast

• Bo Barrett — Self
• Shayn Bjornholm — Self
• Dave Cauble — Self
• Ian Cauble — Self
• Andrea Cecci — Self