There are a lot of different kinds of love stories. One of the most under-rated is stories of friendship that can change our lives. The new Prime Video film, Sitting in Bars with Cake, is just such a story. It’s powerful, beautiful and emotionally engaging.

The film—written by Audrey Shulman and based on her story—follows friends Jane (Yara Shahidi) and Corinne (Odessa A’zion), who live in Los Angeles. Both of them work at the same company, where Corinne is the assistant to the big boss (Bette Middler) and Jane works in the mail room. She’s studying for law school and developing her passion for baking cakes.

After a fun night out for Corinne’s birthday, an idea is born. Corinne seeks to break Jane out of her shell by suggesting she bake a cake every week and bring it to a different bar as a means of meeting people. A year-long effort is born, and soon they’re trying recipes and meeting new people.

But when a challenge arises for Corinne, it changes the direction of both their lives and puts the cake mission into perspective.

This film, based on a true story, is an engaging drama. It’s built around the relationship between Jane and Corinne, which becomes the bedrock of the story. It’s buoyed by strong performances from Shahidi and A’zion, who seemingly effortlessly bring the relationship to life. Their friendship and care for one another is the heart of the film and sucks you into this story.

Director Trish Sie does a nice job with pacing and bringing out the emotions. The supporting performances, especially from Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly are also strong. This was a film that seemed to be tracking in one direction that twists. Your investment in the central characters and the central relationship is what keeps you invested in the story.

This was a delightful surprise for me. I was drawn to the story and the performances, and I found it to be a richly rewarding emotional journey.

Sitting in Bars with Cake streams Friday on Prime Video.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.