Griffith is a 64-year-old former Michelin-starred chef who lives in a neglectful nursing home. He actively fakes early-onset Alzheimer's disease as part of a desperate measure to remain with his husband, Beau, who recently passed away in the same room. Trapped by his deception and mourning his profound loss, Griffith plans to end his own life. His trajectory changes when he secretly breaks into the facility's kitchen, using his culinary expertise to prepare nourishing meals and rediscover a sense of purpose.

Lisa is Griffith's 51-year-old estranged half-sister who works as a dog groomer. She struggles with chronic disorganization, which she attributes to her recently diagnosed ADHD. She visits Griffith regularly, fully believing his dementia diagnosis is real. She carries deep insecurities about her chaotic life and fears inheriting the severe kidney disease that killed her mother.

Beau is Griffith's late husband and an accomplished viola player. He experienced early-onset Alzheimer's disease, prompting Griffith to take drastic measures to secure a shared room at Sunny Glen. Beau serves as the emotional center of Griffith's life. Memories of his unwavering kindness heavily influence Griffith's present actions.

Allison manages the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility with a strict focus on profit rather than resident welfare. She enforces the facility's subpar conditions, providing low-budget meals and maintaining a callous attitude toward the elderly. She acts as a constant institutional obstacle to Griffith's efforts to improve the residents' lives.

Frank is a remarkably tall, gentle music therapist who plays guitar for the elderly residents. He lives in a caravan and carries his own insecurities about being a loner. He offers Lisa a nonjudgmental presence, modeling a healthy and supportive dynamic as they begin dating.

Scotty is an eager, young kitchenhand at the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility. He inadvertently discovers Griffith in the kitchen and mistakes him for the newly hired weekend chef. Wishing to learn professional cooking techniques, Scotty becomes Griffith's secret apprentice and loyal confidant.

Lorraine is Griffith and Lisa's late mother. She suffered from a severe genetic kidney disease that ultimately took her life. Her decisions regarding her children shape the lingering emotional distance between them long after her death.

Brent is Griffith's former stepfather and Lisa's biological father. His aggressive behavior created an unstable environment during the siblings' formative years, heavily influencing Griffith's guarded personality and protective instincts.

Rob is a resident at Sunny Glen who experiences significant dementia. He connects deeply with Griffith over a shared slice of lemon tart, an interaction that reminds Griffith of the profound emotional impact of good food.

Mabel is Rob's dedicated sister. She visits him frequently at Sunny Glen and expresses deep gratitude to anyone who shows him kindness or helps manage his agitation.

Gladys is a blind resident at Sunny Glen who previously loved to bake. She seeks out the facility's "new chef" to help her make a traditional Serbian apple cake for her husband's birthday, reigniting her own sense of purpose.

Herb is Gladys's husband. He is moved to tears when presented with the traditional lenja pita cake that his wife secretly prepared for him.

Nishan is a weekend cook at the nursing home. Initially resistant to changing the menu, he is quickly won over by Griffith's impassioned arguments regarding food quality and resident dignity.

Sylvia is a despondent Italian resident at Sunny Glen who frequently refuses to eat the bland institutional food. A taste of authentic carbonara brings her a profound moment of lucidity and comfort.