The Chef

Breathtakingly shot in a single take and set entirely within a restaurant, Boiling Point captures the stresses and strains of working in this environment. Stephen Graham leads a brilliant ensemble cast all improvising a skeleton script. Who would have thought a seemingly normal night in a restaurant could provide such drama and tension. A must see 8.5 out of ten. A Q&A with some of the cast, the director and the brilliant director of photography was a nice bonus. They were meant to shoot it 8 times and choose the best of the 8. However, they were filming in March 2020 and they were shut down after the four takes for obvious reasons. A brilliant achievement.

Firstly, Stephen Graham is one of the most underrated actors from all time. He is always brilliant, credible, raw, and intense on his job. Here too. He does again an acting masterclass.

Secondly, Boiling point is a little masterpiece filmed in one shot, including an interesting view, great coordination from all the cast and incredible realism to one of a hell night in a famous restaurant.

Last, if you're looking for a little different Stephen Graham's jewel this one is for you. Enjoy.

On a stylish level, this is an absolute stunning experience. To be presented in tracking shot (unbroken and without tricks) sends adrenaline rushes to the brain and it helps to get the right, nerve-wracking tone with the performances.

About the storyline, it has little cracks and not everything is perfect. But the pacing and the energy makes up for all the possibles shortcomings.

All in, a thrilling and compelling experience that demands to be watched even if it is not for everyone.

You wouldn't think a film set in a kitchen over one fateful night would be the stuff of white knuckle tension but in adapting their short film of the same name for a feature length affair, director Philip Barantini and his star Stephen Graham have crafted one of 2021's most sweat inducing rides that is a technical accomplishment as well as a storytelling one, that is sure to make you reevaluate the life of busy kitchen/restaurant.

Filmed in one long continuous take that only ratchets up the uneasy vibes and hectic nature of chef Andy Jones and his restaurants staff workload, Boiling Point never lets up from the moment we and Andy first walk through the door of his establishment and confront a health inspector that sets up a busy night in the worst way possible that will bring everything to a head in a life changing way as the night goes on.

On a hot streak at the moment with 2021 giving him some of his most notable roles yet in the likes of underrated TV shows The North Water and Time and memorable Covid-19 themed TV movie Help, Stephen Graham is a revelation here as Andy with the well liked performer bringing his famed intensity and vulnerability to the flawed chef who is clearly not in a good state personally or professionally as he tries to keep his head above water with mounting problems weighing him down every chance they get.

A clear standout in the acting stakes, everyone involved in Boiling Point gives it a good go even if because of the nature of these one take films you do sometimes feel like reactions or moments are slightly off with the ensemble unable to request a simple retake on their scenes but as a whole, Barantini and his cast and crew have crafted a far above average TV film that pushes itself to achieve something great rather than take the easy options it could've easily taken.

Sticking to its guns and offering an unflattering yet no doubt honest depiction of modern day chef work, restaurant management and the pressures of work life many face on a day to day basis, Boiling Point might not exactly be feel good material but it's a thrilling exercise nonetheless.

Final Say -

Offering an unrelenting viewing experience that's anchored by the always great Stephen Graham, Boiling Point is a sizzling dramatic thriller that offers a fascinating insight to the restaurant sub-culture.

4 water bottles out of 5

I remain amazed to the fact that all these actors could remain in character for the whole runtime of the film and still make me feel as if these people truly work in that environment. It keeps you engaged and in tension while the camera seamlessly moves across the whole restaurant without taking you out of the story for one second.