While the single take execution on display here is certainly deserving of praise, I can't help but think of it as the cherry on top of an already great film. The writing and performances are brilliant. The efficiency of character development is absolutely masterful, as the film somehow manages to juggle a large ensemble cast in 90 minutes. Some of these characters don't get more than a few minutes of focus and a few lines of dialogue, but that's all this film needs to make them feel real. This is all anchored and elevated by the powerhouse central performance of Stephen Graham. I am so impressed with the writing and execution of this character. It would have been easy to turn him into a very non-sympathetic caricature of the angry chef, but that's not what we get here. Yes, we get some profanity laced outbursts, but we also get heartfelt apologies and acknowledgements of his own responsibility. This is a man whose life is spiraling out of control and he knows exactly who is to blame: himself. This makes his interactions with his staff all the more tragic. Every time they are caught in the fallout of his mistakes he hates himself all the more. It's an effective portrait of someone who is desperately trying to be a good person, but addiction and self-sabotage are making that an impossible task.


My only critiques would perhaps be that the ending felt a little rushed and that the Alastair Sky storyline didn't feel quite as natural as everything else.

There’s this conversation about how the food they serve in this restaurant is simple, unpretentious yet tasteful. This film has a similar punk ethos. It’s a very simple exploration of why working in the hospitality industry is a nightmare, a pressure cooker thriller in the same vein as a film like _Uncut Gems_ (or _The Bear_, who took this idea for their tv show). For a film that’s only 94 minutes we get a pretty detailed picture. Dumb customers, colleagues who get on each other’s nerves, unexpected guests & orders, flawed characters; it’s all in here and not always executed in the most expected way. With the note it decides to leave on I interpret the film as being a critique of how the industry currently operates, which the rest of the film builds a solid argument for. The third act in particular is some of the finest drama I’ve seen in a while (great acting from everyone involved). Sometimes, however, the portrayal of characters (e.g. the influencers) or dramatic escalation leading up to that point can feel a little forced or inauthentic. There’s obviously meant to be a history between these characters we never got to see, so I can look past some of it. Stylistically, I think it pulls off the illusion of using a single take perfectly. I also liked the subtle use of Dutch angles and shaky cam as things got more stressful. Maybe they could’ve also played around more with making the lighting harsher as the film went along, though that might be impossible given how much the camera moves around. Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’d recommend it to fans of the aforementioned film and tv show.

7.5/10

Probably one of the best films I've ever seen. What a unique cinematographic approach -- by physically bringing you closer to the characters, you become part of the restaurant in a visceral way. Getting stressed alongside the actors really reminded me of *Grapes of Wrath*. Highly recommended.

'Boiling Point' is fab. Stephen Graham is excellent throughout, he has shown his quality as an actor to me many times down the years in different productions and this is no different - great actor. Cool to see him reunite with Alice Feetham onscreen, those two are good in TV's 'Save Me'. The rest of the cast are strong, including Vinette Robinson and Jason Flemyng.

You can tell the dialogue is largely improvised, it feels a little unnatural in one or two moments but for the vast majority it comes across as real. The fact it was shot in one take also makes it all the more riveting. The film does a very fine job at showing the heat of the kitchen, literally. There are a few predictable bits (tables 7, 13), but also some scenes (Jamie) that are the opposite.

All in all, it's very well made and highly watchable. I'd recommend it, for sure.