Boiling Point Film Review

Released on the 7^th of January 2022 and available to watch on Netflix where it is placed at number one in the UK, ‘Boiling Point’ is a one take film directed by Philip Barantini starring Stephen Graham. This British drama and thriller film is an hour and 32 minutes long that was filmed in one go about the busiest night of the year in a famous restaurant with Andy Jones as head chef; it has received 98% by Rotten Tomatoes and is considered a great representation of hospitality by many reviewers, including critics.

The plot is as follows:

“On the busiest night of the year at one of the hottest restaurants in London, charismatic and commanding head chef Andy Jones balances along a knife’s edge as multiple personal and professional crises threaten to destroy everything he’s worked for. A surprise visit from a health and safety inspector sets the staff on edge as the overbooked hot spot fills with guests. Jones tries his best to diffuse tensions between management and crew while catering to the ridiculous demands of customers.”

Watch the trailer below:

The cast includes:

• Stephen Graham as Andy Jones
• Vinette Robinson as Carly
• Alice Feetham as Beth
• Hannah Walters as Emily
• Malachi Kirby as Tony
• Izuka Hoyle as Camille
• Taz Skylar as Billy
• Lauryn Ajufo as Andrea
• Jason Flemyng as Alastair Skye
• Ray Panthaki as Freeman
• Lourdes Faberes as Sara Southworth
• Áine Rose Daly as Robyn

Set in a restaurant kitchen, this is an expansion of the 2019 short film of the same name, also directed by Philip Barantini and starring Stephen Graham. The film premiered at the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on the 23^rd of August 2021 and was released in the UK on the 7^th of January 2022. ‘Boiling Point’ became available to watch on Netflix on the 25^th of March 2022.

Since its release, this film has met a lot of critical acclaim, receiving four nominations at the 75^th British Academy Film Awards. As of the 20^th of March 2022, the film “grossed $705,045 worldwide”. Many reviewers have spoken of its excellent portrayal of staff workers in a restaurant, such as Glenn Kenny from The New York Time, who said, “when [the camera] trails a restaurant worker taking out the trash, the viewer knows they’re not being removed from the central action just to observe labor — there’s a plot point to be ticked”.

Here are some reactions on social media: