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@dannybsbrokenreviews
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Was meant to see this in cinema back in January but pulled a Dan and overslept, missing the screening and never getting round to seeing it in the week it was showing. Part of me deeply regrets not being able to see this in cinema, but then the other part of me was glad as it may have given me a heart attack. This is absolutely top-notch filmmaking.
This is an expansion of a 2019 short film of the same name, also directed by Barantini and starring Graham. On the busiest night of the year at one of the hottest restaurants in London, charismatic and commanding head chef Andy Jones (Stephen Graham) 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.
I was initially wary of this due to the "One take" gimmick that has a hit and miss success rate or is cheated with seamless editing to hide the cuts. Here, however only adds to the experience. Making for a relentless and exhausting watch that feels like an endless anxiety attack of filmmaking. The comparisons to Uncut Gems has been made frequently, although I don't think that's fair, as Boiling Point doesn't feel like it's riffing off the Safdie's at all.
The thought of working in a restaurant is my idea of hell (I tried it for a week. Didn't go well) and Boiling Point manages to give the authentic feeling of being thrown into this chaotically busy night. From staff arguments, Instagram influencers (*Vomit*), racist customers and younger staff slacking off and taking the piss, director Philip Barantini really does capture the uncomfortable atmosphere of all this happening at once.
Every part of the atmosphere feels electric, as while the focus is usually on one character at a time, with stunning tracking shots following them through the building, there is an amazing detail to the background. It always felt as if something was happening, whether it was patrons stopping their conversation to look where the shouting was coming from, impatient people waiting for their food or someone trying to get seen, it all feels very real and lived in.
I don't think this would have worked half as well without the utterly magnetic performance from Stephen Graham at the centre of things however. The head chef on the verge of a financial and personal collapse trying to hold it together while the walls are closing in around him. He carries himself with calm composure, while also snapping and apologizing, but also holding himself back from a complete mental breakdown. It's incredible work and possibly the best I've ever seen him.
Boiling Point is incredible filmmaking, 90 minutes of relentless, chaotic and anxiety inducing drama that feels authentic while making use of the well handled single take gimmick. Beautifully capturing the madness of a busy restaurant and shoving a never better Stephen Graham who deserves far more recognition for this role thank he's been receiving. It's a true achievement all round. Seek this out immediately.
9/10 Dans
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