The Chef

Twenty minutes of continuous drama showcasing the horror of working for a vodka-imbued perfectionist chef (Stephen Graham) who has to run an hectic kitchen of professionals (and lazy gits) whilst trying to keep his increasingly irritated front of house manager placated as she relays complaints from the hungry that it's all just taking too long to get their mallard from saucepan to sauce. It's nearly Christmas but any spirit of peace and goodwill has long been abandoned as the freneticism reaches it's not entirely unsurprising denouement. I thought the dialogue a little unnecessarily angry and confrontational at times, but director Philip Barantini let's Graham flow freely with this natural and quite unsettling look at what goes on behind the doors. Perhaps worth considering when we think to complain in a restaurant, next time?

The boiling point of working in a busy restaurant at Christmas is perfectly captured in this short drama. If ever you've worked in hospitality at The Festive season, you'll be able to recognise and feel the pressure, it's incredibly demanding.

I had absolutely no idea that this was made prior to the wonderful film. Of course it's similar to the film in terms of story, frustration and frayed tempers, but as you'd expect, it feels a little raw in comparison, it's possibly a little punchier, but due to the running time, it perhaps lacks a little bit of the character development.

This is the reason why I'd argue Stephen Graham is one of the best, his performance here is outstanding, he's a tremendous actor, so talented.

I need to revisit the film ahead of the new series, I am so excited about it.

8/10.

Fascinating to see what came before the feature-length film. 2019 short 'Boiling Point' is honestly as entertaining as the 2021 flick (named the same as this), it even feels like a prequel/sequel at times. They most definitely elevated it to make it bigger and better but the same sorta chaotic charm is present in this too. Neat to see some of the cast members made the move over into the full one, including the terrific Stephen Graham of course and also Alice Feetham, Hannah Walters and Lauryn Ajufo.

I read that they are doing a sequel television series for the 'main' production. Ought to be good!