The Chef

There isn't a single scene that wasn't captivating.

You really feel like you're watching live footage of a high end restaurant trying to keep everything together on a hectic night.

Vinette Robinson deserves an oscar for her performance. Just outstanding.

Absolute hidden gem that I will absolutely be recommending to others.

'Boiling Point', the second film by English director Philip Barantini will be, I think, one of the sensations of the cinematographic year 2021. It has been presented so far in only a few festivals and will meet with the broader public in cinema halls starting in October. There are in this film, bold in form and sensitive in content, the premises of a love story with the audiences.

'Boiling Point' is filmed in one shot take, i.e in a single long frame. This is not the first film to use this technique that requires intense training and formidable logistics. My experiences with movies like this are mixed. The film considered by many to be a masterpiece of the genre, Aleksandr Sokurov's 'Russian Ark' tired and annoyed me (I apologize to the fans of the director or the film for my blunt opinion). Even '1917' (which cheated a little with the technical process) did not excite me, I did not find the connection between story and technique except at the level of gimmick. On the other side, I was enthusiastic about 'Victoria' by the German director Sebastian Schipper, the description of a tumultuous Berlin night lived by a young Spanish immigrant. I gave it a rare 10/10 rating on IMDB. To a large extent, 'Boiling Point' comes close to this level, and it has helped me understand when one shot take filming works well for me. Life itself, as we live it, is a single take film or, if you will, a series with single-take episodes and sleep breaks. Realistic dramas that happen in real time and in one place or in places connected by the movements of the characters fit the formula perfectly. This is exactly the case with 'Boling Point', which takes place in the kitchen and dining room of a high-end restaurant. After watching for a few minutes the movements of the camera (handled by Matthew Lewis) the story and the characters absorbed me and I forgot (for a while at least) the technical aspects. This is the best sign of success.

Before becoming a director, Philip Barantini was an actor and ... a chef. His previous two professions helped him considerably and contributed to the quality of the film. The director knows perfectly the secrets of cuisine, the organisation of the kitchen and of the services in a good restaurant, and especially the people who work in these institutions at the top of the culinary industry and art. Understanding the environment and knowing the actors helped him select an excellent team, made up of mostly experienced actors, many with dozens of movies in their filmographies, who did not refuse to play supporting roles, some with short screen time, but all significant. Of course, Stephen Graham stands out in the role of Andy, the talented chef who faces during the 90 minutes of the film and of the events on the screen the tough problems in the restaurant and in his personal life. I have been following the evolution of Stephen Graham for some time and in my opinion he has now become one of the best actors in British cinema.

I hope that 'Boiling Point' will enjoy a good promotion. I believe that those who see it will enjoy an original cinematic work, which adds a new dimension to the restaurants and chefs films genre. It may also be that the customer experience and appreciation of the staff when they dine next time at such a top restaurant will be different as well.

Why is the world not talking more about this? What a fantastic film. Sometimes reminded me of Mass (raw acting as credible as if we were seeing real people). Sometimes reminded me of Uncut Gems and Shiva Baby (anxiety inducing, small spaces, chaos, dealing with stupid people, screaming inside).

I'm a fan of how Philip Barantini directed this, this single-shot approach is perfect for this kind of fast paced happening in real time films and it helps to create the anxiety it wants to create. You are there. You are part of the team. In terms of acting, all are on a great level, but let me take a moment for Stephen Graham and Vinette Robinson: both absolutely perfect, flawless! There are great scenes that will stay with me - some not including neither of these two characters - and I'm really curious to see what this director can bring us next.

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.

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.