Boiling Point (2021)

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.