Most one-shot movies, with the exception of the odd exception, tend to end up feeling either gimmicky or the actors are clearly overly-enrapt in the camera’s presence. But, a masterclass in how to use it (& execute it) perfectly is one of the best films of the year: Actor-turned-writer/director Philip Barantini‘s Boiling Point.
What makes this filmmaker’s second offering so delectable is the fact that the aforementioned one-shot technique is juxtaposed perfectly with brilliantly spontaneous dialogue and performances. As a result, the audience gets completely caught up in the kitchen chaos, leaving you feeling just as spent as the film’s characters by the end.
Starring an ensemble cast including Stephen Graham, Vinette Robinson, Jason Flemyng, and Ray Panthaki, Boiling Point finds an emotionally scarred head chef, Andy (Graham) just starting his evening shift at his restaurant and he’s already behind with everything. It’s the last Friday before Christmas and everyone wants to treat themselves to great food. The hostess has overbooked, a disgruntled inspector is combing the kitchen and, if that weren’t enough, Andy’s mentor, a culinary icon, turns up out of the blue with his partner, a respected food critic. Things just couldn’t get any worse.
Ahead of Boiling Point releasing in cinemas and On Digital this coming 7th January 2022, Cinema Chords sat down with Barantini to find out how his own first-hand experience of the pace of life in the gastro business served as the genesis for the film and the reasons behind setting down such a huge gauntlet for just his second time behind the camera.
