If, like us, you binged the brilliant Adolescence on Netflix over the weekend, we've got just the movie for you to watch tonight. Back in 2021, Stephen Graham made us all feel hungry and very stressed with the excellent one-take British drama Boiling Point, which was directed by Philip Barantini, who directed all four episodes of Adolescence. Filmed in one continuous take and expanded from the short of the same name, the movie sees Graham play head chef Andy Jones, who endures the shift from hell at his upmarket restaurant, Jones & Sons.
If you haven't seen the movie yet or fancied a rewatch, Boiling Point is available to watch for free on Channel 4's streaming service. You can also rent or buy Boiling Point from Prime Video, iTunes, and other digital retailers if you don't want to watch with adverts. The movie still holds a near-perfect 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking the highest-rated movie of Stephen Graham's career to date. (2021's Help, featuring Jodie Comer, holds the title of 100% rating, but that's categorized as a feature-length TV drama.)
Boiling Point concluded with the fate of Graham's character left up in the air, but this was later resolved in last year's four-part TV show sequel, also called Boiling Point. The show repurposed the audience's beloved character, Andy Jones, and shifted the narrative focus to his sous-chef, Carla (played by Vinette Robinson), as she attempts to run her new restaurant, encountering just as much stress as Andy did during his shift.
The sequel show saw the return of various cast members, including Ray Panthaki, Izuka Hoyle, and Hannah Traylen, who reprised their roles, enriching the storytelling and examining the challenges within the culinary world. Viewers can stream all four episodes of Boiling Point, alongside the short film which initially inspired the movie, on BBC iPlayer right now.
The film's acclaim does not stop with its ratings; it exemplifies the high stakes present within restaurant environments. Viewers witness the raw nerves and pressures on chefs as they navigate the intense kitchen atmosphere, exploring themes of resilience and leadership amid chaos.
While Boiling Point certainly left its mark as a critically acclaimed film, it also stirs conversation about the cultural narratives surrounding chefs and restaurant life. It's interesting to note, some critics argue, "Boiling Point shouldn't be compared to The Bear,” emphasizing its unique storytelling and artistic portrayal of restaurant dynamics.
So whether you're tuning back in or experiencing it for the first time, Boiling Point make sure to grab your snacks, settle down, and immerse yourself once again within the flavor-packed narratives and emotional upheaval of this cinematic masterpiece. Make it easy on yourself—head over to Channel 4's streaming service for your free viewing tonight. If you plan to watch with guests, be prepared to indulge them with what might be the finest drama about chefs you have ever seen.
