- Date of Release: 3 October 2023
- Genre: Drama
- Language: English
- Watch On: BBC One
Boiling Point(Season 1)
Introduction
Onto the next release of the weekend but technically this isn’t a weekend release. Instead it is a show that I was watching in parallel to the other content which I had reviewed previously. With that, I finished watching the new English series Boiling Point which was in continuation to the 2021 film by the same name. Now I had watched Boiling Point the film a year and a half back, and it did give me a glimpse into the hostile working conditions of the Kitchen in a fine-dine restaurant. Whenever we visit a fine-dine, it is usually to have a good time or even a quiet meal while we are completely oblivious to the chaos that transpires in order to serve you food. Hotel Management is one of the most demanding lines, perhaps the toughest jobs that do test your physical and mental strength, day in and day out. In fact, the restaurants would be the only place to have to contrasting sentiments within its premises – one of fun and frolic in the dining area, and the other, total chaos at the back-end. I don’t usually invest my time in English series given my limited bandwidth, but I had enjoyed Boiling Point a lot, even from a technical stand point that prompted me to take up the series by the same name as well for a review. So then does the show Boiling Point manage to impress, let’s find out.
Story & Screenplay
Boiling Point the show, kicks off from the events at the end of Boiling Point the film, wherein one of the protagonists Carly is shown to have opened her own restaurant. The challenges that she faces along with her team forms the rest of the story. The story here is engaging while keeping the tone of the drama similar on the lines of the film. The different pressures of working in a kitchen of a restaurant, does form the core of the drama which is indulgent and insightful while showcasing dollops of empathy to the characters. The screenplay standing at 4 episodes of nearly an hour does make for a compelling viewing which is immersive while almost allowing you to be a by-stander to the chaos which is transpiring in the kitchen.
While paying a sort of a homage to the film, the drama here opens with a 10 minute one-take sequence that instantly sucks you into the proceedings. The stressful and hostile environment of a kitchen is beautifully represented in that phenomenal opening act. The tension levels are mid to begin with, but they slowly begin to escalate on a busy night that eventually turn frantic. Despite the precision with which the characters roll out dishes, the pressure of a situation definitely gets to each one of them. The opening sequence sets the ball rolling for the rest of the drama to follow while also sowing seeds for a couple of the subplots. As you would know, the restaurant business is perhaps the most difficult to crack, simply because of the overheads that you may have to deal with. And hence, very few of the newer restaurants thrive, something which does become a subplot, unfolding as an undercurrent throughout.
The proceedings are engaging and engrossing particularly with respect to the human angle of the tale. The aspects of mental health, poverty, an ‘unknown’ health issue along with the daily worrying factors related to the family and the work place and wonderfully highlighted through the course of the show. What that does is that it gives you a perspective of the things that are lesser discussed about, even as we continue to crib about the meals which are served to us in the restaurant. The external factors of the meals being served late or even noisy customers is tactfully integrated in this drama which always has a slender thread to connect the events of the film with respect to a character.
There is a slight dip in the intensity of the drama in the last 2 episodes but it doesn’t impact the viewing at all. In fact, it highlights a couple of other challenges with respect to a hostile work environment that includes doubling up for duties in case of any absentees while also highlighting casual sexism and subtle portions of POSH in the work place. Yet, the angle of poverty and the need to earn more money is nicely highlighted as well in this drama that serves as an eye opener in many ways. Even from a customer stand point, a streak of empathy and patience with a little encouragement can go a long way for people working relentlessly in the kitchen, something that the drama briefly touches upon. The events leading up to the final act might be slightly underwhelming but it was more to setup things for the next season, which is why I shall let that pass. But overall, the screenplay is excellent and the medium of a webshow did allow the writers to explore the character traits of different individuals while painting a haunting picture of the chaos transpiring in the kitchen.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational but they are filled with intensity and anxiety that makes for a solid impact. The BGM mostly relies on the natural sounds of a kitchen and that adds a layer of authenticity to the drama while heightening the tension. The cinematography is excellent, something that truly accentuates the tension in the drama with some stunning frames. The editing is crisp and sharp that never really lets go of the tension that is riled up. Directors Philip Barantini and Mounia Akl do a stunning job here, particularly the former who has previously directed the film by the same name. The intensity levels are at an absolute high in the first two episodes, while slightly dipping in the next two, wherein the latter chooses to focus on the human angle of the drama while using the chaos in the kitchen as an undercurrent. There are two different styles of direction here, and both are supremely impressive!
Performances
The performances are absolutely brilliant here. Stephen Graham as Andy and Ray Panthaki as Freeman shine despite a limited screen time as do Ahmed Malek as Musa and Joel MacCormack as Liam. Shaun Fagan as Bolton has an interesting and contrasting character trait that he pulls off expertly so. Stephen Odubola as Johnny and Hannah Traylen as Holly are first rate, particularly the former that showcases his vulnerability with respect to poverty wonderfully well. Stephen Mcmillan as Jamie is wonderful to watch so much so that you care for his character after an event involving him. Aine Rose Daly as Robyn is another layered character wherein she has to showcase an illness of hers. And she is a treat to watch. Gary Lamont as Dean is such a warm character who is always smiling despite the atrocities around him. Hannah Walters as Emily is endearing and sincere.
Steven Ogg as Nick is a character which isn’t very likable although he isn’t completely vilified either. He delivers a balanced performance which makes for a spectacular watch. Izuka Hoyle as Camille is subtly nuanced and does a fine job. Daniel Larkari as Jake has a stellar presence on screen in a stupendous job done as the intern. Vinette Robinson as Carly delivers a layered performance in a character that has so much on her plate while she tries to put things in order. She is assertive and quite brilliant in her act that makes you empathize with her.
Conclusion
The first season of Boiling Point is a haunting portrayal of the atrocities and chaos of a Fine-Dine kitchen that makes for a brilliantly poignant watch, in a drama that comes with my highest recommendation.
