A gripping restaurant drama is currently available to view for free on one streaming platform. Boiling Point is a British drama film directed by Philip Barantini and written by Barantini and James Cummings, based on a 2019 short film of the same name. Released in 2021, it stars Stephen Graham, Vinette Robinson, Ray Panthaki, and Hannah Walters, and is a one-shot film set in a restaurant kitchen.

At the 75th British Academy Film Awards, the film received four nominations, including for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. A continuation TV series, with Graham, Robinson, Walters, Panthaki and several other supporting cast members reprising their roles, aired on BBC One in 2023.

The film’s synopsis reads: “On the busiest night of the year at one of the hottest restaurants in London, charismatic, commanding head chef Andy Jones (Graham) balances along a knife’s edge as multiple personal and professional crises threaten to destroy everything he’s worked for. A surprise visit from a health and safety inspector sets the staff on edge as the overbooked hotspot begins to fill with guests. Jones alternately berates and cajoles his diverse staff, trying his best to diffuse tensions between management and his crew, while catering to the ridiculous demands of customers.”

Boiling Point has amassed an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus stating: “Gripping from start to finish, Boiling Point uses its bold formal approach to support a thrilling tightrope of a tale.”

One viewer said: “It’s a masterpiece. It’s also an anxiety dream, ambling towards a nervous breakdown, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless.”

Another added: “Every role in this movie was well carved out and well portrayed. Many of us have had some type of work experience in a restaurant, and for me, this film was very realistic. In particular, there is a roller coaster of power dynamics involving every character, each in their own way.”

“This movie is so real and intense that I was exhausted, in a good way! After working in the restaurant business for many years in all positions, I could feel every scene. Highly recommend,” said a third.

Boiling Point is available to stream now on Channel 4.