Featuring a renowned British actor, this gripping film is set to keep viewers glued to their screens when it airs on Film 4 tonight.

Stephen Graham takes the lead in Boiling Point, portraying a beleaguered chef juggling a myriad of challenges. Amidst dealing with a restaurant teeming with difficult customers and staff grappling with his faltering leadership, the protagonist’s personal life is also unravelling.

The film, which was shot in a single take, co-stars Vinette Robinson, Ray Panthaki, and Graham’s spouse Hannah Walters. Upon its release, it garnered numerous nominations and captivated audiences with its intense drama.

Andy Jones (Graham) is at the helm of an upscale London eatery that has recently suffered the humiliation of a downgraded Food Hygiene Rating due to a series of negligent mistakes, including one of his own. As if the evening couldn’t get any worse, they discover they are overbooked for the night’s service.

Set on the Friday before Christmas, the clientele includes a couple planning to get engaged, one of whom has a nut allergy, a prejudiced guest, and a group of demanding influencers. To add to the pressure, celebrity chef Alastair Skye, portrayed by Jason Flemyng, who shares a history with Andy, is expected to dine, accompanied by a food critic, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/fantastic-drama-glues-viewers-seats-36338614″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

As the evening unfolds, friction erupts in the kitchen with staff personal troubles surfacing alongside the chaotic work conditions. The dining area witnesses its own drama with customer grievances, unreasonable requests and sly manipulation.

Andy’s struggles with his turbulent family circumstances are weighing heavily, contributing to the compelling disintegration of his world that completely engulfs the audience.

Helmed by Philip Barantini, the film was captured in a single continuous take, heightening the gripping ambience. Critics praised it upon its 2021 debut, earning multiple award nominations including four BAFTAs.

A subsequent series featuring Graham, Robinson, Walters, Panthaki and Cathy Tyson premiered on BBC1 in 2023.

Admirers on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an impressive 99% rating, have expressed their enthusiasm for the production. One cautioned: “Hold on to your seat, it’s about to be insane.”

Another said: “This movie is fantastic. Certainly not for the faint of heart but you can see the genius in all aspects of this film and oh yeah, it was made in a single shot which is totally sick.”

A third viewer also praised the filming technique: “Single camera shot the whole movie was incredible! Such an amazing coordination of talents. Highlights how stressful the hospitality industry is.”

Another viewer, who awarded it four stars, was captivated by its intensity: “It sure does a hell of a job gluing you to your seat!” they wrote. “My adrenaline levels got up just by watching what hell a kitchen can turn into. I didn’t see the dark turn coming at all, I’ll soon watch it again to catch all the foreshadowing sprinkled along.”

Boiling Point airs on Film 4 at 11.05pm tonight, Thursday 4 December.