Directed By: Philip Barantini
Written By: Philip Barantini and James Cummings
Cinematography: Matthew Lewis
Editor: Alex Fountain
Cast: Stephen Graham, Jason Flemyng, Vinette Robinson, Alice Feetham, Ray Panthaki, Hannah Walters, Lauren Ajufo, Malachi Kirby, Taz Skylar, Izuka Hoyle
Enter the relentless pressure of a restaurant kitchen as a head chef wrangles his team on the busiest day of the year.
Some people might compare this film to the television show THE BEAR even though this film came out first. it does have the intensity of that show's pilot and it’s most agonizing episodes. With a head chef, dealing with all the calamities and kitchen crew not to mention his personal problems.
Interestingly, The film did have a four episode television spinoff that, I have not watched, but seems to be the story. For this review, one will stick to the film and its perimeters.
Though this film isn’t as comedic, is its own animal and maintains its own identity, dealing with all the different pressures in one evening. The staff's constant interaction with one another, and also shows more interaction with the customers and their individual and seemingly difficult demands at times.
This film is made to look like it takes place all in one continuous shot or one take. The film is a little more detailed and showcases its construction. As well as the meals construction.
We see how the kitchen must run like a well-oiled machine so must the film and direction. it’s also revelatory that not all the crew are doing what’s best for the team some can be downright selfish and more self-serving. Especially in one scene where the bellboy takes a trip outside and it allows for the film to take us out of the chaos for a bit of a cleanser. As we see the nefarious dealings.
It’s those moments where we can have a bit of the character's own drama while dealing with the main narrative that makes it successful and helps steer the ship. As in the slow burn, everything comes to a head.
Showcase is being part of a team and that you were only as strong as your worst worker. The continuous pressure is felt throughout.
As well as giving a voice and allowing the audience to witness the hardships of the workers, the hardships of the service hospitality, industry, and the abuse faced by them from customers and other staff when it’s coming from both ends, where are you supposed to find your peace.
The film offers no real resolutions to some problems, though it does reveal quite a bit or hints at things that can cause frustrations. Though, we are only here for one evening so it’s not that type of film where everything will be tied up by the end. It offers many surprises.
The film is like a thriller so much suspense and reserved intensity yet it stays action-packed to a degree. So that it’s identifiable and just as frustrating as real life at times.
Stephen Graham scores another great damaged character holding on by a thread who seems to have a calm demeanor, but seems to be crashing underneath. He gives a great memorable performance at the center and knocks it out of the park seeming like he can do no wrong in a role, but this is an ensemble effort. He stands out as much as the rest of the cast. Which is the film's definition.
What is so powerful about the film is that the audience's opinion might constantly change about certain characters as the reveals and connections happen. So by the end of the film is a roller coaster hitting rock bottom. There are so many highs or maintenance levels. Either way, it’s all well executed.
Meticulous. Beautifully crafted and constructed Like a well-crafted meal with a strong aftertaste. Which is what makes it all the better, Loved it.
Read about it when it came out. Unfortunately put it on the back burner and finally got around to watching it… in amazement.
Also shoutout to Lauryn Ajufo whose character is so punished throughout and eventually gets a moment of manners. Really felt for her the most throughout mostly
This is a film that needs to be discovered and more people need to see this.
Grade: A
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