by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who out there has a stressful job? The kind of job that you dread clocking in because you know it is not going to be a fun time. From the second your shift starts, it is just like a hurricane whipping around and you are just exhausted beyond belief by the time it is over. Or it is SO crazy that before you know it, almost the whole day has passed you by and you get so excited it is almost over? Our culture is so full of work and stress that these feelings have become so normal that we just expect this type of emotional and physical punishment. Many people go to the movies to escape the mundane and day-to-day stresses, but sometimes, a film can channel them so well and in such an impactful way that we cannot help but want to be put through the ringer again. One such film? Boiling Point.
What about this film makes it so relatable and effective in channeling these everyday stressors? First off, it takes place in one of the most stressful work environments out there… a restaurant. Dealing with customers’ demands and high expectations can be soul crushing. That is exactly the tale told here in Boiling Point. For those who have worked in the food service industry (including myself), this film is quite on point when it comes to human interactions. Does the film overdramatize certain things? Sure. Does it switch for the fences with its melodrama? Quite a bit. Does it get exhausting when the narrative is just a continual barrage of disadvantageous twists of fate? Oh… YES. I thought The Revenant was cruel to its protagonist, but this film certainly goes for that vibe too.
Even with a narrative that pushes the limits of its characters and audience, does writer-director Philip Barantini deliver an effective thriller? Even if the melodrama can be a bit much, Barantini crafts a highly tense and engaging experience. The “single take” approach to the cinematography does not let its audience take a break. No blinking… no flinching… this is just a powder keg of tension and suspense. Character tensions build based on well-crafted backstories and stellar performances from this game cast. The situational tension is also well-done with failed health inspections, angry customers, and allergic reactions that deal plenty of suspense that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This perpetual onslaught of tension leads you right through to a climactic finale that leaves you finished.
What do these actors bring to the table? Stephen Graham shows his chops with an organic and genuine performance full of insecurity and frustration. A shaky family life, awkwardness with his colleague-turned-boss (Jason Flemyng in a really fine performance), and a faltering hold on his crew of cooks, Graham has plenty to battle with in this film and he rises to the occasion. Vinette Robinson is a great addition to the cast as Graham’s right hand and she gets an opportunity to show her stuff in a few emotional and impassioned confrontations. Throw in a collection of strong character work, you have a great cast that makes the most of the juicy material given to them.
Who wouldn’t want to experience such a powder keg of tension and stress? This one might be too much for some audiences who do not enjoy that feeling of suspense and tension. But no one can argue with the craft and committed performances that fill out this sprint of a film. If you want to go for a roller coaster ride of emotions, seek out Boiling Point.
Grade: B
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