'Boiling Point (2021)' must have been as stressful for its filmmakers to make as its events are for its characters to experience. This 90-minute feature is presented as one continuous shot and it actually is, avoiding the usual hidden cuts that come with this sort of thing. That instantly makes it an incredibly impressive affair, one that indisputably features a lot of genuine talent both in front of and behind the camera (as well as a helping of luck). Its one-take nature isn't just a gimmick, though; it actively contributes to the flick's increasingly claustrophobic feel and constantly 'slice of life' aesthetic. It almost feels like an observational documentary, which enhances the impact of its social realist drama. It expertly balances a whole restaurant's worth of characters, weaving a dozen stories together into a tactile tapestry depicting just another busy night in a high-class London eatery. The actors all do remarkably well, not only remaining in character but also delivering strong performances (and surely improvising their way through a few flubbed lines). The camera operator manages to keep up with the amazingly detailed choreography. It's rather play-like in nature and could easily work on stage, but that enhances the narrative rather than distract from it (sometimes, play-like pieces can seem too 'talky' for film). For the most part, it maintains a balance between realism and drama, delivering an experience that almost always feels true to life. Of course, it slightly exaggerates certain aspects, but it only does so in order to ratchet up the tension and explore some devastating reveals. A couple of these exaggerated elements do take away from the believability of the story, reminding you that you're actually watching a film, but this is likely only because the rest of the picture is so grounded and compelling. In particular, there are a couple of monologues that feel distinctly like movie moments, and the ending itself actually undercuts much of the story's other successes (it kind of feels like a cop out). These problems don't ruin the piece, though. Technically, it's nothing short of a triumph. It's also constantly enjoyable in its own way, keeping you invested in its various characters and as close to the edge of your seat as possible. It's a palpable and propulsive piece that impresses, entertains and doesn't even come close to overstaying its welcome.
Review of Boiling Point
