Finding that the experimental film Boiling Point had been made into a spin off tv series, for once I was happy to see this move. The One Take format of the parent movie was though unlikely to be possible for tv, but what we have still is the realistic drama in a kichen at the brink.
Stephen Graham returns as Andy Jones but mostly in a bit part role, the series instead centres round his understudy (Carly brilliantly played by Vinette Robinson) who is now managing her own venue in what feels like an ill fated attempt to make it a success. Lots of returnees from the original but also some new faces, and their lives and working relationships are all as dysfunctional as you'd come to expect in such a drama.
Does it match up to its successful parent film? The answer from me is mostly yes, as good as you should expect, albeit four episodes was a tad too short. This deserved a longer run so I expect there will be a second season, and will allow the story to expand. I appreciate that there's been other restaurant drama TV series around recently but I've not seen any of them.
The direction and acting is top notch in this claustrophobic kitchen. The storylines are mostly nihilistic and grim, but my only gripe is that it can all be a little too obvious too. That doesn't thankfully detract from the show though, and I still enjoyed it.
So for a bit of well directed TV drama, I'd recommend this, but would also recommend watching the parent film first for some greater context.
Stephen Graham returns as Andy Jones but mostly in a bit part role, the series instead centres round his understudy (Carly brilliantly played by Vinette Robinson) who is now managing her own venue in what feels like an ill fated attempt to make it a success. Lots of returnees from the original but also some new faces, and their lives and working relationships are all as dysfunctional as you'd come to expect in such a drama.
Does it match up to its successful parent film? The answer from me is mostly yes, as good as you should expect, albeit four episodes was a tad too short. This deserved a longer run so I expect there will be a second season, and will allow the story to expand. I appreciate that there's been other restaurant drama TV series around recently but I've not seen any of them.
The direction and acting is top notch in this claustrophobic kitchen. The storylines are mostly nihilistic and grim, but my only gripe is that it can all be a little too obvious too. That doesn't thankfully detract from the show though, and I still enjoyed it.
So for a bit of well directed TV drama, I'd recommend this, but would also recommend watching the parent film first for some greater context.