"I do not get paid enough to deal with this shit."

The 2021 British film "Boiling Point" offers a raw and immersive look into the high-pressure environment of a professional kitchen, captured in a single, continuous take. Directed by Philip Barantini, who co-wrote the screenplay with James Cummings, the film is a technical marvel that amplifies the relentless stress of the culinary world. The production notably filmed the entire movie four times, with the third take being the one used in the final cut, a testament to the cast and crew's incredible coordination and performance.

The narrative unfolds in real-time on the last Friday before Christmas, one of the busiest nights of the year for the upscale London restaurant, Jones & Sons. At the heart of the storm is Head Chef Andy Jones, portrayed with a visceral intensity by Stephen Graham. Already burdened by personal issues, Andy's night spirals into chaos from the moment he arrives. A surprise visit from a health and safety inspector downgrades the restaurant's rating, setting a tense tone for the evening.

As the service gets underway, the pressure cooker environment of the kitchen reaches a fever pitch. The camera masterfully weaves through the cramped and chaotic space, capturing the escalating conflicts between the overworked staff. Andy's patient and capable sous-chef, Carly (Vinette Robinson), struggles to manage the kitchen amidst her boss's erratic behavior. Meanwhile, the front-of-house manager, Beth (Alice Feetham), adds to the friction with her mishandling of demanding customers, including a celebrity chef who is also Andy's former mentor and a renowned food critic. The film expertly juggles multiple storylines, from difficult patrons with severe food allergies to internal staff disputes, all while Andy's personal life continues to unravel just outside the kitchen doors. The result is a palpable sense of anxiety that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat, deeply invested in the fate of the restaurant and its deeply flawed but compelling protagonist.

This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts

Bonus content available at: patreon.com/ReelBritanniaPodcast

Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod

You can follow Hal @coupleindemnity

Thanks for listening

Scott and Steven

Reel Britannia - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism.

Episode 181 - The Gorgon (1964)

" Don't use long words, Inspector; they don't suit you."

Get ready to have a monstrously good time with one of Hammer Film Productions’ most creative and atmospheric chillers, 1964’s The Gorgon! This isn't just any old creature feature; it’s a vibrant, gothic mystery that brings together the titans of terror, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, for a truly legendary showdown. Forget what you know about Medusa, because this film introduces a new snake-haired sister to the mix, and she’s ready for her close-up!

The fun kicks off in the spooky little German village of Vandorf around the turn of the 20th century. This town has a serious problem: its residents have a nasty habit of turning to stone. When a young artist is found petrified, his family refuses to accept the flimsy official story. His determined father and brother arrive to uncover the truth, but the locals, terrified of a legendary curse, are tighter-lipped than a statue. This creates a wonderfully suspenseful puzzle, with our heroes piecing together clues while the village doctor (the ever-brilliant Peter Cushing) seems to know more than he’s letting on.

The mystery deepens with the arrival of the dashing Professor Karl Meister, played with commanding authority by the one and only Christopher Lee. He storms into town, ready to challenge superstition with science and solve the stony situation once and for all. The scenes between Cushing and Lee are electric, a fantastic duel between two masters of the genre who bring gravitas and excitement to every line. They elevate the film from a simple monster movie into a compelling human drama set against a wonderfully spooky backdrop.

The film does a masterful job building the tension, giving you glimpses of slithering snakes and haunting reflections before the big reveal. When Megaera finally appears in her full, terrifying glory, it’s a fantastic piece of classic horror magic. Her ghostly presence, combined with the eerie wail that precedes her, makes for some of the most memorable scenes in Hammer's history. The special effects, which show victims slowly hardening into stone, are delightfully retro and add to the film's unique charm.

The Gorgon culminates in a thrilling and dramatic finale set in the ruins of Castle Borski. It's a fantastic climax filled with heroic sacrifice, shocking revelations, and a final, unforgettable confrontation with the creature. If you’re looking for a horror film that is less about jump scares and more about rich atmosphere, brilliant performances, and a truly unique monster, then The Gorgon is an absolute must-see. It’s a stylish, exciting, and wonderfully entertaining ride from start to finish!

This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts

Bonus content available at: patreon.com/ReelBritanniaPodcast

Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod

Thanks for listening

Scott and Steven