Stephen Graham has to be the best British character actor of his generation. The rest of the cast is pretty darn great too. Really smart cinematography as well.
I was eager to watch this one because I loved the premise, the single shot approach, and the setting.
The good: There's not a single boring moment.
The bad: Overall, I was disappointed. The story is weak and to make up for the lack of narrative, it seemed like the writer was just trying to cram in a bunch of random, implausible drama. I would have preferred a more nuanced and realistic telling, something more to do with a typical busy night at a high-end restaurant. For example, the most compelling scenes for me were the ones that were dealing with normal restaurant issues: the opening scene with the inspector, the rude American patrons, the immature dishwasher, etc.
I am glad that I watched the series before the film because the series turned out to be much more exhilarating than the film. While the film is great and the filming approach and performances are on point, it lacks substance and falls a bit flat, ending up being underwhelming.
On the other hand, the 4-episode series goes much more in-depth, particularly concerning the characters, their lives, and backgrounds. Unlike the film, the series leaves you wanting more.
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Comments 1 - 9 of 9
chunkylefunga
There isn't a single scene that wasn't captivating.You really feel like you're watching live footage of a high end restaurant trying to keep everything together on a hectic night.
Vinette Robinson deserves an oscar for her performance. Just outstanding.
Absolute hidden gem that I will absolutely be recommending to others.
EssexMutant
Stephen Graham has to be the best British character actor of his generation. The rest of the cast is pretty darn great too. Really smart cinematography as well.boulderman
Very good, the title and image alone tells you what to expect. I felt some things could have changed. Tense drama, very gooddevilsadvocado
I was eager to watch this one because I loved the premise, the single shot approach, and the setting.The good: There's not a single boring moment.
The bad: Overall, I was disappointed. The story is weak and to make up for the lack of narrative, it seemed like the writer was just trying to cram in a bunch of random, implausible drama. I would have preferred a more nuanced and realistic telling, something more to do with a typical busy night at a high-end restaurant. For example, the most compelling scenes for me were the ones that were dealing with normal restaurant issues: the opening scene with the inspector, the rude American patrons, the immature dishwasher, etc.
NourNasreldin
I am glad that I watched the series before the film because the series turned out to be much more exhilarating than the film. While the film is great and the filming approach and performances are on point, it lacks substance and falls a bit flat, ending up being underwhelming.On the other hand, the 4-episode series goes much more in-depth, particularly concerning the characters, their lives, and backgrounds. Unlike the film, the series leaves you wanting more.
The series is fantastic.
Earring72
Tense drama, great stuff.Cynicus Rex
This Is England in a restaurant.grapenomad
Got hospitality PTSD watching this. Great stuff, portrayed exactly what it's like to work in a high-end restaurant that lacks basic management.Ray Anselmo
Available on Hoopla through your local library.