A friend recommended that I watch this film (thanks Steve) and boy did it hit home. It really shows what a melting pot of potential disasters and mishaps a busy kitchen is. If you run a restaurant or food service business you have to watch this film.
I watched in free on Netflix.
Trigger warning… anaphylactic reaction
If you have anaphylaxis and have ever had an anaphylactic reaction after eating out, or fear having one, make sure you’re in a safe place with someone if you feel this might trigger you.
It’s hard hitting and incredibly emotionally charged.
I knew ahead of time what the content was and it really was so similar to what happened to me with my last anaphylactic reaction when everything went wrong that possibly could.
However I felt safe, had snacks and tissues ready and dived in. It made me cry, it made me really emotional, but I also really enjoyed the film.
Watch the Boiling Point trailer here
Buckle up, sit back and get ready for a frenetic, hectic, action packed evening in a kitchen… what could possibly go wrong? To set the scene, they have a kitchen inspection and lose points due to some hygiene and storage issues, losing a star rating. The chef is furious, over worked, stressed and there we begin our story. It gets 5 tomatoes on Rotten Tomatoes so guarantees a good night in.
How did they handle anaphylaxis?
I thought they handled allergies very respectfully. The staff took it seriously, they knew how dangerous food allergies could be and they had processes in place to ensure the table with the allergic diner was kept safe.
But accidents happen, and this film really highlighted how important it is be really hot on these processes and really make sure all staff are trained. Because every single part of the process and person in the unfurling drama plays a part with disastrous consequences…
I don’t want to spoil the film for you by saying too much, but the person who had the reaction was treated well, they knew what to do, stayed with the couple, called an ambulance, apologised, and had a debrief afterwards to work out what had gone wrong.
Why I love this film so much
I really enjoyed this film, mostly because the girl with the allergy was just a girl, a normal girl. Also it was portrayed respectfully, the person with the allergy was just another diner, albeit one that needed some extra care and attention put into their meal.
So often we either don’t see anyone with allergies in films of the producers get it so wrong that more damage is done e.g. Incorrect use of adrenaline injectors, disrespectful, the person is portrayed as weak and a wierdo. So thanks so much for this brilliant film.
We are just people trying to live out lives just like everyone else.
Is it safe to eat out with food allergies?
I hear this a lot, why do you even eat out? It’s just not safe. This film will rock your confidence, but I strongly believe that being careful, choosing quiet places, booking early, speaking to staff in advance and choosing a simple safe meal CAN be done safely.
But it has given me new respect for kitchen staff and chefs to see an insight into just how many things can go wrong, because it’s not just the process, staff and kitchen, it’s other customers, circumstances, the personal lives of your staff and freak accidents.
A boiling point, a melting pot… for anaphylaxis.
But if I never ate again I would miss out on so much, and there are lots of places willing and able to take the risk with me to provide a safe meal.
Will I ever eat out again?
I won’t lie, I have been more anxious since watching this. I don’t see that as a bad thing, it’s a natural emotion and it keeps me vigilant and aware of the dangers.
I had a panic attack just a few weeks ago when I found myself out of my comfort zone with everyone I was with ordering an Indian takeaway. I initially just went straight into panic attack mode. I couldn’t function, my brain froze and it took me about half an hour to calm down.
I stayed safe, didn’t order any takeaway, a rule of mine as I don’t think Indian Takeaways are safe. I had chicken and chips and walked home alone. A sad end to the evening but I am still here, chose a safe option and protected myself.
If I were to play through the evening again I wish I’d been stronger in seeing this risk ahead, telling my friends I wasn’t confident eating there and going straight to the safe food option. And since I was tired and anxious, I wish I’d booked a taxi home instead of walking alone as I really felt unsafe, heightened anxiety and the stress of feeling like such an idiot can do that to you.
I’d love to hear your feedback
Please come and tell me what you thought of this film when you’ve watched it. How did it make you feel? Do you think people with allergies should eat out? Is it safe? Or not fair on chefs and restaurants?
Let’s have a heated debate!
WOW; can’t wait to see this movie! A friend of mind who is allergic to shellfish had an episode while eating out…so horrible and I’m certainty relieved he made it through okay. I will make sure I pass this on.
Thank you very much!
Eva
I hope you enjoy it, certainly gave me a new respect for kitchen staff and chefs. Do warn them it might be triggering, but I still really enjoyed watching it.
As an anaphylactic myself I actually thought the anaphylactic reaction was hideously underplayed as the woman looked a bit upset and was doing a bit of deep breathing and had a few red rashes… My throat closes up so I’m gasping and rasping for air and can’t physically speak and my adrenalin is racing and I feel really sick.
everything in the film was done soooo well otherwise I just wish the reaction was played up a bit so people don’t just think it’s like a slow building bit of asthma
That is actually very true! Mine used to be like that, much slower but now I go unconscious and also can’t even speak as my throat closes up. It certainly doesn’t portray the panic it should although the partner is very angry, it seems at the detriment to caring for the girl having anaphylaxis. And we are left to assume she is OK after being taken off in the ambulance. On the whole though the film really gets across all the tiny human interactions, interplaying relationships, mistakes etc. that can come together to create a disaster like this. Very clever film. Thanks so much for your comment! I agree with you…