Burnt - A Movie Review

I want to make food that makes people stop eating.

Burnt was prepared in the kitchen and released to theaters in 2015. Adam Jones is a hardworking chef. Due to the stress in his career, he destroyed his life with drugs. As he lingers back into the scene, Adam returns to London, determined to redeem himself and outwit his rival restaurant with the best food ever.

Before you say the cooking industry is easy, watch Burnt, and you’ll see how grueling it is. Films about cooking have piqued my interest. They have unique stories. This film treats viewers to delicious plates of food and complex work dynamics. Burnt is a delectable mix of intense kitchen drama and a story of redemption.

Bradley Cooper is tremendous as Adam Jones, a complex once-promising young chef attempting to make a comeback in the culinary world. Adam is a hot-headed person who snaps when little detail is imperfect. To prepare for the role, Cooper trained at a London restaurant. Adam’s whole world revolves around the kitchen, and now his stakes are tested - by love.

I have seen Sienna Miller in two other movies, one being the infamous film An Imperfect Murder. Based on these roles, Miller is a versatile actress. Helene does not let Adam talk down to her. Adam and Helene teach one another techniques to perfect their styles. Aside from Helene’s fierce attitude, she deserved more focus and development.

Credits include Daniel Bruhl, Riccardo Scamarcio, Omar Sy, Uma Thurman, and Emma Thompson. Lexie Benbow-Hart was excellent as Helene’s young daughter, Lily. She is a picky eater. For authenticity, real chefs were cast as extras in the kitchen scenes to put more pressure on the actors. Actors performed all the food prep scenes.

The direction by John Wells is nothing short of incredible, especially in capturing the intricacies of the culinary world. Food is the most essential character of all. This film tempts you with all the delicious plates.

Taking viewers on a behind-the-scenes look into the chaotic and high-pressure environment, the film doesn't just showcase the art of cooking; it takes the audience into the chaotic and high-pressure environment of a top-tier kitchen.

The camera work expertly zooms in on sizzling pans, chopping knives, and the assembly of feasts. The cinematography is excellent in making food a delicacy and watching food prep. The film successfully captures the artistic aspects of cooking.

Restaurant industries are busy. I always love going out to eat, and the more I’ve thought about it, we need to praise kitchen workers and restaurant owners. Their jobs are not easy. The edits are fast and rampant with kitchen workers feverishly running about the kitchen. Communication is essential and you need to be on your toes at all times.

However, Burnt is not without its burns. Aside from Adam’s redemption arc, the story is not as strong, and minor characters deserve more fleshing out. What draws me into kitchen/cooking stories are the dynamics between the other workers. Everyone has a unique dynamic that challenges the workspace. These characters are ignored.

The whole romance angle between Adam and Helene was unnecessary. This film is about the hectic kitchen world. It didn’t need a love story. However, the moral of Burnt is to do what you love. If you have passion then make the best of it and the outcomes are rewarding.

Burnt is a film experience that leaves a lasting impression. Don’t watch Burnt on an empty stomach or you’ll regret it (like me). Burnt is streaming on Netflix so have a snack and watch it.