Bradley Cooper, Siena Miller, Uma Thurman, Omar Sy, Emma Thompson, Alicia Vikander, and Daniel Bruhl headline director John Wells’ drama, where the intensity in the kitchen rivals the heat from the stoves. Burnt explores the story of Adam Jones, a celebrated chef who, at the height of his career, jeopardized his success due to a volatile temperament, succumbing to addiction and escalating aggression. The film gradually reveals the circumstances of his past downfall. Now sober, Adam is determined to earn his third Michelin star, forcing him to reconcile with former adversaries, confront past indiscretions, and settle outstanding debts. However, extricating himself from the consequences of his past proves challenging, as he faces persistent demands from dissatisfied dealers. Moreover, Jones’s renewed pursuit of culinary excellence is complicated by his enduring hot-headedness.
Initially reminiscent of a high-end episode of Hell’s Kitchen – with Bradley Cooper seemingly channeling Gordon Ramsey’s assertive demeanor – the film develops surprising depth. While Cooper’s performances can be inconsistent, his work in films like Silver Lining Playbook, Limitless, The Words, and American Sniper is commendable. Although it takes some time for him to fully embody the character of Adam Jones, his portrayal ultimately becomes convincing. The narrative complexities increase, and the film’s pacing alternates between deliberate and intense. Uma Thurman and Alicia Vikander appear in brief but pivotal roles. Daniel Bruhl delivers a standout performance as Tony, the restaurant manager wrestling with unrequited love and personal struggles. Omar Sy, as a member of the kitchen staff, and Sienna Miller, as Jones’s trusted confidante and love interest, also provide compelling performances, depicting the challenges of balancing career aspirations and parental responsibilities.
The adage “too many cooks spoil the broth” does not apply here. Despite some unevenness in the acting, the ensemble cast generally delivers strong performances, and the film maintains a suitably tense and engaging atmosphere. For enthusiasts of culinary cinema such as Chef, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, or Chef’s Table, Burnt offers a compelling and satisfying experience.
