Burnt

Three years prior, Adam Jones worked at a top restaurant in Paris but succumbed to drug use and perfectionism which led to his disastrous downfall. His behavior destroyed the restaurant and ruined the careers of several of his friends, causing him to disappear from the culinary scene.

After three years of struggling, Adam sobers up and settles in New Orleans, working at a bar where he shucks a million oysters as part of his recovery. This act becomes a symbolic journey, marking the end of his previous life and the beginning of his quest for redemption.

With a million oysters shucked, Adam returns to London with the ambition to regain his status as a chef and pursue his third Michelin star. His first step is reconnecting with old colleagues and confronting his past mistakes.

Adam visits Tony, the former maître d'hôtel, at his father's hotel. Tony expresses distrust towards Adam due to his past actions and reveals that he thought Adam was dead after failing to attend Jean-Luc's funeral, which deeply affects Adam.

Adam meets his old friend Conti and meets Helene, a sous-chef at Conti's restaurant. Although Adam is drawn to Helene, she finds him arrogant and struggles to accept his past behaviors.

Adam visits Michel, who opened his own restaurant, but feels hurt and betrayed. In a fit of jealousy, Adam sabotages Michel's restaurant, which leads to its closure, but Michel ultimately forgives him and agrees to work for Adam.

Adam manages to convince Tony to give him a chance in the hotel's restaurant. After receiving a favorable review from a critic, the hotel decides to renovate the kitchen and hire Adam as head chef, but he must comply with weekly drug tests.

The grand opening of Langham's turns into a catastrophe, causing Adam to close the restaurant early. His volatile behavior leads to an explosive argument with Helene, who decides to leave his kitchen after feeling humiliated.

After Adam goes on various talk shows to promote Langham's, he begins to mend his relationship with Helene. They start to connect better when Adam shows kindness by baking a cake for her daughter’s birthday, and Helene is eventually convinced to return.

Adam and his team prepare for a visit from Michelin judges, but a disaster nearly derails their efforts when an ingredient is mishandled. Overcome with pressure, Adam loses control, demonstrating how far he still has to go in his recovery journey.

Adam encounters Anne Marie, Jean-Luc's daughter, who kindly offers him her father's cooking knives. This emotional moment serves as a key turning point, reminding Adam of the love and mentorship he lost during his struggles.

After a heartfelt conversation with Helene, Adam shares a kiss with her just before his drug dealer confronts him. This moment is overshadowed by tension as Adam's past threatens to resurface.

Though beaten and bruised, Adam learns that the previous night’s guests who behaved like Michelin judges were not the actual judges. This news reignites his determination to prove himself and succeed in the culinary world.

Ultimately, when the real Michelin judges arrive, Adam collaborates with his team to deliver an exceptional meal, culminating in Langham's receiving their third Michelin star. This achievement symbolizes Adam's redemption and growth.

Following the Michelin star victory, Adam and Tony celebrate their teamwork and success. Adam's journey from personal turmoil to professional triumph is finally complete, solidifying his place in the culinary world.