The Kitchen, a 2023 British science fiction drama film, is directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya. Starring Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Hope Ikpoku Jr, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo, Cristale, and BackRoad Gee.
Premiering at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2023, “The Kitchen” is set for a selective cinema release in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on January 19, 2024.
Movie | The Kitchen |
Rating | R |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi |
Original Language | English |
Director | Daniel Kaluuya, Kibwe Tavares |
Producer | Daniel Emmerson, Daniel Kaluuya |
Writer | Daniel Kaluuya, Joe Murtagh |
Release Date (Theaters) | Dec 8, 2023 (Limited) |
Release Date (Streaming) | Jan 19, 2024 |
Runtime | 1h 48m |
Distributor | Netflix |
Production Co | Film4, DMC Film, 59%, Factory Fifteen |
The Kitchen Movie Plot Summary
In the bleak landscape of a dystopian London, where the stark division between the affluent and the destitute has reached unprecedented extremes, the remnants of social equality have all but vanished. Amidst the desolation, a solitary beacon of resistance stands defiantly—the last bastion of communal living known as The Kitchen. A resilient community, adamantly clinging to their home, refusing to succumb to the relentless waves of urban displacement.
Within the shadowy confines of The Kitchen, we encounter Izi, an individual compelled to eke out an existence within the confines of this decaying enclave, driven by the desperate quest for a means to escape the suffocating grasp of societal oppression. In this harsh microcosm of a fractured world, Izi grapples with the oppressive forces that conspire to keep her tethered to the remnants of a once-thriving community.
Amidst the desolation, a poignant connection emerges as we are introduced to Benji, a resilient 12-year-old who has tragically lost his mother, left to navigate the unforgiving terrain in search of a surrogate family. The desolation of The Kitchen provides an unlikely backdrop for the convergence of Izi and Benji, two souls thrust together by circumstance, forming an unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of their shared struggle.
The narrative unfolds as this unlikely pair endeavors to navigate the labyrinthine challenges of a system designed to favor the privileged few. As they confront the harsh realities of their existence, a profound and transformative journey ensues, marked by the strength of their resilience and the enduring power of human connection. Together, Izi and Benji stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit that perseveres even in the face of societal decay, as they strive to carve out a place for themselves in a world that seeks to cast them aside.
The Kitchen 2024 Parents Guide
Why is The Kitchen rated R?
The Kitchen is rated R for intense violence, explicit language, mature themes depicting societal decay, and scenes of drug and alcohol use.
Violence:
- The movie features intense and gritty scenes depicting the harsh realities of a dystopian society.
- Instances of physical confrontation, including fights for survival and clashes with oppressive forces.
- Some scenes may contain graphic violence and perilous situations.
Language:
- Strong and explicit language throughout the film, including profanity and adult dialogue.
- The characters express themselves using raw and intense language, contributing to the gritty atmosphere.
Sexual Content:
- Limited explicit sexual content, but the movie may include suggestive scenes.
- Themes of desperation and survival may be depicted, adding a mature element to the narrative.
Drug and Alcohol Use:
- Scenes portraying characters using substances as a coping mechanism or for escapism.
- Some instances of drug and alcohol abuse contribute to the overall depiction of a dystopian and decaying society.
Themes:
- The movie explores themes of societal decay, inequality, and the struggle for survival.
- The narrative contains dark and intense elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Overall Tone:
- The R rating is warranted due to the intense and mature nature of the movie.
- Viewer discretion is advised, as the film addresses gritty and adult themes throughout.
Note: The R rating indicates that the content may be suitable for viewers 17 and older. Parents are strongly cautioned, and some material may be inappropriate for children under 17.
Cast of the Kitchen film
- Kane Robinson as Izi
- Jedaiah Bannerman as Benji
- Hope Ikpoku Jr
- Teija Kabs
- Demmy Ladipo as Jase
- Cristale
- BackRoad Gee
- Dani Moseley as Ruby’s Mum
- Harvey Quinn as The Narrator
- Henry Lawfull as Cronik
- Lola-Rose Maxwell as Fiona
- Richie Lawrie as Harry
- Alan Asaad as Oozie
- Fiona Marr as Amy
- Rasaq Kukoyi as Arinze.
Summary
The Kitchen is a 2023 British sci-fi drama directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya, starring Kane Robinson and Jedaiah Bannerman. The film, set in a dystopian London, revolves around The Kitchen, a resilient community resisting urban displacement. Izi, seeking escape from societal oppression, forms an unlikely bond with Benji, a 12-year-old navigating the harsh terrain. The film premiered on October 15, 2023, and had a selective cinema release in the UK on January 12, 2024, followed by streaming on Netflix from January 19, 2024.
Key Points:
- Plot: Set in dystopian London, “The Kitchen” follows the story of Izi and Benji in a resilient community resisting urban displacement.
- Characters: Kane Robinson stars as Izi, and Jedaiah Bannerman as Benji. The film explores their unlikely bond in the face of societal decay.
- Rating and Genres: Rated R, the film belongs to the adventure, drama, and sci-fi genres with a runtime of 1h 48m.
- Directors and Producers: Directed by Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares, with production by Daniel Emmerson and Daniel Kaluuya.
- Premiere and Release Dates: Premiered at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2023. It had a limited release in theaters on December 8, 2023, followed by streaming on Netflix from January 19, 2024.
- Parents Guide: The R rating is due to intense violence, explicit language, mature themes, and scenes of drug and alcohol use. Themes include societal decay, inequality, and the struggle for survival.
- Cast: Alongside Robinson and Bannerman, the cast includes Hope Ikpoku Jr, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo, Cristale, and BackRoad Gee.
- Themes: Explores themes of societal decay, inequality, and human resilience against a gritty and intense backdrop.