'The Kitchen' Review | Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya's directorial debut fails to deliver its intended impact
LONDON, ENGLAND: Netflix's latest release, ‘The Kitchen', is a package of raw and rustic urban dystopia laced with emotional bonding. The movie effectively demonstrates how the working class is affected by urban dystopia.
Taking place in a dystopian version of London, Izi (Kane Robinson) is on the brink of leaving behind the squalor of The Kitchen for the opulence of the single-occupancy Buena Vida flats. However, just before his imminent move, he encounters Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman).
In an unexpected turn, Benji confronts Izi with a probing question about their relationship, asking if he is, in fact, his father.
Faced with the looming threat of jeopardizing his dream of relocating to luxurious flats, Izi attempts to dismiss and ignore Benji to the best of his ability, creating a tension that adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
'The Kitchen' offers a no-nonsense experience without major plot twists or unnecessary drama
Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares show promise for a successful co-directing career, skillfully blending sci-fi elements with societal issues. Their direction effectively transports audiences to a dystopian setting, immersing them in its gritty ambiance.
The film's visual impact is pronounced, embracing a raw aesthetic through its rustic cinematography.
The cinematography adeptly captures the stark contrast between the affluent upper levels and the impoverished slums, serving as a poignant reminder of the class differences central to the story.
Although sci-fi is secondary to the storyline, it does grab your curiosity and makes it entertaining and worthwhile for your time. There are subtle yet effective integrations of sci-fi elements in the movie, such as The Kitchen building, which is equipped with technology where messages and other notifications are displayed on mirrors.
'The Kitchen' is a straight-to-the-point experience without any major plot twists or drama. The slum, as a key motif, is ideal for depicting the problems of the working class.
While the focus on dystopian worlds with social themes isn't groundbreaking, the execution could have elevated the film. In the end, it delivers a plain and unremarkable experience.
Jedaiah Bannerman shines as inquisitive Benji
Nevertheless, 'The Kitchen' has a distinct flavor of its own, soaked with a depth of emotional resonance. The performance of the cast surely deserves recognition. Robinson's performance is elevated even further by his eloquent eyes.
Jedaiah Bannerman's portrayal of inquisitive Benji is a great launching pad for the teenage actor.
Former footballer Ian Wright has essayed the role of estate DJ Lord Kitchen, a small yet impactful portrayal. As the leader of the vigilante group, Hope Ikpoku Jr shines brightly.
Of course, the music also gets brownie points for its grounded and afrobeat-infused composition, which enhances the core of the narrative.
Although the expectations were high at first glance, they failed to deliver.
At the end of the movie, you're left wanting more. For example, what will Staples and his team do next? How will Benji and Izi's relationship develop going forward? What action will the government take next to put an end to the rebel group? So many things were left unsaid.
To sum it up, Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya's promising directorial debut is slow and simply fails to deliver its intended impact.
