Written by Robert Scucci | Published
I have to finish it with dystopian thrillers because no matter what year they come out, and what kind of future they show, I am reminded how close the waking life is to these works of fiction. in 2023 The kitchen it's not unique, but unlike its contemporaries, it's a story about making the best of a bad situation and keeping your head down while you figure out your next move. It's a story about community, patience, and looking out for your neighbor, even if it means getting yourself killed in the process.
The kitchen it doesn't beat the bush. The future in store for its viewers is bleak, but like a small potted plant, those who live in this reality hope that one day they will blossom into a giant oak tree that looks down on the environment that once tried to destroy it.
It starts with a corpse and a tree
The kitchen it begins in a peaceful, futuristic funeral home known as Life After Life. Here, those who cannot search for the bodies in the right way are given the opportunity to have the dead turned into a tree, and are allowed to come back and visit whenever they want until it is time to plant them in an unknown place. This is where we meet Izi (Kane Robinson) and Benji (Jedaah Bannerman). Izi works at Life After Life as a consultant and salesperson, and is spotted by Benji, who is grieving the loss of his mother and wonders why Izi is visiting her memorial service.
Izi, when she is not working, lives in a ghetto community known as “The Kitchen,” where residents live in fear of being evicted by heavily armed police, and cannot truly say which days they will have running water or sustainable food. Everyone is under constant surveillance by a government drone, but despite the chaos of their society, it is just that: society. Everyone looks out for each other in the Kitchen. Morale is low, and everyone is on high alert, always expecting another raid, but they take it one day at a time.
Benji, feeling a mysterious connection with Izi, arrives at The Kitchen, asking if he can stay with her for a few days. Izi is reluctant at first, but realizes that he enjoys Benji's presence. Together, they form an unbreakable bond, but Benji doesn't know yet that I has been saving his money so he can finally get out of the ghetto and upgrade to the luxury house he feels he deserves after living the simple life for so long.
As the social situation continues to deteriorate and the police keep wreaking havoc on the only place she's ever been able to call home, even though she thinks she's a “sh*thole,” Izi must make a game-day decision about what kind of person she wants to be, not only for herself, but also for Benji, whose youthful exuberance and optimism give her second thoughts about leaving the chicken alone. Their relationship is one of strong love, like an older brother who makes fun of his inexperienced sibling but always has his back when it matters most.
A Sprawling, Dilapidated Metropolis
While The kitchen it's a slow-burning dystopian drama about found family, society, and all sorts of things that can be incredibly boring for a small film, there's never a dull moment. The city skyline is one of the best parts of the film because it shows how far society has come. The surrounding communities are pristine displays of immeasurably beautiful architecture, while the Kitchen itself is a wasteful, rundown, and borderline brutal place. The smoke that surrounds society is incredibly localized, and those who manage to penetrate the wealthiest areas to find work are surprised at how much better off the other side is.
Everyone knows about the imbalance within The kitchen. Some people choose to live with it and make the best of the power structure they are trapped in. People like Izi and Benji, however, want something better. They know they are where society thinks they can be, but they refuse to let the powers that be keep them under their thumb. Through their relationships, their struggles, and their hope for a bright future, it is up to them to carve out the life they truly want, and they know it won't be easy, even on their best day.
The kitchen is a Netflix Original and can be streamed with an active subscription.
