New Movies: La Cocina (2024) by Alonso Ruizpalacios

"La Cocina (2024)" by Alonso Ruizpalacios: A Raucous and Revealing Look at Life in a Manhattan Kitchen

Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios' "La Cocina," a vibrant and often chaotic drama released in 2024, plunges audiences into the intense world of a bustling Manhattan restaurant kitchen during a single, frenetic lunch rush. Based on the 1957 play "The Kitchen" by Arnold Wesker but updated in setting and cultural context, the film offers a visceral and ultimately poignant look at the lives, dreams, and struggles of the diverse immigrant workers who toil behind the scenes to feed a city.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19864832/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/la-cocina-review-1235909648/

About movie: https://www.hanwayfilms.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/la-cocina (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/la-cocina (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/la-cocina (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/la-cocina (Spain)

https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/la-cocina (UK)

Detailed Summary

Set in the sweltering, high-pressure environment of "The Grill," a popular tourist trap in Times Square, "La Cocina" unfolds over the course of a single lunchtime service. The kitchen is a melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and personal dramas, where a large and diverse staff of cooks, prep workers, and dishwashers navigate the intense demands of preparing thousands of meals. At the center of the maelstrom is Pedro (Raúl Briones Carmona), a charismatic but volatile cook, and Julia (Rooney Mara), an American waitress with whom he is entangled in a complicated relationship, further strained by an unwanted pregnancy. The already tense atmosphere reaches a boiling point when a significant amount of money goes missing from the cash register, triggering an internal investigation that heightens suspicion and exposes the underlying anxieties and precarious circumstances of the largely undocumented workforce. As the film progresses through the relentless rhythm of the lunch rush, it delves into the individual stories, aspirations, and frustrations of the various characters, revealing the sacrifices they've made and the elusive nature of the "American dream" they are chasing. The film is a sensory overload of sounds, movements, and emotions, utilizing striking black and white cinematography to create a timeless and almost allegorical feel.

Plot Summary

During a frantic lunch rush in a New York City restaurant kitchen staffed by a diverse group of immigrants, tensions flare and personal dramas erupt when money goes missing, exposing the harsh realities and intertwined lives of the workers.

Director's Vision

Alonso Ruizpalacios envisioned "La Cocina" as an immersive and unflinching adaptation of Arnold Wesker's play, transporting its themes to a contemporary Manhattan setting and focusing on the experiences of immigrant workers. He aimed to create a "kaleidoscopic narrative" that captures the intense energy and claustrophobic nature of the kitchen environment. Ruizpalacios sought to expose the often-invisible lives of the people who work in such establishments, highlighting their dreams, their struggles, and the systemic pressures they face. His decision to shoot in black and white was deliberate, intended to give the film a timeless, fable-like quality that transcends simple social realism and allows for a more expressionistic and symbolic use of imagery and shadow. He also emphasized the importance of sound design in immersing the audience in the chaotic symphony of the kitchen and aimed to blur the lines between the actors and their characters through extensive improvisation and workshops. Ruizpalacios described the film as being about "spiritual homelessness" and the complex relationship between immigration, work, and the elusive promise of a better life.

Themes

• The Immigrant Experience: The film offers a raw and often critical look at the realities faced by immigrant workers, including exploitation, precarious legal status, and the pursuit of the American dream.

• The Nature of Labor: The film vividly portrays the demanding and often dehumanizing nature of intense kitchen work and its impact on the workers.

• Dreams and Disillusionment: The characters harbor hopes and aspirations, but these are often confronted by the harsh realities of their circumstances.

• Human Connection and Conflict: Despite the chaotic environment, relationships form, tensions rise, and the film explores the complex dynamics between individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• The Invisible Workforce: The film shines a light on the people behind the scenes in the service industry whose labor is often taken for granted.

• Identity and Belonging: The characters grapple with their sense of self and their place in a new country while often feeling disconnected from both their homeland and their adopted home.

• The Elusive American Dream: The film questions the attainability and true cost of the American dream for marginalized communities.

Key Success Factors

"La Cocina" has been recognized for its bold style and compelling subject matter. Key factors contributing to its success and critical attention include:

• Alonso Ruizpalacios' Directorial Vision: His distinctive style and ability to blend social commentary with striking visuals have drawn praise.

• Immersive and Energetic Atmosphere: The film successfully creates a visceral experience of working in a busy kitchen, captivating audiences with its intensity.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The performances of the diverse cast, particularly Raúl Briones Carmona, have been widely lauded.

• Striking Black and White Cinematography: Juan Pablo Ramírez's cinematography is a significant visual highlight, contributing to the film's unique aesthetic and thematic depth.

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film addresses important contemporary issues related to immigration, labor, and social inequality.

• Festival Recognition: Premiering in Competition at the Berlinale and screening at numerous other international festivals has provided significant exposure and critical attention.

Summary Short

Alonso Ruizpalacios' "La Cocina (2024)" is a black and white drama set in a chaotic Manhattan restaurant kitchen during lunchtime, exploring the lives, struggles, and dreams of the immigrant staff when money goes missing.

Awards and Nominations

"La Cocina (2024)" has received notable recognition in the film festival and independent film circuits. It was:

• Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in 2024.

• Nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director (Alonso Ruizpalacios) in 2025.

• Nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography (Juan Pablo Ramírez) in 2025.

According to IMDb, the film has garnered a total of 10 wins and 22 nominations. Specific details for all these awards were not available in the provided search snippets.

Critics Reception

Critical reception for "La Cocina" has been generally positive, with many critics admiring its ambition, style, and energy, while some found its intensity overwhelming or its narrative less focused.

• Metacritic: Assigned a weighted average score of 75 out of 100 based on 66 critic reviews, indicating "Generally Favorable Reviews."

• Variety (Owen Gleiberman): Described it as an "explosive" and "singular masterwork," placing Ruizpalacios alongside renowned Mexican directors.

• The Hollywood Reporter (David Rooney): Called it a "bruising tragicomedy" and likened its intensity to "The Bear on steroids."

• Cineuropa (Review): Found it a "maximalist drama" that is "full of drive, ideas and ambition" but felt it "charts no satisfying dramatic arc."

• The Indiependent (Review): While praising the visual style and technical ambition, found the narrative "thematically underwhelming" and the portrayal of the immigrant experience "surface-level."

• ComicBuzz (Keith McEvoy): Gave it a 7.5/10, highlighting its "electrifying vitality" and describing it as a "bruising, high-intensity tragicomedy" and a "powerful vision of the immigrant experience," despite the climax leaning towards "operatic excess."

• LeftLion (George Straw): Called it an "absurdist depiction of America's service industry and the false promises of the American Dream," noting its success in depicting the "nightmarish realities of restaurant work" but finding some elements overly rhetorical.

• IMDb User Reviews: As of the current date, it holds a user rating of 7.2/10 based on 2.8K ratings, indicating a generally positive reception from audiences who have seen it.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics widely acknowledged "La Cocina" as a formally audacious and intensely immersive film. The black and white cinematography, the chaotic energy of the kitchen, and strong performances (especially Raúl Briones Carmona) were frequently praised. While some reviewers felt the film's ambition occasionally led to an overwhelming or less narratively focused experience, many lauded Ruizpalacios for his daring approach and his powerful depiction of the lives of immigrant workers.

Reviews

Reviews for "La Cocina" consistently highlight the film's visceral and immersive quality, effectively transporting the audience into the high-stakes environment of a busy restaurant kitchen. Critics were particularly impressed by the film's visual style, utilizing black and white to create a sense of timelessness and heighten the dramatic tension. The performances of the ensemble cast, capturing the diverse personalities and pressures within the kitchen, also received significant praise. While some found the film's chaotic energy and length challenging, many appreciated its unflinching look at the demanding nature of service industry work and the often-unseen struggles of immigrant laborers. The film is seen as a powerful and thought-provoking, albeit sometimes overwhelming, cinematic experience.

Box Office

According to Wikipedia, "La Cocina (2024)" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $249,115. This figure likely reflects the earnings from its limited theatrical releases in Mexico, the United States, and potentially other territories following its festival premiere. As an independent drama with a focused release strategy, it is not expected to have the box office performance of a wide commercial film.

Production

"La Cocina (2024)" is a co-production between Mexico and the United States, directed by Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios. He also wrote the screenplay, which is based on Arnold Wesker's play "The Kitchen." The film was produced by companies including Fifth Season, Filmadora, and Astrakan Film AB. The large ensemble cast features actors of various nationalities, led by Mexican actor Raúl Briones Carmona and American actress Rooney Mara. Principal photography took place in Mexico City, despite the film being set in New York City. The film is noted for its striking black and white cinematography by Juan Pablo Ramírez.

Production Companies

• Fifth Season: (Country: United States) - Production company.

• Filmadora: (Country: Mexico) - Production company.

• Astrakan Film AB: (Country: Not explicitly stated in snippets, likely international co-producer) - Production company.

• Additional production companies are likely involved given the numerous producer credits, but their specific roles and countries were not detailed in the provided snippets.

Sales Companies

• HanWay Films: (Country: United Kingdom) - Handles the international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies

• Willa: (Country: United States) - Distributed the film theatrically in the United States.

• Cinépolis Distribución: (Country: Mexico) - Distributed the film theatrically in Mexico.

• Picturehouse Entertainment: (Country: United Kingdom) - Distributed the film theatrically in the UK and Ireland.

• Max: (Country: United States) - Released the film for streaming as a Max Original in some regions.

Information regarding distribution in all territories and on all platforms is not exhaustively available.

Release Date on Streaming

"La Cocina (2024)" was released on the streaming platform Max as a "Max Original." The specific date of its streaming release was not consistently available in the provided snippets.

Theatrical Release

"La Cocina (2024)" had its World Premiere in the Official Competition of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2024. It received a theatrical release in the United States on October 25, 2024, distributed by Willa, and in Mexico on November 7, 2024, distributed by Cinépolis Distribución. The film also had a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland starting March 28, 2025, distributed by Picturehouse Entertainment, and has been screened at numerous other international film festivals throughout 2024 and 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Visceral and Immersive Experience: The film excels at putting the viewer directly into the intense environment of a busy kitchen.

• Striking Visual Style: The black and white cinematography is visually stunning and contributes significantly to the film's mood and themes.

• Powerful Performances: The ensemble cast delivers compelling and authentic portrayals of the kitchen staff.

• Important and Timely Subject Matter: The film sheds light on the realities of immigrant workers and the service industry.

• Ambitious and Unique Filmmaking: Ruizpalacios' directorial approach is bold and formally interesting.

Why to Watch Movie

• For Fans of Intense Dramas: If you appreciate films that are high-energy and explore challenging human experiences.

• Interest in Films About Work and Labor: The movie offers a unique perspective on the demands and dynamics of a specific workplace.

• To See Acclaimed International Cinema: The film has been recognized at major festivals and nominated for prestigious awards.

• If You Enjoy Films with a Distinctive Visual Aesthetic: The black and white cinematography and immersive style are major draws.

What Movie Trend film is following

"La Cocina" aligns with the trend of films that explore the realities of the service industry and the lives of the people who work in it, building on the success of works like "The Bear" and "Boiling Point." It also fits within the trend of socially conscious cinema that addresses issues of immigration, labor rights, and inequality. The film's use of black and white cinematography in a contemporary setting is a stylistic trend that can lend a timeless or artistic quality. Additionally, it follows the trend of adapting stage plays for the screen, bringing theatrical narratives to a cinematic audience.

What Big Social Trend is following

The film directly engages with the significant social trend of increased awareness and discussion surrounding the lives and working conditions of immigrant populations, particularly those in essential service industries. It also taps into broader conversations about labor exploitation and the gap between the promise of the American dream and the reality faced by many. The film's portrayal of a diverse, multicultural workplace reflects the increasing globalization and the complex social dynamics within major urban centers.

Final Verdict

Alonso Ruizpalacios' "La Cocina (2024)" is an ambitious and often overwhelming, but ultimately powerful and significant film. It successfully adapts Arnold Wesker's play to a contemporary context, offering a visceral and unflinching look at the lives of immigrant workers in a bustling Manhattan kitchen. The film's chaotic energy, striking black and white cinematography, and committed ensemble cast create a truly immersive experience. While some viewers may find the relentless intensity and sprawling narrative challenging, "La Cocina" is a vital and timely piece of cinema that sheds light on the often-invisible workforce that sustains urban life. It's a film that is both formally impressive and socially relevant, cementing Ruizpalacios' place as a daring and important voice in contemporary cinema. Its recognition at major festivals and awards highlights its artistic merit and its ability to provoke thought and discussion about crucial social issues.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Don't Shy Away from Intense and Challenging Settings: Immersive and demanding environments can provide fertile ground for compelling drama.

• Utilize Cinematography to Enhance Theme and Mood: Visual style, like the black and white in "La Cocina," can be a powerful tool to elevate the narrative and create deeper meaning.

• Focus on Ensemble Performance: Stories about diverse groups of people can be made more authentic and impactful by investing in a strong and collaborative ensemble cast.

• Adapt Source Material Creatively: Finding new contexts and perspectives for existing stories can make them relevant and resonant for contemporary audiences.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Films That Explore Diverse Workplaces and Social Issues: Recognize the importance of bringing authentic portrayals of various industries and social realities to the screen.

• Champion Bold and Stylistically Distinctive Filmmaking: Encourage directors who are willing to take formal risks and develop unique cinematic languages.

• Invest in Films That Shed Light on Marginalized Communities: Support stories that provide visibility and humanize the experiences of often-overlooked populations, such as immigrant workers.

• Promote International Co-productions: Encourage collaborations between filmmakers and production companies from different countries to create richer and more diverse cinematic voices.