Netflix has unveiled the main trailer and key art for its upcoming film THE KITCHEN, set to premiere on January 19, 2024. Directed by Academy Award winner Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares, and written by Kaluuya and Joe Murtagh, the film is a poignant exploration of life in a dystopian London.
A Glimpse into ‘THE KITCHEN’
THE KITCHEN presents a stark vision of London where the chasm between the affluent and the impoverished has reached its extreme. Amidst this backdrop, the film focuses on the last bastion of social housing known as The Kitchen. This resilient community stands firm against the tides of gentrification and displacement, symbolizing a struggle for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.
THE KITCHEN is produced by Daniel Kaluuya and Daniel Emmerson, marking a significant step in Kaluuya’s career as he expands his creative repertoire into directing and producing. The film promises to be a compelling addition to his already impressive body of work.
The Story of Izi and Benji
The narrative centers around two main characters: Izi, portrayed by Kane Robinson, a lone individual forced by circumstances to reside in The Kitchen, and Benji, played by Jedaiah Bannerman, a 12-year-old boy who has recently lost his mother. The film follows their journey as they attempt to navigate and build a connection within a system designed to work against them.
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Joining Robinson and Bannerman is a talented ensemble cast, including Hope Ikpoku Jr, football legend Ian Wright, BackRoad Gee, Cristale, Teija Kabs, and Demmy Ladipo. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to this gritty narrative.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
At its core, THE KITCHEN is a story about resilience in the face of adversity and the search for belonging. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply in today’s society, where issues of gentrification, social inequality, and the fight for community spaces are more relevant than ever.
With its powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes, THE KITCHEN is poised to be a significant film in Netflix’s lineup for 2024. It’s a film that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the realities of urban life and the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and connection.
THE KITCHEN releases exclusively on Netflix January 19, 2024.
About The Kitchen
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 19, 2024
DIRECTORS: Daniel Kaluuya & Kibwe Tavares
WRITERS: Daniel Kaluuya & Joe Murtagh
PRODUCERS: Daniel Kaluuya & Daniel Emmerson
CAST: Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Hope Ikpoku Jr, Ian Wright, BackRoad Gee, Cristale, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo
SYNOPSIS
In a dystopian London, the gap between rich and poor has been stretched to its limits. All forms of social housing have been eradicated and only The Kitchen remains. A community that refuses to move out of the place they call home. This is where we meet a solitary Izi, living here by necessity and desperately trying to find a way out, and a 12-year-old Benji, who has lost his mother and is searching for a family. We follow our unlikely pair as they struggle to forge a relationship in a system that is stacked against them.
How do you think THE KITCHEN will contribute to the conversation about gentrification and social housing? What are your expectations for Daniel Kaluuya’s directorial debut? Do you think it’s better when actors star in their directorial debuts? Share your thoughts and join our discussion on Discord!
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