EnglishFestivals - FCAD 2024 : La Cocina Stirs Up Intensity in the Official Competition at Deauville
By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 13 september 2024
The 50th Deauville American Film Festival hosted a captivating and intense entry in its official competition this year with La Cocina, a new film from acclaimed Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios. Known for his previous works Güeros and Museum, Alonso Ruizpalacios once again delivers a film that blends social commentary with personal storytelling, this time set in the high-pressure world of a Manhattan kitchen.
Adapted from the 1957 play The Kitchen by Arnold Wesker, La Cocina explores the lives of immigrant workers striving for survival amidst the chaos of a busy New York restaurant. The film centers on Pedro, a rebellious cook who is desperate to prove his love to Julia, another staff member, while Estella, a recent arrival from Mexico, navigates the tumultuous and unforgiving environment. The film's high-energy setting, a frenetic kitchen during rush hour, mirrors the volatile relationships and personal struggles of the characters, making for a visceral viewing experience.
La Cocina uses the kitchen not just as a backdrop but as a metaphor for the broader struggles faced by immigrants in contemporary America. The narrative touches on themes of exploitation, the search for identity, and the pursuit of the American dream, all set against the backdrop of a kitchen where tension simmers at every corner.
Alonso Ruizpalacios brings together an impressive international cast, featuring Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Díaz, and Oded Fehr. The film, which is presented in both English and Spanish, was noted for its sharp social commentary and its unique fusion of dark humor with moments of emotional resonance. Its runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes gives the director enough space to weave an intricate web of personal stories, highlighting the everyday heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes in the service industry.
At Deauville, La Cocina made a powerful impact, earning the 50th Anniversary Barrière Prize, an honor that celebrates films that push boundaries and leave a lasting impression on the audience. Alonso Ruizpalacios attended the festival alongside actress Mosbah Soundos, giving audiences the opportunity to engage with the team after the screening. The film received praise for its raw portrayal of working-class struggles and its intricate cinematography, courtesy of Juan Pablo Ramírez, which captures the intensity of the kitchen and the emotions bubbling beneath the surface.
Overall, La Cocina stood out not only as a compelling cinematic experience but also as a poignant reflection on the lives of those often overlooked in society. With this film, Alonso Ruizpalacios once again proves his skill in crafting stories that resonate on both a personal and political level​.
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Synopsis:
It's rush hour in the kitchen of the Grill, a bustling Manhattan restaurant. When money disappears from the cash register, service gets out of hand. Pedro, a dreamy, rebellious cook, tries to prove his love to Julia, while Estella, a new recruit just arrived from Mexico, must navigate the chaos.
La Cocina
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios
Produced by Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann & Ivan Orlic
Written by Alonso Ruizpalacios
Starring Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Díaz, Motell Foste, Oded Fehr, James Waterson, Lee Sellars
Music: Tomás Barreiro
Director of photography: Juan Pablo Ramírez
Editing: Yibran Asuad
Distributed by Originals Factory
Release date: NC
Running time: 139 minutes
Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville