La cocina

La Cocina, directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and based on Arnold Wesker's 1957 play The Kitchen, delves into the gloomy, chaotic world of a Times Square restaurant kitchen. The film is a bold, intense and sometimes harrowing depiction of the lives of restaurant workers, particularly the immigrant experience in America. The film explores the complexity and intensity of this environment through a narrative full of tension, drama and raw human emotion.

The film begins with Estela, played by Anna Díaz, a young Mexican immigrant who arrives in New York, navigating the busy and unforgiving Manhattan landscape. Her journey takes her to the Grill, a fictional restaurant in Times Square, where she hopes to find work thanks to a connection with Pedro, played by Raúl Briones. These early scenes set the tone for the rest of the film, underscoring the struggle and determination that define Estela's character, even as she is thrown into a world she barely understands.

Ruizpalacios' choice to shoot the film in black and white lends it a timeless, almost surreal quality. Juan Pablo Ramírez's photography is both hypnotic and disorienting, effectively capturing the frenetic pace and claustrophobic atmosphere of the kitchen. The absence of color deprives the setting of any specific period, giving the film the feel of a universal story about the human condition, in particular the exploitation and hardships faced by undocumented immigrants.

The narrative shifts from one character to another in the restaurant, but it's Pedro who establishes himself as the central figure. Raúl Briones delivers a powerful performance, imbuing Pedro with a volatile mix of charm, arrogance and vulnerability. His interactions with Julia, played by Rooney Mara, are particularly intense, as their complicated relationship - marked by an unplanned pregnancy and the fact that Julia is considering abortion - adds a new layer of tension to an already chaotic environment.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with outstanding performances from Laura Gómez as a new employee struggling to cope with the demands of the job, and Lee Sellars as the tyrannical boss whose explosive temperament exacerbates an already high-pressure situation. The entire cast work together to create a lively, if sometimes overwhelming, portrayal of life in the kitchen, where personal and professional lives collide in a state of constant flux.

La Cocina doesn't shy away from depicting the darker aspects of the restaurant industry. The film is unflinchingly honest in its depiction of the exploitation, racism and sexism that permeate the workplace. The kitchen, a microcosm of society, becomes a battleground where the characters fight not only for their jobs, but also for their dignity and survival. The tension is palpable throughout the film, culminating in scenes that are both poignant and heartbreakingly realistic.

One of the film's most remarkable aspects is its ability to balance chaos with moments of quiet introspection. Despite the relentless pace and intensity, there are scenes where the characters pause, reflect and reveal their hopes, dreams and fears. These moments of calm offer a much-needed respite from the chaos, and allow the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

However, La Cocina is not without its faults. The film's length is undoubtedly excessive, and the relentless intensity can be exhausting for the viewer. It's also worth noting that the film's focus on Pedro's character, while convincing, can overshadow the experiences of other characters, particularly Estela, who fades into the background as the story progresses. In addition, the film's chaotic structure and frequent changes of focus may disorientate some viewers, preventing them from fully engaging with the narrative.

Despite these minor flaws, La Cocina is a bold and ambitious film that succeeds in capturing the complexity and intensity of life in a restaurant kitchen. It's a film that demands attention, both for its technical achievements and for its unflinching exploration of the human condition. Ruizpalacios has created a cinematic experience that is as captivating as it is challenging, making La Cocina a standout in the growing sub-genre of culinary dramas.

La Cocina is a film that takes a raw, unvarnished look at the lives of restaurant workers, particularly immigrants who are often invisible and unheard. It's a film that confronts the viewer with the harsh realities of the service industry, while celebrating the resilience and humanity of those who work there. Alonso Ruizpalacios' direction, combined with the excellent performances of the actors, makes La Cocina a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Whether you find it overwhelming or deeply moving, one thing is certain: La Cocina will leave a lasting impression.

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
Production companies :
Distributed by Originals Factory
Release date: NC
Running time: 139 minutes

Seen on September 13, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

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