The Kitchen (2024): Cast, Ratings & Ending
The Kitchen is a 2024 adventure thriller directed by Kibwe Tavares, starring Kano as Izi, Demmy Ladipo and Teija Kabs. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 47m (107 min)
- Director
- Kibwe Tavares
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- 59%
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Kitchen About?
The premise of The Kitchen without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In a fractured London, class divisions have created a desperate situation, with only The Kitchen offering refuge for those struggling to survive. Within this community, a young woman named Izi fights to escape poverty and find a better life, navigating a world defined by hardship and the unwavering hope of its residents.
The Kitchen Themes & Keywords
· 27 tags- dystopia
- motorcycle
- bicycle
- future
- exploration
- futuristic
- london england
- 2040s
- year 2040
- city
- kitchen
- resident
+15 more Show fewer
- 21st century
- dystopian sci fi
- son
- brutalism
- brutalist architecture
- concrete
- afrofuturism
- near future
- action scene
- graffiti
- opression
- political oppression
- riding a motorcycle
- street vendor
- urban setting
The Kitchen Cast & Characters
Kano leads the cast as Izi, with Demmy Ladipo as Jase and Teija Kabs as Ruby. Directed by Kibwe Tavares; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Kibwe Tavares
- Kano as Izi
- Demmy Ladipo as Jase
- Teija Kabs as Ruby
- Rasaq Kukoyi as Arinze
Also Starring in The Kitchen
· 16 more- Ian Wright Lord Kitchener
- Ewart James Walters Elderly Father
- Fiona Marr Amy
- Alan Asaad Oozie
- Jedaiah Bannerman Benji
- Hope Ikpoku Jnr Staples
- Henry Lawfull Cronik
- Reuben 'Trizzy' Nyamah Dirt
- BackRoad Gee Kamale
- Cristale Lianne
- Lesley-Anne Miller Daughter
- Arabella McMurray Grieving Daughter
- Bradley Wj Miller Grieving Father
- Raina Chakir Isabel
- Tiarnae Fearon-Spencer Gemma
- Olivia-Rose Colliard Angie
More from Kibwe Tavares
More films directed by Kibwe Tavares: Robot & Scarecrow, Ana and Jonah.
The Kitchen Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Kitchen 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
The Kitchen Echo Score Breakdown
The Kitchen manifests a visually compelling but narratively uneven experience. Its art direction and immersive cinematography garner consistent praise for establishing a dystopian world with striking design and thoughtful framing. Performances, particularly between the two leads, imbue the story with genuine emotional resonance despite underdeveloped secondary characters. Critics identify pacing and plot coherence issues stemming from ambitious world-building and multiple subplots. Although the film’s sensory strengths and thematic intentions stand out, its uneven focus tempers the overall impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, The Kitchen delivers striking production design and assured direction. Critics highlight the film’s ambitious world-building, with compelling action sequences and inventive set pieces. Cinematography is frequently described as immersive, supporting the dystopian setting with thoughtful framing. Editing occasionally feels measured to maintain mood but never hampers clarity. Overall, the film’s visual construction stands out as a consistent strength.
- Character & Emotion 68
When it comes to character and emotion, the leads exhibit nuanced performances that anchor the narrative. The chemistry between Robinson and Bannerman is praised for its warmth and sincerity, conveying depth in their cross-generational bond. However, supporting figures are noted as underdeveloped, limiting broader emotional engagement. Overall, character work offers strong core connections but uneven support.
- Story & Flow 55
In terms of story and flow, The Kitchen presents a compelling concept of gentrification in a dystopian context but struggles with coherence. Multiple subplots and complex world-building lead to pacing issues and occasional narrative tangents. Critics note a lack of focus on central themes, resulting in a somewhat disjointed progression. Ultimately, the storytelling feels uneven and overambitious.
- Sensory Experience 72
Regarding sensory experience, the film immerses viewers with a cohesive visual style and dynamic sound design. The soundtrack and effects punctuate action sequences effectively, enhancing tension and atmosphere. While some moments feel underutilized, the overall audio-visual integration supports the film’s futuristic milieu. In summary, sensory elements offer a vivid and engaging backdrop.
- Rewatch Factor 50
When considering rewatch factor, The Kitchen’s visual artistry and emotional moments provide appeal for subsequent viewings. Yet the uneven pacing and narrative complexity may deter repeat engagement. The project’s ambition and thematic resonance hold interest, but the film’s uneven focus and occasional lethargy reduce lasting replay value. Overall, the rewatch potential is modest.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 44%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
User score 5.4
See on Metacritic -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
22514 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Kitchen Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Kitchen from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the gritty underbelly of Hell’s Kitchen during 1978, three women find themselves ensnared in the treacherous world of the Irish mob through their marriages. Kathy Brennan (Demmy Ladipo) is married to Jimmy, a man striving to break free from the mob’s grip. In a different corner of this chaotic landscape, Ruby O’Carroll (Rasaq Kukoyi) is linked to Kevin, the favored son poised to inherit the mob’s empire. Lastly, Claire Walsh (Kano) endures a troubled relationship with Rob, whose abusive tendencies persist even from behind bars. Their fates take a dramatic turn when FBI Agents Silvers and Martinez apprehend their husbands during a robbery, leading to their incarceration.
Full summary
The whole story of The Kitchen, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Kitchen Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Kitchen.
How Well Do You Know The Kitchen?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year is 'The Kitchen' set?
Seen The Kitchen?
Movies Like The Kitchen
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Kitchen Stories, The Domestics and Kitchen.
The Kitchen FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Kitchen, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Kitchen?
The Kitchen runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).
When was The Kitchen released?
The Kitchen was released on January 19, 2024.
Who directed The Kitchen?
The Kitchen was directed by Kibwe Tavares.
More films by Kibwe Tavares Who is in the cast of The Kitchen?
The Kitchen stars Kano as Izi, Demmy Ladipo as Jase and Teija Kabs as Ruby, among 20 credited actors.
How is The Kitchen rated?
The Kitchen has 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Kitchen have a post-credit scene?
No. The Kitchen has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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