Here is a strangely exhausting movie, quaintly imagining the frenzied atmosphere of a New York restaurant kitchen as a microcosm of exploited migrant workers, full of macho shouting and self-conscious acting, with every speech a drama school audition piece.

The Mexican filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios has given us some terrific work in the past, such as his debut Güeros, his drama-thriller Museum, and his rather amazing docudrama A Cop Movie, but I couldn’t make friends with this strained and histrionic picture.

It is in English and Spanish, shot in black-and-white, but sometimes shifting to different colour filters, and inspired by The Kitchen, the 1957 stage play by Arnold Wesker.

Setting the Stage: The Grill in Times Square

La Cocina captures the frenetic energy of the lunch rush at The Grill, a bustling restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square.

Set against the backdrop of New York City’s vibrant culinary scene, The Grill serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by undocumented workers striving to achieve the elusive American Dream. The film delves into the complexities of labor, identity, and survival within the high-pressure environment of a busy restaurant kitchen.

Character Dynamics: Pedro, Julia, and Estela

Raúl Briones (who was an officer in A Cop Movie) plays Pedro, one of the chefs, a hot-tempered guy who has already had a brawl in the kitchen the previous night.

Anna Díaz plays Estela, a hometown friend who got her job there through Pedro, while Rooney Mara plays Julia, a waitress with whom Pedro is in love and whom he has got pregnant though she may not feel quite as strongly about him.

The intricate relationships among Pedro, Julia, and Estela highlight the personal and professional challenges faced by immigrant workers. Their interactions underscore themes of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of stability in an unstable environment.

Thematic Exploration: Labor, Exploitation, and the American Dream

Recent films such as L’Histoire de Souleymane, On Falling, and La Cocina focus on the invisible lives of migrants, capturing the hardships of exile and displacement by portraying their day-to-day struggles.

These works highlight the critical roles played by migrant laborers, like bike couriers, warehouse “pickers,” and kitchen staff, in maintaining urban structures while openly critiquing the political systems that perpetuate their marginalization.

Each story follows a repetitive structure focusing on a central protagonist, showcasing their laborious routines and culminating in confrontations with a privileged class, such as asylum and job interviews, emphasizing their precarious existence.

Directors often use tracking cameras to convey the characters’ isolation and the drudgery of their lives.

Films like L’Histoire de Souleymane and On Falling deliver starkly realist narratives, while La Cocina adds melodramatic flair and socially-charged interaction among characters.

The films attempt to make visible the struggles of migrant workers while prompting viewers to reflect on these pressing social issues.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

La Cocina is a phenomenal showcase for Briones, who gives one of the most mesmerizingly multi-faceted performances of the year.

Critics have praised the film for its intense portrayal of the restaurant industry’s underbelly and the personal struggles of its characters. The film’s raw depiction of the challenges faced by undocumented workers has resonated with audiences, sparking discussions about labor rights and immigration policies.

Conclusion: A Cinematic Reflection on Labor and Identity

La Cocina offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of undocumented workers in the restaurant industry. Through its dynamic storytelling and complex characterizations, the film invites viewers to reflect on broader societal issues related to labor, exploitation, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

What is ‘La Cocina’ about?

‘La Cocina’ is a drama directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios that delves into the lives of undocumented workers in a bustling New York City restaurant. The film portrays the challenges and aspirations of these individuals as they navigate the pressures of the restaurant industry and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Who are the main characters in ‘La cocina’?

The film features several key characters:

• Pedro (Raúl Briones): An undocumented cook who dreams of a better life and is in love with Julia.
• Julia (Rooney Mara): An American waitress who is romantically involved with Pedro but struggles with commitment.
• Estela (Anna Díaz): A hometown friend of Pedro who works alongside him in the restaurant.

What themes does ‘La Cocina’ explore?

‘La Cocina’ examines themes such as labor exploitation, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the complexities of immigrant life. It highlights the struggles of undocumented workers and critiques the capitalist systems that marginalize them.

How has ‘La cocina’ been received by critics?

The film has received generally favorable reviews. Critics have praised its intense portrayal of the restaurant industry’s underbelly and the personal struggles of its characters. For instance, RogerEbert.com described it as “a phenomenal showcase for Briones, who gives one of the most mesmerizingly multi-faceted performances of the year.” ([metacritic.com](https://www.metacritic.com/movie/la-cocina/?utm_source=openai))

Where can I watch ‘La Cocina’?

‘La Cocina’ is available for streaming in the United States on platforms such as Amazon, apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango. ([lacocinamovie.com](https://www.lacocinamovie.com/?utm_source=openai))