The Kitchen

How frustrating was this! It had potential but it couldn't decide what it was. If you want to produce a character led drama, then invest in your script and your actors. It ain't no ''Children of Men'.

It didn't move me, nor excite me with anything. It just kept teasing me with what could have been. The characters were obvious and lack less, but that's not saying the performances weren't adequate. If only they were given more to work with.

It's a shame as Channel 4 has given us, over the years, some amazing films but I'm afraid, this lacked the grittiness of past productions. Nice idea, shame about the script and direction.

I had a very different idea about the film after watching the trailer. But it didn't disappoint and in a way depicts today's London even though it's supposed to be dystopian as I agree with most of the comments.

However most people don't really understand the metaphorical depiction that actually people are classified, alienated, pushed out of their homes and zones and left in poverty by the system.

I know stories of people and I can also relate to the housing problems and neighbourhoods that are neglected and crime becomes increasingly apparent. Not as much as they describe in the film but pretty soon all this and much more can become the truth.

Not just people of colour but more diverse and low income groups are all in the same boat.

This isn't a real reflection of London now but still explains the system and what may come to pass if things aren't improved and more humane.

It is difficult to describe just how bad a movie can be...this one in particular is pretty bad...

In a strange attempt to port US racial issues to the UK it fails on almost every count. Poor direction, poor script and very bad acting...all of which might be over-looked if the end film was engaging at all...it isn't. It almost feels like watching a trailer for an hour and a half.

It isn't the worst film I've ever seen. Just what you expect from a modern movie...Boring plot. Boring characters etc.

I give it 5 out of 10 because there is some production value...totally wasted but it is there nonetheless.

The Kitchen is a black ghetto in a dystopian near-future London. Izi works in a futurist funeral home where the dead are turned into plant food. Each family is given a plant which will be used in reforesting. Benji is a 12 year old saying goodbye to his mother. Izi recognizes her and stops to attend the funeral. With no family left, Benji believes that Izi is his long absent father, but Izi insists that he's not.

This sets up an interesting world and an interesting budding relationship. It does leave me a little cold. It's a bit too slow. I want the plot to do more. It's a debut indie for many involved. I see potential in these actors and filmmakers.

The Kitchen portrays a destitute community grappling with eviction and poverty, with the protagonist, Izi, employed at a funeral home. It is here that he encounters Benji and takes him under his wing. Izi's aspiration is to transcend the challenges of the Kitchen and secure a more promising dwelling, and the film delves into the evolving dynamics of Izi and Benji's relationship.

Despite its dystopian backdrop, the movie's futuristic elements predominantly influence its visual aesthetics rather than substantively shaping the narrative. Without these futuristic elements, it could easily have been an episode on Top Boy.

Throughout the film, the lack of a cohesive direction leaves viewers disconnected from the characters. The conclusion, in particular, proves to be notably unsatisfying, offering little resolution to pivotal events that transpired earlier.

Jedaiah Bannerman's portrayal of Benji suffers from lackluster acting, exacerbated by dialogue that comes across as uninspired. In contrast, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, in the role of Staples, stands out as the one actor who excels within the constraints of limited screen time.

Regrettably, the film falls short of expectations, and it is hoped that both the director and the writers can refine their storytelling skills to deliver a more engaging cinematic experience in the future.