the kitchen netflix review: An In-Depth Look at the Kitchen on Netflix

Netflix’s “The Kitchen” (2024) is a dystopian British drama set in a near-future London where affordable housing is nearly extinct. Directed by Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares, the film stars Kane Robinson (Kano) as Izi, a solitary man planning his escape from "the Kitchen"—the city’s last remaining social housing estate—while encountering Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), a 12-year-old orphan searching for belonging. The visual setting is gritty and immersive, immediately drawing viewers into the struggles and vibrancy of this marginalized urban community. Narratively, "The Kitchen" is both tender and bleak. The film trades high-octane action for moments of quiet resilience, exploring themes of community, resistance, and chosen family. Robinson’s performance is understated but compelling, and Bannerman is a standout, bringing raw vulnerability to his role. Cinematography deliberately accentuates close-quarters tension yet finds beauty in solidarity—a testament to thoughtful production design and art direction. As a designer, I was particularly struck by the communal spaces and how environments shape daily life and relationships. The set perfectly contrasts oppressive institutional elements with creative communal interventions, such as murals, makeshift kitchens, and lived-in warmth that makes the story’s message tangible. For anyone inspired to reflect these communal yet resilient aesthetics in their home, tools like kitchen layout planners can help reimagine shared spaces with both practicality and personality in mind.

Tips 1:

If “The Kitchen” inspires you, consider how spatial design promotes connection in your own home. Multi-functional islands or open shelving, for example, not only maximize efficiency but also foster conversation and togetherness—values the film holds dear.

FAQ

Q: What is "The Kitchen" on Netflix about?

A: It's a dystopian drama set in future London, focused on a community fighting for survival in the city’s last public housing estate. Q: Who stars in "The Kitchen"?

A: Kane Robinson (Kano), Jedaiah Bannerman, and Hope Ikpoku Jr. are standout cast members. Q: Who directed Netflix’s "The Kitchen"?

A: Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares co-directed the film. Q: How is the design and setting important in "The Kitchen"?

A: The urban setting powerfully reflects the characters’ struggles and underscores themes of community, resilience, and hope through careful set and production design. Q: Can I incorporate communal design concepts from the film at home?

A: Yes—using shared kitchen islands, open-plan layouts, and creative decorative touches inspired by the film can strengthen connection and warmth in your home environment.