The Kitchen is a 2019 American crime drama film written and directed by Andrea Berloff, making her directorial debut. The movie is based on the DC Vertigo comic book series of the same name by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss, and explores themes of female empowerment, crime, and loyalty in 1970s New York City. In this article, we will delve into the world of The Kitchen, examining its plot, characters, and the historical context that shapes the narrative.
Plot Overview
The Kitchen is set in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, in the late 1970s. The story follows three women, Kathy Brennan (Melissa McCarthy), Ruby O’Carroll (Tiffany Haddish), and Claire Walsh (Elisabeth Moss), who are married to Irish mobsters. When their husbands are arrested and sentenced to prison, the women are left to fend for themselves and their families. With no means of supporting themselves, they turn to a life of crime, taking over their husbands’ rackets and proving to be more effective and ruthless than their male counterparts.
As the women navigate the treacherous world of organized crime, they must confront their own personal demons and the societal expectations placed upon them. They face opposition from the male-dominated mob, as well as from the law, but they also discover a sense of freedom and empowerment in their new roles. Throughout the film, the women form strong bonds with each other, learning to rely on and trust one another in order to survive.
Character Analysis
The characters in The Kitchen are complex and multi-dimensional, with each woman bringing her own unique perspective and strengths to the table. Kathy, played by Melissa McCarthy, is the most reluctant of the three to enter a life of crime. She is a mother and a homemaker, and her primary concern is providing for her family. However, as she becomes more confident in her abilities, she proves to be a shrewd and capable businesswoman.
Ruby, played by Tiffany Haddish, is a more outspoken and confident character. She is a woman of color in a predominantly white world, and she faces additional challenges and prejudices as a result. Despite these obstacles, she is determined to succeed and to provide for her family. Her character adds an important layer of diversity to the film, highlighting the experiences of women of color in the 1970s.
Claire, played by Elisabeth Moss, is the most troubled of the three women. She is a victim of domestic abuse, and her husband’s arrest is a welcome relief. As she becomes more embroiled in the world of crime, she discovers a sense of liberation and empowerment. Her character serves as a commentary on the limited options available to women in the 1970s, as well as the ways in which women can find strength and support in each other.
Historical Context
The Kitchen is set in the late 1970s, a time of great social change and upheaval. The film touches on several historical events and cultural movements of the era, including the women’s liberation movement and the decline of the Irish mob. The movie also explores the experiences of women in the 1970s, including the limited job opportunities and the societal expectations placed upon them.
The film’s portrayal of the Irish mob is also noteworthy. The Irish mob was a powerful force in New York City in the 1970s, and the movie depicts the organization’s decline and fragmentation. The Kitchen also touches on the theme of loyalty, exploring the ways in which loyalty to family and community can be both a source of strength and a limitation.
Themes and Symbolism
The Kitchen explores several themes, including female empowerment, loyalty, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society. The film’s use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the narrative, with several objects and images taking on greater meaning as the story unfolds.
One of the most significant symbols in the film is the kitchen itself. The kitchen is a space traditionally associated with women, and it serves as a symbol of domesticity and nurturing. However, in the context of the film, the kitchen also represents a space of confinement and limitation. As the women become more embroiled in the world of crime, they begin to redefine the kitchen, using it as a space for planning and strategy.
The film also explores the theme of female friendship and solidarity. The bond between the three women is a source of strength and support, and it allows them to navigate the challenges of their new lives. The movie portrays a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty between the women, highlighting the ways in which women can support and empower each other.
Reception and Impact
The Kitchen received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s strong performances and others criticizing its predictable plot. Despite the mixed reception, the movie has had a significant impact on the cultural conversation surrounding female empowerment and crime dramas.
The film’s portrayal of strong, complex female characters has been particularly noteworthy. The movie’s exploration of themes such as domestic abuse, sexism, and racism has also sparked important conversations about the experiences of women in the 1970s and the challenges they faced.
In terms of its impact on the film industry, The Kitchen has helped to pave the way for more female-led crime dramas. The movie’s success has demonstrated that there is a market for films featuring strong, complex female characters, and it has inspired a new generation of filmmakers to explore similar themes and genres.
Conclusion
The Kitchen is a crime drama film that explores themes of female empowerment, loyalty, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society. The movie is set in 1970s New York City and follows the story of three women who turn to a life of crime after their husbands are arrested. With its strong performances, complex characters, and historical context, The Kitchen is a compelling and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with audiences.
The film’s use of symbolism and themes adds depth and complexity to the narrative, and its exploration of female friendship and solidarity is a powerful commentary on the importance of women supporting and empowering each other. While The Kitchen may have received mixed reviews from critics, its impact on the cultural conversation surrounding female empowerment and crime dramas cannot be overstated. As a work of fiction, The Kitchen offers a unique perspective on the experiences of women in the 1970s, and its portrayal of strong, complex female characters is a significant contribution to the film industry.
In order to further understand the movie, it is worth looking at the cast, which includes:
- Melissa McCarthy as Kathy Brennan
- Tiffany Haddish as Ruby O’Carroll
- Elisabeth Moss as Claire Walsh
Overall, The Kitchen is a gripping and engaging film that is sure to captivate audiences with its strong performances, complex characters, and historical context. With its thought-provoking themes and powerful commentary on female empowerment, The Kitchen is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and anyone interested in exploring the experiences of women in the 1970s.
What is the Kitchen Movie based on?
The Kitchen Movie is based on the DC Vertigo comic book series of the same name, written by Ollie Masters and illustrated by Ming Doyle. The comic book series was first published in 2014 and consists of eight issues. It is a crime drama that tells the story of three women, Kathy, Raven, and Angie, who are married to members of the Irish mob in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, in the 1970s. When their husbands are sent to prison, the women are forced to take over the family business and navigate the treacherous world of organized crime.
The comic book series explores themes of female empowerment, loyalty, and survival in a male-dominated world. The story is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the characters and their circumstances, as well as its exploration of the social and economic conditions of the time period. The Kitchen Movie brings this story to life, with a talented cast and crew working to adapt the comic book series into a feature film. The movie stays true to the spirit of the comic book series, while also offering a unique and compelling take on the material.
Who are the main characters in the Kitchen Movie?
The main characters in the Kitchen Movie are Kathy, Raven, and Angie, played by Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss, respectively. Kathy is the wife of Jimmy Brennan, a high-ranking member of the Irish mob, and is initially hesitant to take over the family business. Raven is the wife of Rob Walsh, a ruthless and violent mobster, and is eager to prove herself as a capable and formidable leader. Angie is the wife of Kevin O’Carroll, a charming but unreliable mobster, and is struggling to come to terms with her new role in the organization.
The three women are forced to work together to navigate the challenges of running a criminal organization, while also dealing with their own personal struggles and conflicts. Along the way, they must confront their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the societal expectations placed upon them as women in a male-dominated world. The movie features a talented supporting cast, including Domhnall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, and Margo Martindale, who add depth and complexity to the story. Through the characters and their relationships, the Kitchen Movie explores themes of female friendship, loyalty, and empowerment.
What is the setting of the Kitchen Movie?
The Kitchen Movie is set in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, in the 1970s. The movie takes place in a gritty and vibrant neighborhood, where the Irish mob holds significant power and influence. The story is deeply rooted in the time period, with the characters and their circumstances shaped by the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the era. The movie features a detailed and accurate portrayal of the neighborhood, with its narrow streets, rundown tenements, and bustling markets.
The setting of the Kitchen Movie plays a significant role in shaping the story and its characters. The neighborhood is a character in its own right, with its own unique culture and rhythm. The movie captures the sights, sounds, and smells of the neighborhood, from the smell of cooking food to the sound of jazz music drifting from the local bars. The setting also serves as a backdrop for the characters’ struggles and conflicts, as they navigate the challenges of running a criminal organization in a rapidly changing world. Through its portrayal of the setting, the Kitchen Movie offers a unique and compelling glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked period in American history.
What themes are explored in the Kitchen Movie?
The Kitchen Movie explores a range of themes, including female empowerment, loyalty, and survival in a male-dominated world. The movie follows the story of three women who are forced to take over the family business when their husbands are sent to prison, and must navigate the challenges of running a criminal organization. Along the way, they must confront their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the societal expectations placed upon them as women. The movie also explores themes of friendship and loyalty, as the three women work together to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
The Kitchen Movie also explores themes of social and economic justice, as the characters navigate the challenges of poverty, inequality, and discrimination. The movie is set in a time period marked by significant social and economic change, and the characters are shaped by the conditions of their world. The movie offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of the characters and their circumstances, and raises important questions about the nature of power, privilege, and oppression. Through its exploration of these themes, the Kitchen Movie offers a compelling and timely commentary on the human experience.
How does the Kitchen Movie adapt the comic book series?
The Kitchen Movie adapts the comic book series of the same name, written by Ollie Masters and illustrated by Ming Doyle. The movie stays true to the spirit of the comic book series, while also offering a unique and compelling take on the material. The movie’s script was written by Andrea Berloff, who worked closely with the comic book creators to ensure that the movie remained faithful to the original story. The movie features a talented cast and crew, who brought the characters and their world to life in a way that is both authentic and engaging.
The Kitchen Movie adapts the comic book series in a way that is both faithful and innovative. The movie takes the core elements of the story, including the characters and their relationships, and expands upon them in a way that is both consistent with the original material and freshly imagined. The movie also adds new elements to the story, including subplots and characters that are not present in the comic book series. Through its adaptation of the comic book series, the Kitchen Movie offers a compelling and engaging take on the material, one that will appeal to both fans of the comic book series and newcomers to the story.
What is the tone of the Kitchen Movie?
The Kitchen Movie has a gritty and intense tone, reflecting the harsh realities of the characters and their world. The movie is a crime drama, and it does not shy away from depicting the violence and brutality that is inherent in the world of organized crime. At the same time, the movie also has a strong sense of humor and wit, particularly in the interactions between the three main characters. The movie’s tone is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the nuances and contradictions of the characters and their circumstances.
The tone of the Kitchen Movie is also deeply rooted in the time period and setting of the story. The movie captures the gritty and vibrant atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s, with its narrow streets, rundown tenements, and bustling markets. The movie’s tone is also influenced by the social and economic conditions of the time period, including the poverty, inequality, and discrimination that are present in the characters’ world. Through its tone, the Kitchen Movie offers a compelling and immersive portrayal of the characters and their world, one that is both authentic and engaging.
What is the significance of the Kitchen Movie?
The Kitchen Movie is significant because it offers a unique and compelling take on the crime drama genre, one that is both gritty and intense, and also deeply rooted in the experiences of women. The movie is one of the few films in the genre that is centered on female characters, and it offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of their lives and circumstances. The movie is also significant because it explores themes of female empowerment, loyalty, and survival in a male-dominated world, and raises important questions about the nature of power, privilege, and oppression.
The Kitchen Movie is also significant because it reflects a growing trend in popular culture towards greater diversity and representation. The movie features a talented and diverse cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss, and it offers a compelling and engaging portrayal of women’s lives and experiences. The movie is also part of a larger cultural conversation about the role of women in society, and the ways in which they are represented and portrayed in media. Through its significance, the Kitchen Movie offers a timely and thought-provoking commentary on the human experience, one that will resonate with audiences and inspire important conversations and reflections.