‘La Cocina’ Explores the Struggles of Immigrant Workers in a New York Kitchen

Alonso Ruizpalacios’ black-and-white drama delves into the harsh realities of undocumented laborers through the lens of a bustling restaurant.

La Cocina, directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, adapts Arnold Wesker's 1950s play 'The Kitchen' into a modern-day New York setting.
The film focuses on the lives of undocumented immigrants working under grueling conditions in a restaurant called 'The Grill.'
Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones star as key characters navigating personal and professional challenges in the high-pressure environment.
Shot in a pseudo-documentary style and mostly in black-and-white, the film offers a gritty portrayal of systemic exploitation.
Premiered at the Berlinale 2024, the movie balances moments of human connection with broader reflections on the American Dream.