New Film 'La Cocina' Explores Immigration and the American Dream

Set in a New York restaurant, the film delves into cultural tensions and personal struggles amid a backdrop of high-pressure work environments.

'La Cocina' is directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and stars Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones, focusing on the lives of immigrant workers in a Times Square restaurant.
The film is based on Arnold Wesker's 1957 play 'The Kitchen' and highlights the contrasts between the front and back of house, and between different cultural backgrounds.
The storyline includes themes of immigration, the pursuit of the American Dream, and personal dilemmas such as abortion, set against the backdrop of a bustling kitchen.
Ruizpalacios drew from his own experiences working in restaurant kitchens, aiming to portray the complex lives of immigrants beyond stereotypes.
The film's release coincides with a U.S. presidential election, adding timely resonance to its exploration of immigration and cultural dynamics.