The Kitchen (2023) is a film that shows the early potential of Daniel Kaluuya as a director. He infused this world with every fiber of what makes him one of the most unique people in the industry. Sadly, the issues lie with the screenplay that Kaluuya also co-wrote with Joe Murtagh. Because Benji already knew that Izi was his biological father, that’s where the film lost intrigue and ultimately fell apart. It was obvious that the final realization between them was the big moment towards the end, but the build-up was weak.
Many viewers also found the ending confusing, so hopefully we can shed some light on what happens in the movie’s final scenes, particularly how it relates to the relationship between Izi and Benji and the fate of the Kitchen community.
Do Benji and Izi reconcile?
There is a lot that happens in and around the city. Benji is completely detached from Izi after one argument between them and feels neglected. They go their separate ways while Izi prepares himself for fatherhood. Benji craves the attention he needs after losing his mother and goes for instant affection from people who want to use him to their advantage. He finds some rebels that he seeks shelter with only to make the wrong decisions time and time again. He sees that what they do in the city isn’t right and after going on one break-in with them, he understands how dangerous this lifestyle can be.
He learns to appreciate who Izi is and why it’s smarter to stay out of “The Kitchen” because of the constant raids that happen attempting to displace those in the community. When Benji almost gets taken in a raid, Izi goes to check on him and brings his mother’s plant to him. Even the time they spent apart made the plant grow, symbolizing how they’ve grown with each other as well. It’s a peace offering.
Are Benji and Izi related?
There was plenty of foreshadowing throughout the film, and it was very clear that Izi was afraid to even come to terms with the fact that he had a son. He had been working and saving for a long time to move to a more upscale and futuristic community where he wouldn’t have to deal with constant police raids.
As the film goes on Benji is put into very difficult situations, and he realizes that he needs Izi and it’s important for him to stay with him. After one of the larger raids in the city, Benji and Izi are in the same room when the police begin charging through their apartment complex. They both realize that they are father and son because Benji finally says it out loud, and Izi doesn’t dissuade him of the notion, instead asking him, simply, if he’d like him to be his father.
How does The Kitchen (2024) end?
In the final moments after that is said, a couple of raiders bang on Izi’s door and Izi puts his hand on Benji’s shoulder, showing that no matter what happens they will be together.
While it remains a little unclear precisely who is knocking on the door, the implication is that it is the police trying to evict the remainder of the tenants. However, it could be some of those incensed tenants themselves, calling back to how Izi had annoyed the community earlier in the film by taking too long in the shower.
What did you think of the ending of The Kitchen (2023)? Comment below.
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