La Cocina by Alonso Ruizpalacios at TIFF Lightbox

La Cocina by Alonso Ruizpalacios

Playing December 7 & 12, 2024
TIFF Lightbox, Toronto
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Director/Writer: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Starring: Rooney Mara, Raúl Briones, Anna Díaz

In theaters December 7th & 12th, La Cocina is the critically acclaimed new film from award-winning director Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros, A Cop Movie). The film premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival where it was nominated for the highest prize, the Golden Bear Award. It has also won numerous awards including the Grand Prize at the Heartland International Film Festival. Adapted from Arnold Wesker’s play The Kitchen the film is a gripping drama of the modern restaurant world, with Deadline describing it as “The Bear on Steroids.”

Set in the bustling Times Square kitchen of The Grill, La Cocina follows the intertwined lives of its staff, who are each juggling personal dreams and struggles. At the center of the story is Pedro (Raúl Briones), an undocumented yet charismatic and talented chef whose dreams of a better future are put in jeopardy when he comes under suspicion for a theft from the restaurant register. Simultaneously, Julia (Rooney Mara), a waitress and Pedro’s secret lover, faces a personal crossroads that could change everything. Meeting characters like the stressed manager Rashid (Oded Fehr), who is trying to maintain order and Estela (Anna Díaz), a rookie server trying to prove herself in the chaotic environment, only add to the increasing pressure in the restaurant. As suspicions and tensions rise, the film vividly captures the relentless, demanding life in a kitchen and the intense emotions, conflicts, and aspirations that fuel its characters through every twist and turn.

La Cocina has received glowing reviews and praise, emphasizing its artistic depth and compelling drama, with The Hollywood Reporter describing the cinematography as “mesmerizing” and the film as a “gripping reflection” of the restaurant industry.

La Cocina will be playing at TIFF Lightbox December 7th and 12th.
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TIFF Lightbox
350 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3X5