The Kitchen Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three mob wives learn that doing crimes is more profitable than baking cookies and start a hostile takeover of Hell’s Kitchen’s underworld while navigating 1970s fashion trends.

🍿 The Kitchen: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Scene: 1978 Hell’s Kitchen

The film opens in 1978 in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, introducing Kathy, Ruby, and Claire, wives of Irish mobsters. The area is depicted as gritty and controlled by the mob, setting the stage for a power shift. Their lives are defined by their husbands’ criminal activities.

Husbands Arrested, Power Vacuum Created

When their husbands are arrested by the FBI, Kathy, Ruby, and Claire are left with minimal financial support and little respect from the remaining mob members. Seeing an opportunity, they decide to take matters into their own hands and start running the protection rackets themselves. This is the turning point where they begin their ascent into the criminal underworld.

Rising Through the Ranks, Facing Opposition

The women quickly prove to be more efficient and ruthless than their male counterparts. They gain the loyalty of the community by providing better services and protection. However, their success draws the attention of rival gangs and the Italian mafia, leading to escalating conflicts and violence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kathy Brennan (Melissa McCarthy): A mother of two who takes charge of her husband’s mob business to provide for her family, evolving into a ruthless leader.
• Ruby O’Carroll (Tiffany Haddish): A determined woman who seizes the opportunity to rise in power within the criminal underworld, orchestrating events to her advantage.
• Claire Walsh (Elisabeth Moss): A timid and abused wife who discovers her inner strength and becomes increasingly involved in the violent aspects of the mob.
• Gabriel O’Malley (Domhnall Gleeson): A former Irish mob enforcer and war veteran who helps the women and becomes Claire’s lover and protector.
• Alfonso Coretti (Bill Camp): The head of the Italian mafia in Brooklyn who initially clashes with the women but eventually forms an uneasy alliance.
• Jimmy Brennan (Brian d’Arcy James): Kathy’s reluctant husband who is imprisoned and struggles to adapt to his wife’s growing power in the criminal world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kathy Brennan: “I’m done asking nicely.” – Kathy declares a shift in her approach, signaling a move towards taking control through force and intimidation.
• Ruby O’Carroll: “We’re taking care of business now.” – Ruby asserts their newfound power and responsibility as they begin to run the criminal operations.
• Claire Walsh: “We’re not wives anymore. We’re something else.” – Claire highlights the transformative shift in their identities from being wives to independent, empowered women in the criminal underworld.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,180,032
• Worldwide Gross: $15,980,032

💥 The Kitchen Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘The Kitchen’ expecting a fun, female-led gangster flick, but it ended up being a mixed bag. Elisabeth Moss was incredible, and her transformation was the best part, but the plot felt rushed, and the ending was abrupt. The 70s setting was cool, but the movie didn’t quite live up to its potential. I think some moments made me wonder what could have been with better storytelling. Ultimately, I still felt entertained but wished there were more clarity.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster movies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of female empowerment”
  • “Those who appreciate films set in the 1970s”
  • “Fans of Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief depictions of sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While ‘The Kitchen’ boasts a strong premise and talented cast, it ultimately falters due to its uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. The film hints at deeper themes of female empowerment but often gets lost in generic crime tropes.
• RogerEbert.com: “Andrea Berloff’s directorial debut showcases flashes of brilliance, particularly in Elisabeth Moss’ performance. However, the film’s attempts to balance gritty realism with comic-book stylization often feel disjointed, preventing it from fully realizing its potential.
• Variety: “‘The Kitchen’ is a competently made but ultimately forgettable crime drama. The leads deliver solid performances, but the script lacks the depth and nuance to make a lasting impact. Its attempts to echo classic mob films fall short.

Audience Reactions

Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a timid wife turned ruthless killer was a standout.: Viewers generally enjoyed the performances of the lead actresses, especially Elisabeth Moss’s character development.

Many found the 1970s setting and soundtrack to be atmospheric and enjoyable.: Fans appreciated the retro vibe, including the costumes, cars, and music.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Kitchen’ receives mixed reviews, with praise for the cast performances but criticism for the uneven plot and pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book series of the same name, written by Ollie Masters and illustrated by Ming Doyle.”
• “Andrea Berloff, known for her screenwriting work on ‘Straight Outta Compton,’ made her directorial debut with ‘The Kitchen’.”
• “While set in Hell’s Kitchen in 1978, the movie was primarily filmed in various locations throughout New York City, aiming for authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Kitchen?

The Kitchen (2019) is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it can be rented or purchased. Check local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Kitchen, you might like these similar films:

• Widows (2018): Features women taking over the criminal operations after their husbands are killed, showcasing similar themes of female empowerment and crime.
• Set It Off (1996): A group of women resort to crime to escape their difficult circumstances, highlighting similar themes of desperation and female solidarity.
• Queenpins (2021): Comedy about women who start an illegal coupon business, involves crime and female lead characters. A good alternative.

🛒 The Kitchen Related Products

• The Kitchen (Vertigo): Collect the original comic book miniseries that inspired the movie. Experience the raw, gritty story and unique artwork that brought ‘The Kitchen’ to life. A must-have for any fan of the film or crime comics.
• 1970s Fashion Costume Set: Capture the essence of 1970s New York with this stylish costume set. Inspired by the outfits worn in ‘The Kitchen,’ it includes a vintage-style dress, platform shoes, and era-appropriate accessories. Perfect for cosplay or themed parties.
• Mob City: The Board Game: Take control of your own criminal empire in this strategic board game. Inspired by ‘The Kitchen’ and other classic mob stories, players must manage resources, form alliances, and outwit rivals to dominate the city’s underworld. Includes detailed miniatures and immersive gameplay.
• Hell’s Kitchen, 1978: A Photo Collection: Explore a curated collection of photographs capturing the gritty reality of Hell’s Kitchen in 1978. Includes images of street scenes, landmarks, and everyday life, offering a glimpse into the world depicted in ‘The Kitchen’.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Kitchen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” – performed by Etta James
• “Street Life” – performed by The Crusaders
• “Got To Give It Up” – performed by Marvin Gaye

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Great Indian kitchen Movie Analysis!

Ever wondered what’s *really* going on in ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’? This analysis breaks down the film’s powerful themes, and honestly, you’ll see the movie in a whole new light after watching this.

✨ Rate