The Kitchen: Netflix's New Sci-Fi Movie Has Viewers Divided Over One Thing

Contains spoilers for "The Kitchen"

There's a new science-fiction film getting people talking on Netflix, just not always for the best reasons. "The Kitchen," from directors Kibwe Tavares and Academy Award winner Daniel Kaluuya, takes place in a dystopian future where the gap between the rich and poor is ever wider. Many have been confined to an area known as the Kitchen, where resources are scarce, but Izi (Kane Robinson) has a chance to finally make a better life for himself in a more desirable part of London. However, things get complicated when he starts looking after a young boy, Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), whose mother recently died. 

It has all the makings of a solid drama with a lot to say about current socioeconomic issues, and viewers seem to enjoy it, even if they're divided on how the movie ends. For some, like @axqin_ on X (formerly known as Twitter), the finale left something to be desired: "[Not going to lie], 'The Kitchen' on Netflix was the most pointless film ever how did it just end like that." Plenty of people, including @dareusdapri, enjoy the movie for the most part until that conclusion. "'The Kitchen' on [N]etflix was good," they wrote. "Kinda wish there was more to the ending, but still good nonetheless."

The abrupt ending may have rubbed some the wrong way. Others chose to find meaning in the seemingly meaningless, like @kembxo, who wrote, "Proper intelligent piece, thoroughly enjoyed although the ending was not satisfying, [I] guess it plays on the theme of hopelessness." The ending of "The Kitchen" comes down to how one sees it. But what really occurs in those final moments?

With a better living situation around the corner, Izi becomes separated from his neighbors' suffering in "The Kitchen." This includes turning his back on Benji. However, he recognizes the error of his ways and goes back, but this coincides with police raids stomping out the last remnants of rebellion. Izi and Benji are trapped in the former's apartment while police bang against the door. It seems bleak, but there's a sliver of optimism as Benji asks if Izi was his true father all along. While Izi doesn't definitively respond, he does seem to nod. The screen cuts to black just as the police break down the door. 

It's easy to see why some viewers felt unsatisfied with the ending of "The Kitchen." It leaves many questions unanswered, including the ultimate fate of the two main characters. However, that was the filmmakers' intention, showing how there are no easy answers to issues of economic disparity. While many criticized the film's conclusion, some took it for what it was. X user @meshisland still loves the movie: "'The Kitchen' was beautiful and heartbreaking. The ambiguous ending, with the approaching fear, makes it even harder. [W]hile [I]'d like to imagine they aren't separated, the reality is authority works hard to tear communities apart. [I]'d like to imagine they'd find each other again."

Love it or hate it, "The Kitchen" has gotten people talking. And if you need something else to watch following the abrupt finale, you can get started on "Top Boy" on Netflix, which also stars Kane Robinson.