The Kitchen: Netflix’s London-set cyberpunk film (trailer).

In the world of British cinema, where tea and crumpets often make way for gritty urban dramas and a good old fashioned dose of dystopia, The Kitchen emerges as the latest entrant. This 2023 sci-fi drama, directed by the dynamic duo Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya, stirs the pot in more ways than one. Set in a future London where social housing has gone the way of the dodo, the film introduces us to Izi (played by Kane Robinson) and Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), residents of The Kitchen – a community as stubborn about leaving their home as a cat on a comfy sofa.

But The Kitchen isn’t your typical dystopian flick. Oh no, it’s got all the drama of EastEnders and the edge of a Black Mirror episode, served with a side of cheeky British humor. Think of it as a cup of strong English tea but with a shot of espresso.

The film had its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival, where it undoubtedly caused a stir, much like when you find out your favorite biscuit has been discontinued. Set for a grand Netflix release on January 12, 2024, The Kitchen is all geared up to become the talk of the town, or at least the talk of anyone who’s ever had to share a flat in London.

What makes The Kitchen particularly appetizing is its vibrant cast. Alongside Robinson and Bannerman, we have Hope Ikpoku Jr, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo as Jase (because what’s a dystopian drama without a cool character named Jase?), Cristale, and BackRoad Gee. The ensemble cast is as diverse as a London tube carriage during rush hour.

The film’s journey began in 2014, in the most British way possible – a conversation in a barbershop. Fast forward through a stint at Sundance’s Screenwriting and Directing Lab, and voilà, you’ve got yourself a feature-length directorial debut for Tavares and Kaluuya.

Shot entirely on location in London (because where else do you capture the true essence of a dystopian British drama?) and a bit in Paris (because why not add a dash of continental flair?), The Kitchen promises to be a visually stunning affair.

The storyline is as gripping as a British tabloid headline. Izi and Benji, our heroes, navigate a world where their home, The Kitchen, is the last bastion of community spirit in a city that’s forgotten the meaning of the word ‘neighbor’. The film explores themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the unyielding human spirit – all wrapped up in a cinematic package as enticing as a full English breakfast on a Sunday morning.

So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare your coziest spot on the couch. The Kitchen is ready to serve up a hearty helping of drama, sci-fi thrills, and a dash of British charm. Just don’t expect any aliens or laser guns in this sci-fi – it’s all about the human spirit, with maybe a flying saucer or two (the kind you serve tea on, of course).