Review: The Kitchen

Release date: August 9, 2019

Running time: 111 minutes

Starring:  Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss 

The Kitchen, directed by Andrea Berloff and based on the DC Comics Vertigo series, is a new film that follows three women in New York that take over an organized crime syndicate.  Set in Hell’s Kitchen, Kathy Brennan (Melissa McCarthy), Ruby O'Carroll (Tiffany Haddish), and Claire Walsh (Elisabeth Moss struggle to survive after their husbands are locked up. The film chronicles the challenges that they face and what they do in order to take over Hell’s Kitchen. The three ladies all have different backgrounds and they realize early on that they are better off working together and taking advantage of their strengths.

The first thing you’ll notice when watching this movie is that while most gang films set in this time—such as American Gangster—focus on the drug dealing business, this film focuses on the protagonists’ protection of their neighborhood. The next thing you’ll notice is the acting; although McCarthy and Haddish are known for their comedic roles, these two along with Moss completely embrace their serious personas.  However, despite the generally serious tone of the movie, there is still room for these characters to have the occasional comedic moment.  The supporting cast is also very enjoyable, especially Domhnall Gleeson.  The story also has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.  And the soundtrack really helps to emphasize the scenes and tone of the film; it is something you won’t really notice unless you pay attention to it!  

The one thing I didn’t love about this movie is that it felt too similar to last year’s Widows. Like Widows, this movie has female leads with strong acting and interesting roles.  And like Widows it is interesting to see female leads dealing with the issues of the criminal underworld.  

The Kitchen turns up the heat with a strong cast, plenty of twists and turns, and a soundtrack that sets the mood.  If you can’t handle the heat, get out of these ladies way!

Watch it.