Mubi has announced that it has acquired the exclusive U.S. streaming rights for the drama “la cocina,” directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and starring Rooney Mara. The film will be available to stream in the U.S. starting May 2. Mara plays opposite Raul Briones in this intense black and white drama that takes place in a Times Square kitchen. According to Variety, the film is a “chaotic symphony of nearly two dozen characters” that combines biting social critique with stylistic bravura. The drama is based on the seminal 1957 play “The Kitchen” by Arnold Wesker and explores the struggles of a staff of mostly immigrant workers in a hectic kitchen environment. The film premiered at the 2024 Berlinale, where it received critical acclaim, and was nominated for best director and best cinematography at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. It was shot on location in New York City and at the Estudios Churubusco in Ruizpalacios’ native Mexico City. “We are thrilled that ‘La Cocina’ has found its streaming home at Mubi, a platform that champions bold, visionary filmmaking and auteurs like Alonso,” said Elizabeth Woodward, founder and CEO of Willa, the film’s U.S. distributor. “Mubi’s commitment to showcasing innovative and daring films is a perfect match for our film’s unique blend of social commentary and visual style.”
“La Cocina” has received widespread critical acclaim, including the Barrière Prize at the 2024 Deauville film festival, best film, cinematography, editing, and sound at the 2024 Havana Film Festival, and several Diosas de Plata awards in Mexico. The film has also been an official selection at several international film festivals, including the 2024 Tribeca Festival and the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. The film is currently available to rent and buy on TVOD platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon. Its international theatrical and streaming rollout continues across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, with HanWay handling international sales. Ruizpalacios has directed several notable projects, including three episodes of Disney’s “Andor” and the forthcoming film “Mistura,” which is set in Lima, Peru. The film is a co-production of Filmadora and several production companies, including Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures.
“We are excited to share ‘La Cocina’ with Mubi’s audience in the U.S.,” said Ramiro Ruiz, producer of the film. “This film is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and the struggles of those who work in the service industry. We believe that Mubi’s commitment to showcasing bold and innovative films is a perfect match for our film’s unique message and style.”
- Key Cast and Crew:
- Rooney Mara as Sarah/“The Boss”
- Raul Briones as Luis
- Alonso Ruizpalacios as Director
- Gerardo Gatica as Producer
- Awards and Nominations:
- Barrière Prize at the 2024 Deauville Film Festival
- Best film, cinematography, editing, and sound at the 2024 Havana Film Festival
- Several Diosas de Plata awards in Mexico
| Production Details: | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Production Companies: | Filmadora, Panorama, Fifth Season, Astrakan Film AB, and Seine Pictures |
| Location: | New York City and Estudios Churubusco, Mexico City |
| Release Format: | Streaming exclusively in the U.S. |
La Cocina is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores the struggles of immigrant workers in a chaotic kitchen environment. With its unique blend of social commentary and visual style, the film is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.