The Kitchen ending explained: Who actually is Benji’s father?

If you just emerged emotionally battered from the intense rollercoaster that is The Kitchen, directed by the Oscar-, BAFTA-, and Golden Globe–winning actor Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) alongside co-director Kibwe Tavares (Jonah), you’re not alone. This dystopian tale of London, where social housing is a rare commodity and the resilient community of The Kitchen battles eviction, is a wild ride of emotions, akin to an assault on the senses.

So, who actually is Benji’s father?

Izi (Kane Robinson), a lone wolf in The Kitchen, stumbles upon Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), a 12-year-old on a quest for connection after his mother’s demise. The plot thickens as they navigate through police raids, community tensions, and the aftermath of Lord Kitchener’s demise, adding layers of complexity to their lives. Staples, the revenge-thirsty gang leader, throws fuel on the fire, leading to a dramatic break-in at a swanky apartment block. Uncomfortable with the brutality, Benji breaks away from the gang, seeking solace in his mother’s abandoned home in pursuit of his estranged father.

As the story unfolds, Izi undergoes a transformation, finding Benji and facing the intricate web of fatherhood complexities. Benji, in his quest for paternal connection, drops the bombshell: “Are you my dad?” Izi, teary-eyed, nods in affirmation, leaving the door open for Benji to decide if he wants him as his father. The film climaxes with uncertainty as the police intensify their raid, leaving Izi and Benji’s fate hanging by a thread. The final scene captures a moment of acceptance and connection, but the looming danger injects suspense into the mix.

In a post-movie interview with NME, co-director Kibwe Tavares tantalizingly teased the potential for a TV series continuation, acknowledging the rich array of characters introduced. Despite the intense journey, both directors express pride in the film and emphasize the desire to revel in its completion. Daniel Kaluuya, dropping hints like breadcrumbs, hinted at future collaborations, saying, “We’ve learned quite a lot from each other. I know a lot about VFX and architectural render now. Kibwe’s learned a lot about working with actors and how to craft a story. So yeah, let me see what we got next.” Get ready for more thrilling adventures from this dynamic directorial duo!

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Featured image credit via Netflix