From within the intense, sweltering back kitchen of a bustling Times Square restaurant, Pedro (Raúl Briones) is an undocumented migrant cook who must grapples with mounting pressures at work alongside a complicated romance with Julia (Rooney Mara), a waitress. When money vanishes from the kitchen, suspicion rapidly spreads among the staff, igniting simmering tensions that threaten to shatter their fragile hopes and dreams.

Shot in striking black-and-white, La Cocina unfolds over a single, pressure-cooker shift, masterfully capturing the frantic energy of a professional kitchen and the resilience of its often-overlooked workforce. A powerful and visually striking commentary on labour, dignity, and the pursuit of the American dream, the film offers a satisfying, full course meal.