The Kitchen on Netflix: Critics and fans in agreement as 'class' Ian Wright makes acting debut
20.01.2024 - 16:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former footballer Ian Wright has been praised by fans and critics alike for his performance in new Netflix film The Kitchen.
The ex-Crystal Palace and Arsenal forward, 60, made his acting debut as a pirate radio station DJ called Lord Kitchener. The new release, which stars Top Boy's Kane Robinson, dropped on Friday January 19.
Set in a dystopian, near-future London, The Kitchen follows the city's poorest dwellers as they attempt to escape temporary accommodation. In Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya's directorial debut, social housing no longer exists and instead residents of the Kitchen - their last-hope shelter - are subject to brutal police raids and violence.
Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go.
Robinson - who starred as Sully in Top Boy and is also pioneering grime artist Kano - is Izi, a Kitchen local making moves to get out and into a swanky capital apartment. But that all changes when, while working at his funeral home job, he meets teenager Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman).
The heartbroken youngster is grieving following his mother's death - who also happened to be Izi's ex-girlfriend. This encourages Izi to take Benji under his wing.
Lord Kitchener, meanwhile, provides entertainment, insight and updates to the Kitchen residents - and critics have gone on to praise TV pundit Wright for his portrayal. Lou Thomas of Empire writes: "Most surprisingly, former footballer Ian Wright excels as estate DJ Lord Kitchener... If Kaluuya and Tavares continue their directorial careers making choices as inspired as Wright’s casting, acclaim will soon follow."
Meanwhile NME's Holly Geraghty describes Wright's role as one of a few 'pockets of joy' in the film, writing: "... The broadcasts of an