Mexico/USA, 2024, Alonso Ruizpalacios
The kitchen as a war zone that cuts through the myth of the American Dream and the egalitarian promise of capitalism. It is the lunchtime rush at The Grill, a New York tourist trap that serves thousands of customers a day. Money has gone missing from the till and everyone back of house is suspect. The dehumanizing realities of the contemporary American workplace show their face when the grinding machine starts to break down. Ruizpalacios’ (Güeros, A Cop Movie) claustrophobic film was informed by the writer-director’s own experience as a dishwasher and waiter at a horrific theme cafe in London. Starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones. Saturday’s screening will be introduced by Immigration and Labor Historian, CWRU Associate Professor John H. Flores. Cleveland premiere. Some subtitles. 139 min.