This week, I'm reviewing a hidden gem that has been lurking on my "recommended" swath of films from Netflix, The Kitchen (2012), which stars Laura Prepon (now of Orange is the New Black fame) and fine ensemble of actors who all help create a unique, originally crafted film that I very much enjoyed.

This unexpected cinematic joy centers around, you guessed it, a kitchen on the day of Prepon's 30th birthday. The movie takes place over the course of that single day but the viewpoint we take stands centered on the kitchen, never leaving this setting, while only peering out toward other rooms in the house. It's a neat way to shoot a movie and allows for us to see "private" conversations between characters about other characters, see people just passing through and there is just a feel like you're actually just hanging out in the kitchen all day, witnessing whatever happens to pass by. There is a kinetic feel as well that is well captured once the birthday party begins.

All the actors, while all unknown to me for the most part (I've seen Dreama Walker from Don't Trust the B**** in Apt. 23), all do a great job in their roles, showcasing three-dimensional characters, creating a cool group of people who are all hanging out for the day. This movie is great for the sole fact of it's originality. It's a simple story told in a unique fashion so I enjoyed it for this accomplishment; that it didn't try to do too much but seemed to do just enough.

Check out The Kitchen, streaming now on Netflix!

Come back next week for another great film to watch! Take care and thanks for stopping by!