The Kitchen: Is It Connected to Black Mirror?
Exploring the connection between The Kitchen and Black Mirror, two sci-fi dystopian stories that share similarities and differences. Learn about the themes, characters, and technology that intertwine these two narratives.
Introduction
The Kitchen, the latest sci-fi dystopian story to hit Netflix, has sparked curiosity among viewers. With its dystopian setting and technological nightmares, it has raised questions about its connection to the popular series Black Mirror. Created by Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror has been known for its portrayal of separate dystopian storylines, each delving into societal issues and technology. However, is The Kitchen connected to Black Mirror? In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between the two, exploring the themes, characters, and technology that intertwine these narratives.
Exploring the Themes
The Kitchen presents a dystopian future London where social housing has been eliminated, focusing on the struggle of residents in a community known as The Kitchen. Similarly, Black Mirror has delved into themes of social housing, community, and technology, portraying a range of dystopian scenarios. One episode, in particular, bears resemblance to The Kitchen—Season 1's Fifteen Million Merits, which features The Kitchen co-director Daniel Kaluuya. Both storylines share similarities in their portrayal of housing surroundings, the use of high-tech systems, and the influence of social technology. These parallels raise intriguing questions about the connection between The Kitchen and Black Mirror.
Character Parallels and Technological Narratives
The characters and technological narratives in The Kitchen and Black Mirror further emphasize their similarities. The protagonist of The Kitchen, Izi, finds access to The Kitchen radio in his original flat, echoing the way Bing in Fifteen Million Merits accesses his credits through an intricate and high-tech mirror system. Both narratives unfold within seemingly never-ending and dangerous building blocks, where a heavy marshaled presence leads to violent outbursts. The exploration of pioneering social technology in Black Mirror aligns with The Kitchen's focus on new forms of funeral care and housing, creating an intriguing parallel between the two narratives. These character parallels and technological narratives shed light on the thematic connection between The Kitchen and Black Mirror.
