On the bottom of the down slope of his career, a washed-up stand-up comic will fight for one more chance to go on stage and end his comedy career on his terms.

SYNOPSIS:

Through the Kitchen is The Wrestler meets Crashing, a raw and compelling look at a stand-up comedian's desperate bid for relevance in a world that’s passed him by. It’s a gritty, laugh-out-loud exploration of failure, redemption, and the healing power of humor.

In Through the Kitchen, Jerry Quinn, a washed-up stand-up comic with a sharp wit and a darker streak, struggles to find relevance in a comedy world that’s left him behind. Once a rising star with a shot at fame, Jerry’s career and personal life unraveled after a disastrous appearance on national television. Now, he’s stuck performing at dive clubs, dodging debt collectors, and grappling with the fallout of a failed marriage. His teenage son barely speaks to him, and the comedy industry views him as a relic—if it acknowledges him at all.

Jerry’s luck takes an unexpected turn when he gets a last-minute call to feature at the Laughing Tap, a venue where he once reigned supreme. The headliner, Bill Jeffords, is a fellow veteran comic, but their reunion is bittersweet, marked by memories of better days and the ghosts of a cutthroat industry. To make matters worse, Jerry discovers that Van Jackson, a viral YouTube comic who thrives on mocking stand-up failures, is in the audience. The stakes are higher than ever: Jerry must deliver a killer set or risk becoming Jackson’s next public punchline.

As the night unfolds, Through the Kitchen dives into Jerry’s psyche, blending dark humor and poignant reflection. His banter with younger comics highlights the shifting dynamics of comedy, where social media and sensitivity dominate. Old friendships, rivalries, and his own self-doubt push Jerry to confront what comedy means to him—and whether he still belongs on stage.

Anchored by biting humor and unflinching honesty, Through the Kitchen is a tale of redemption, resilience, and the price of staying true to one’s art. Can Jerry reclaim his dignity and make peace with his past, or will this performance be his final curtain call?

THROUGH THE KITCHEN