The Menu (2022) User Reviews

A completely bonkers and over-the-top, yet perhaps brilliant satire

[naregian · 8/10 · 18 November 2022]

This is a movie that plays on something everyone has come across in their lives: obsession. The movie starts out as a seemingly eerie thriller/suspense type movie with weird and unique quirks, but slowly devolves into something much more wild and very obviously takes it too far. With a script tighter than the meticulously crafted Chef's menu, even the most curmudgeon movie-goer will have their plates full with this one.

I won't spoil anything with a synopsis, but rather try to intrigue anyone on the fence about seeing this movie.

The Menu has something fresh and interesting to say about the tired conversation surrounding the marriage between art and artist. There are some very clearly illogical and confusing elements of the plot that you can easily miss if you're taking it at face value.

Overall, this movie isn't meant to be a sensible, coherent and satisfying thriller. Instead, it's a comment on a poignant phenomenon in our society: the way we view, consume, pursue, and ultimately obsess over those who produce the art around us. Sure, the movie is about a chef and his meticulous menu, but in reality the larger point is about the production of any type of art, namely filmmaking.

It seems to me that the filmmaker is making a very focused point about the state of movies nowadays. There seems to be a constant theme throughout about how often artist and their fans seem so detached from each other, even though their mutual approval of the art should be enough to bring them together.

An absolutely bonkers second act and a considerably more bonkers third act wrap up what I believe to be a masterpiece commentary on the state of filmmaking in 2022. The only moneymakers are massive superhero movies, massive studio A++ list celebrity movies, etc, and the makers of this film ask one simple question:

How long until we collectively call out their BS and ask for some simple bread?

The movie makes you question how far you'd go into "buying into the hype", and conversely has a quite shocking commentary on those who consistently stay away from "the hype" without buying into it. Think of some of the ridiculous fashion trends that some of the highest brands in clothing perpetuate, and just how many people will blindly follow simply because there is an LV or GG stamp on it.

It's no shock to me that a script with this kind of tonal shifting comes to us from the writers/directors of Succession. So much of the way this film is crafted reminds me of the show. Sharp wit, sarcasm that lies somewhere between funny and cringeworthy, twists, turns, and of course, the oh-so subtle thumbing of the nose at all the socially accepted, yet fundamentally insane reverence for brilliance that we hold dear.

As a movie-lover, this was one of the more thought provoking pieces of the year. This movie makes you wonder what the line is between brilliant artist and insane psycho. The movie makes you look around and find yourself in the all the characters; the artist, the art, and those who are (literally) consuming it.

All in all, this movie is an insightful parody of the state of not only the word of fine dining, but also fashion, art, filmmaking, music, etc. I might have a completely wrong reading of this movie, but hey, that's what art's about, right?

One of the most unique theater going experiences I've had in a long time

[nscoby93 · 8/10 · 18 November 2022]

This film was something else, I am genuinely stumped and at a loss for words. Mark Mylod (Director) Seth Reiss (Writer) and Will Tracey (Writer) all deserve a round of applause. They all together created something so unique.

What set this film apart from other thriller, horrors are great performances and great writing. Every character here is well done and intelligently written. The entire cast gives great performances with Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy truly being the standouts as they playoff each other very well.

Each character purposely reflected a personality type that if you ever worked in service you would encounter and come to know very well. To my fellow service employees you know what I'm talking about.

What really stuck with me long after the credits have rolled is the commentary this film has on society. At it's core I believe this film to be about a Chef who's long career facing multitudes of people both customers and critics has affected his passion for his art. It's here where I also believe to be the film makers commentary on what it is to be an artist in this films case a Chef. It felt to me what the film makers are saying is as artists they pour their heart and souls into their art and craft both to serve and entertain us and as consumers it's very easy to lose appreciation for that hard work and effort.

But I digress, perhaps I'm over thinking things and this film is not very deep as I seem to believe it is. Nonetheless this film was quite unique, thrilling, and entertaining. It's films like these that remind me of why I go to the theater and why I fell in love with storytelling and cinema.

IMDb: 8/10 Letterboxd: 4/5

Watched in Theaters.

🍲The Premise was Better Than the Actual Execution 🍛

[DoNotComeToTheCinemaDepressed · 6/10 · 19 November 2022]

And that's all Folks, that's all you need to Know. The Premise was Better Than the Actual Execution of the Movie.

Things I Did Like -

1. The First Half Was Really Good, Nice Chilled out Mellow Mood with a Hint of Something Sinister Going on was Weaved Within the First Half.

2. The Description and Pictures of the Different Dishes on screen was Great to See.

3. The Anya Taylor Joy Character Reveal whilst talking to the Chef was Ok I guess.

4. The Cop or Security Guy that Shows Up to Help was a Good Scene.

5. I liked the Fact that the Chef Knew Exactly who everyone was and their History. Also, in the first half, he had this Charming yet Mysterious Malicious Vibe about him. That was Excellent.

Problems I Have with the Movie -

1. I get the Motivation for why the Chef is Doing what he is Doing to these People but it wasn't Executed with any Interest in these Characters.

2. After the First Half, the Mood changed because the Characters Sort of Knew where this was heading and I didn't like that tone whatsoever, it was kind of like seriousness with a joky overtone and it didn't work for me.

3. Two People do Something to themselves because of the there own Self-Disappointment and Supposed Admiration for the Chef and I thought to myself "Really?"

4. There is a pointless albeit a sort of funny to watch "Activity" that happens in the Movie. But it was Pointless.

5. At the End, When Anya Taylor Joy gives the Chef a "Change of Heart", I thought it was a great idea however once again, it wasn't Executed profoundly, it was Dull.

6. The Final, Final end Bit, some of the Characters actually start Believing what this Chef is saying and agreeing with him, "Like Really?"

Overall, The Premise was Far Better than the Execution.

Original, but ultimately unsatisfying fare.

[Her-Excellency · 6/10 · 20 November 2022]

I waited months for this film thinking it would be so much better than it was. There is nothing quite like the let down of expecting something great, and it turning out to be mediocre at best.

While the plot is pretty original (which normally scores high points with me) and while the film is at times quite beautiful to look at, it altogether missed the main point of a good meal: gratification.

Scares are not included on the menu; comedic value is barely there; it is unsatisfyingly light on gore; hints of interesting dialogue exist, but they are scantily peppered throughout; the characters as well as their backstories, are as distinctly unpalatable, as are their intentions nondescript; it wore on and became progressively less, instead of more enjoyable; and the main course was both 'cheesy' and less than fulfilling. By the time dessert was to be served, the previous dishes laid still undigested and leaden.

I'd like to speak to the manager, please.

A dark comedy satire reflecting the nation today

[redbeardceltic · 10/10 · 13 January 2023]

From the start and the trailer, I think many will realize this is not a typical film. It means that you cannot watch it as a story narrative but understand it is a representation, a satire. And what is that satire?

The premise of the film is about losing passion and purpose. The chef's suicidal tendency and the plot of the film was about losing his purpose, his joy and desire to fulfill that purpose. This was reflected also in his conversation with Margot, who also felt that way about her work. And once more with the actor, as the chef called him out as an actor who has lost his purpose.

In the ending, Margot called him out. She said, the chef's one purpose, only purpose was to create food which a customer might enjoy. He failed. That was the whole premise and whole point of the film.

Why did the chef fail? Because of the society's tendency to pressure, to please. When you try to please the impossible, you end up losing your purpose, joy, and desire. This is why chef invited these people, of all he blame as "the ruin of his art, his life."

The ending is straight to the point. Margot did something the chef had been waiting for. She told the authentic truth. Everyone is afraid, they're afraid of the chef. Why? Because they're afraid of offending. Margot never liked the food from the start. She wanted to send it back, and was stopped by Tyler. In the end, at the face of death, she stood up and told the chef the truth, she did not like his food and she has the courage to send it back.

When the chef asked her what she wanted to eat, she remembered the photo she saw in his room. The ONE time chef was ever smiling, back when he started it all as a greasy teen, back when he knew the joy of his purpose as a chef, to serve the food to the customers and not about pleasing status quo. She reminded him of that. Remember what he said towards the end? The pain was almost gone, almost. She took away his pain and reminded him the joy of cooking.

---

To sum up what is the point of the movie. The restaurant is America, what it has become today. It has become a nation bent on pleasing the unpleasable. The people no longer owns the nation, like the chef, but they are owned instead by wealthy "angel investors." And like the chef, including the rest of the staff, the joy and soul, the purpose of this nation has been eroded away.

The cheeseburger. It represents the heart of America, what we use to be. Like chef cooking that cheeseburger, we remember the 1950s/60s... the joy and purpose of being an American. Remember, Margot specifically asked for "American cheese" and chef commented "it is the best cheese because it melts without splitting." The cheese is the constitution, is what binds us together as Americans... so we would not split... It is the cheese that makes a cheeseburger a "cheese"burger.

---

The people in the restaurants represent various aspects of the nation.

The young men: Young generation of ambitious go-getters, who only focuses on work and money. This is quite clearly expressed in their dialog.

The old couple: They represent the old political generation who had taken everything for granted. This is why the server asked, "how will you handle it, with right or left?" Also noticed the husband is an "old white male," but in this specific case he has a skinny blonde wife with shoulder length hair and dresses very old fashion. The server chose "left" hand and the chef mocked him as a "donkey." The final clue is what Margot revealed about him to the chef that "rattled" her. These are 4 pretty direct clues who they were specifically satiring.

The movie star and assistant: They represent the washed out name dropping Hollywood, who chef said "has lost their purpose."

The critic and her editor: They represent the media, which with their reviews can give rise or downfall to any restaurant, or as chef said, "how many lives have you ruined?"

The coast guard: Our federal agents like the FBI, CIA, etc... yet they are all part of the kitchen.

Tyler: The "know it all" young college generation, who thinks they know how everything works with their head knowledge but has no life experience. In politics, they talk about how they think they can run the country better, but when really put to the test, they fail like Tyler in the kitchen. This is why his dish is called "the BS."

Margot: As the chef said, "the working class, the service providers," the no-nonsense people who just want a cheeseburger. Remember she said, "imagine if a restaurant doing what it is actually designed to do, serve actual food."

---

The bread scene:

This is their version of the emperor's new clothes, everyone knew there was no bread, but they played along with the groupthink and pretended it was an actual dish. Margot was the only one who didn't buy into this and called it out there was no food. The young men acknowledged the dish, but wanted special treatment. When no one had bread, they used their names and positions trying to get bread.

The ending:

Margot re-established the server and customer relationship. She realized all along, from the 1st moment chef talked to her, what the chef was looking for. Remember she she wanted to send the food back before and also reminded Tyler that "you're paying him to serve you."

The chef misplaced her as one of them, the servers. In context to the scene, she is not a server, but a "customer." This is why the last scene was pivotal, he outright said it to her, "you are an eater." This is what led to her revelation. Then standing up as a customer, she returned the menu and asked for a cheeseburger. The chef allowed her to leave when she wanted it to go because the customer is always right.

This is a reminder that in this constitutional republic, our politicians work for us, the people. Like Margot, we need to re-establish and fix this relationship in order for the nation to survive. Otherwise, like everyone else in this restaurant who knew they were going to die but did very little to prevent their own demise, we are simply part of the menu. Chef actually brought out this point when the coast guard came.

But even after Margot got out, they could've all did the same thing and asked for a cheeseburger. As the chef pointed out, they didn't try hard enough to fight back. It was as if they all had already accepted the menu. In the final scene, you can see some of them even thanking chef.

Though some of them tried to escape, they didn't fight back. Margot fought back, against the menu, by sending it back and being authentic with herself and then with the chef.

A bit pretentious

[Fabian_Lioner · 7/10 · 27 October 2023]

The mix between horror and satire seems undecided or bland, the backstory was lacking and the plot presents itself as something grander than it really is. The same hollowness of the dishes carries onto the essence of the movie. Satirizing something that is hollow and giving the final product value is a difficult task, this movie really tries to do that, but given its nature, it didn't quite stick the landing with me.

The cast is simply great, full of recognizable faces and good acting. The cinematography was good, nothing out of this world but enjoyable.

Overall its entertaining, but the delivery of its message is not strong. Even if this flavor of satire wasn't the best suited for me, it kept me intrigued and while not fully satisfied, I enjoyed it.

If you understand the premise and concept of this movie, you will really like it.

[groundzero-273-397110 · 8/10 · 3 September 2023]

I thought this movie was original, entertaining and very interesting. It has a deeper message about how the world looks today. The constant stress and pressure of performing and pleasing hard-to-please people. People who are spoiled, people who only care about money, people who take life for granted, and so on. This is what the characters in the film, the chef and the guests, represent. The guests represent the worst of us. Constantly feeling pressured about something that you actually think is fun, is no longer fun. That is why the chef has invited these very people to the restaurant. It is such people who have destroyed his passion, meaning and joy in life. If you understand the premise and concept of this movie, you will really like it. The film is dark and exciting, with a chaotic and funny ending, which I liked.

Worth watching, but not as clever as expected

[kevin-1224 · 6/10 · 15 March 2023]

The movie is good, well acted by both lead actors. The story flows well, and the setting is great.

The problem is that the story never delivers on it's actual message.

The chef said there will be a difference between the staff and guests, and in the end there was none. The dialogue all builds up to this great collapse of the devide, which is The Menu's great outcome, yet it did not deliver any difference between working class and the rich. Both groups died seemingly willingly and in the exact same way.

The story just fizzled in the end with no lesson or feeling of guilt or vindication.

The back story of the chef is so shallow, and the reveal behind the silver door is a let down.

The more I write and think about it the less I like the movie actually.

Great satire

[masonsaul · 8/10 · 18 November 2022]

The Menu isn't the first to satirise the rich and their incompetence and isn't saying anything new but that definitely doesn't prevent it from being a great satire that pokes fun at everything it can in ways that are often consistently funny, playful and extremely stylish.

Ralph Fiennes gives a terrific performance full of awkward unease that only enhances his commanding screen presence. Anya Taylor-Joy is a perfect audience surrogate amongst a sea of deliberately unlikeable characters of which the best is Nicholas Hoult whose almost too good at making his character hilariously pathetic.

Mark Mylod's direction is excellent, the film has more than enough visual style to match the pretentiousness of its characters and is really good at building tension. The music by Colin Stetson is fantastic, striking a unusual balance between beautiful and unnerving.

Nice Try, But the Satire Doesn't Land

[evanston_dad · 6/10 · 2 December 2022]

Nice try, but the satire doesn't land in this film that skewers pretentious foodies and the chefs who cook for them.

There's already been one satire this year that savages the rich, "Triangle of Sadness," and that's a much better film than this one. I'm ok with an outlandish premise, but if you're going to give me one, then the rules within the world of the movie have to be consistent. In this film, characters act like they're in a realistic horror movie one minute and a goofy satire the next. The tone doesn't stick to one or the other, so what was probably intended to be cutting instead falls flat.

The ending especially is silly. It definitely did not leave me wanting s'more.

Grade: C+

Haunting and beautiful

[anjelu-66676 · 8/10 · 4 January 2023]

What I took away from this movie is that nothing ruins true passion like pretentiousness and hunger for monetary gain. It's a brilliant ode to the thin line between love and obsession and the difference between them both. Ralph Fiennes is perfection in the role as Chef Slowik, once again has he achieved the task of making one feel compassion and tenderness for a character committing unspeakable deeds. Anya Taylor-Joy is brilliant as always, her strong portrayal of "Margot" is awe inspiring, what ever life throws at her, she's ready to face it. Another important, and comforting aspect I learned from this movie is that student loans aren't always a bad thing.

I tried to chew but couldn't swallow

[julieshotmail · 6/10 · 24 November 2022]

"The Menu" offers a trailer spectacular enough to entice me to set foot in a physical movie theater for the first time in 3 years. Packed with both veteran and burgeoning actors and directed by Mark Mylod of "Succession" fame, this movie has all the goodies to entertain you and make you think at the same time, supposedly. It starts out well enough, introducing quirky mysterious characters starting with Elsa played by Hong Chau. I find her really captivating in this role, a perfect combo of politeness and menace. Why is she dressed like that? Then we meet the Chef who has an agenda that unravels through the perspective of Margot, played by the always-awesome Anya Taylor-Joy. Margot is us, wanting to expose the ridiculousness of it all. Yet herein lies the problem with the movie. Its effort as a biting satire turns into a confusing mess at the end. "The Menu" could have given us something to chew on, instead I walk out of the movie theater scratching my head.

The Menu began with a tone and tension that made me want more but ultimately ended with confusion and disappointment.

[Paragon240 · 5/10 · 22 November 2022]

The hype for The Menu intrigued me. The reviews celebrated its genius. So I had to see it. And when I sat in the theater and the credits began to roll, all o could say was, "Huh?" The Menu starts with Ready or Not vibes with a fish-out-of-water real-world character who ends up at a fancy dinner with a collection of high society foodies and critics. The trailer gave me expectations of cannibalism cult or Most Dangerous Game-type plots, but instead, nothing really happened. I think I understood what The Menu was trying to convey with its deeper meaning, but I still came up disappointed. Anya Taylor-Joy and the rest of the cast gave great performances, but there was little that really brought the movie together. Maybe the subversion of the cannibal or hunting expectation was the movie's brilliance? The Menu definitely tried to be clever, but whether it was or not might be open to interpretation. Ironically, I sat through the whole movie and left wanting more... left hungry.

decent but unsatisfying

[mayangpuspa · 7/10 · 3 February 2023]

"The Menu" is pretty good. It offers a fresh and wonderful visual. The setting itself is on the edge of the island, and they have an elegant set design, so it's great to look at. The cast is excellent, so I could feel all the suspense and thrills throughout the movie thanks to their outstanding acting. Some strange quirks have appeared since the mysterious appearance of Hong Chau as Elsa at the beginning. Then came the unexpected quirks in the chef's and kitchen crew's acts. The tension had risen to the point where I was anticipating and planning too far ahead. So, I was ready to see that something wilder might be coming. And then I was surprised every time the bloody scene appeared. It's brutal, but nothing really happened. So, I might say that it gives me a ready but not-so-ready feeling. Besides, you can tell that the movie is carefully made and directed because there is a representation of food creation and the restaurant experience from the perspectives of customers and critics. I would recommend it if anyone asks, though, not gonna lie, I did expect more from the ending. The beginning is excellent, but the ending is a bit unsatisfying for me. When the movie is coming to an end, I feel like there are still some things I need to chew on before then. Perhaps it's because the background stories have already been given, but they are still lacking, or I just need to rewatch it again to get a clearer picture.

A very tasty treat indeed!

[ethanbresnett · 8/10 · 14 October 2022]

The Menu is a real treat. It will have you laughing while on the edge of your seat as it navigates you through a restaurant experience to remember.

We are treated to a fantastic ensemble cast. Nicholas Hoult steals the show with a pitch perfect performance of a pretentious foodie. Fiennes is so wonderfully unhinged as the mysterious creator of the eponymous menu in a very layered role. Anya Taylor Joy as always is so watchable, providing such an easy way in for the audience. The writing gives them all such brilliant material which the whole cast executes with ease.

The style and staging of the piece can't be faulted at all. It is precise, inventive, and so clean and polished which makes for a very visually appealing film.

It must be said there are a few rough edges when it comes to the plot, and when you get down to the nuts and bolts the premise isn't necessarily groundbreaking. It is very on the nose at times and subtlety isn't exactly it's strong suit. However it manages to strike a well tuned balance between satire, comedy, and thriller which isn't an easy feat and is impressively managed here.

With its sharp social observations and satire, clean style, and stellar performances, the Menu is a feast that you won't want to end.

Potential that ends up tasting bland

[but_head95 · 6/10 · 17 November 2022]

This will be short and sweet. The film boasts fantastic performances from Hoult, Fiennes, and Taylor-Joy, however, they were all let down by an anticlimactic plot. The first half of the film sets the mysitcal tone well with good tension building, leaving the viewer theorising what is really going on behind the veil. Unfortunately, the film falls flat in its second act. Story arcs established in the earlier scenes are flouted, and seeds of what could be shocking scenes end up being missed opportunities for something that could be truly twisted and unnerving. And sorry, I have nothing left to say but need to fulfill the character requirement. Thanks for reading.

After watching this I crave a cheeseburger!

[EvanparkerT · 9/10 · 18 November 2022]

The Menu is probably the most unpredictable movie I've seen in a while. This thriller is filled tension and super dark comedy moments and it's wonderfully carried by the amazing, Anya-Taylor Joy, the charismatic, Nicholas Hoult, the menacing, Ralph Fiennes, and the rest of the cast as well (one of the best ensembles in a film of the year). Overall, this is a brilliant satire on the food industry and class warfare. This film is (pun intended) chef's kiss!

Also little tangent, Nicholas Hoult was up against Robert Pattinson for The Batman and after watching The Menu I really wish Nicholas gotten the part because he gave a lot of Bruce Wayne energy here.

Very peculiar

[bignuts-06245 · 6/10 · 24 January 2024]

Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, John Leguizamo & Nicholas Hoult star in this strange film about a group of well to do people who are invited to eat at a lavish restaurant on a remote island but when they arrive they find a very strange chef who seems to have some sort of vendetta on all but one of the guests & as he feels they fail to appreciate his culinary brilliance & art then he has decided that everyone in the restaurant must die & that the unappreciative guests are going to be the piece de resistance on the menu. To be honest I didn't really enjoy watching this film as I thought it was very strange & didn't really make any sense & so for that reason I would recommend giving it a miss.

A sumptuous feast for the eyes

[RahulM007 · 9/10 · 27 October 2022]

Mark Mylod's "The Menu" is a tasteful treat that manages to be gripping, satirical, jarring, and hauntingly brilliant. The film is a great social commentary on class values and class systems. It gives audiences an adrenaline rush that makes for an exciting and wild viewing experience. The film is filled with twists and turns and keeps the viewer guessing till the credits roll. Apart from its rich screenplay and magnificent production design, the film also benefits from having a star-studded cast. Ralph Fiennes as the stern and conservative Chef Slovik is the obvious standout, but Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot aka Erin brings something different to the table (literally). Nicholas Hoult as Tyler perfectly brings this rather douchey and self-obsessed character to life. I went in completely blind, not having watched the trailer and avoided any marketing for the movie, and I'm glad that I did. Everyone should experience this movie by themselves and to not let anyone influence their opinion. I wouldn't be surprised if the movie nabs Oscar nominations for best production design and best screenplay. Mark Mylod fully utilized his creative outlet and managed to craft something peculiar, unfamiliar, and delightful.

Final verdict: 9.5/10.

I'm torn

[rwilder0603-411-211949 · 6/10 · 4 October 2023]

This was a real dichotomy for me. I couldn't stop watching, but it was also dark and a lot of ways, not compelling, and weirdly , compelling. I'm not sure a movie should get high marks for good acting and a demented plot, but here we are. I'm surprised it got past a 5.0 rating. It's like a car accident you can't look away from. Good casting, good acting by its lead actors (most not all) and a very weird and twisted plot, even for a horror movie fan like myself. Just hoping that after this review, I'm not next on the menu. I am a foodie and a horror movie fan, but no. Revenge definitely got served cold in this one. Meh.

Rice or Risotto?

[AfricanBro · 17 November 2022]

Eloquent and beautifully made but not for me, hence no rating. I understand the couple reviews with high ratings, I see where they're coming from but I won't be coming from there. You know when someone tells you a story and it's a nothing story, nothing good nothing bad; like when someone tells you "hey, I went for a walk at the park" and you're just like 'oh okay'. I left the cinema and all I felt was "oh, okay".

So it was hard for me to form concrete opinions on this because it didn't leave an impact on me. I had no idea what this was about heading in, not even the genre, all I knew was the cast of which was an alluring lineup and they did a great job. I was confused for the first hour, seemed all over the place and wondering where the movie was going. I just thought maybe it'll all make sense in the end.

Once things take a turn or the things kick off per say, I thought 'well then it's a thriller', but it never really gets there. There is some action, it's spread far apart so it doesn't feel thrilling, and once the plot is revealed you pretty much know how the rest of the movie will go and when precisely the next big thing will happen as an order is established to it, so zero suspense after that as well.

It's like an ostentatious slasher film, classy. Actually I'll describe it the same way I feel about Michelin star or fancy restaurants; you get there and order off the menu in French even though you don't speak it and when they serve you your order it's on a baroque plate with a tiny but beautiful piece of meat with a mint leaf on top and dazzle of chocolate or something. It's fancy, has all these rare ethically produced ingredients and served with wine thrice your age but you'd really rather just have a meaty McDonald's burger with cola that will actually fill you up instead. And that's me, I'd really rather just have a mindless, barbaric slasher movie. I can appreciate this, it was visually stunning and probably mouth watering for some but but my brain is a hardwired, simple minded layman's.

If halfway through the movie, the kitchen staff started chasing after the guests in the movie, some sick hide and seek then kill game, stuck on an island generic plot line I might have enjoyed it better. The kitchen staff do begin to shift from impressive conduct to a cult like behavior as the night goes, but it never gets slasher-ish, it maintains this high class fiendish aura instead. An example of a movie that sorta blended the two, with less sophistication of course, was Midsommer. So, if you want that 5 star $3000 Michelin dinner/horror movie here it is... but if you want some pizza, grilled cheese or whatever poor man's junk food gory horror, then this isn't for you.

It plays out in real time, in an attempt to immerse you in the experience I presume. It is one of the more original plots and movie settings I've seen this year, just unfortunately doesn't feel that groundbreaking. It's very deliberate, feels like every detail in the movie is exactly how the director wanted it to be, so can't say it there were things the movie could've done better. It's a really well made movie, it just didn't leave an impact on me, and I don't know if it was meant to. It's like they made a movie just because they wanted to, but the still wanted it to be good so everything is daintily done. It also lacks depth, both in characters and story; the high class slander felt too evident and cheap without it.

Here are some bullet form thoughts I had as I was watching(spoiler-ish): -in a gender role reversal, we have a boyfriend, not girlfriend, who takes photos of everything he eats for instagram and hates it when you touch it before he does so -if you hate rich people and wanna see them scared here's a movie for you -If I paid $1250 each for my date and I's dinner, just to be served tiny leaves on an actual stone I'd lose it -Tyler was such a d* rider -Slowik doesn't like s'mores, he's just like me for real

Anyway, I don't want to call the finale underwhelming as it was it felt in line with everything else. And I don't want to give a rating because if someone gave it a 3 and another person a 7/10.... I wouldn't argue with either of them.

In consonance with it's tag line, the movie is indeed painstakingly prepared, brilliant execution... of a dull story. Back to my analogy, sure some fancy Italian cusine sounds and looks great, but I'd rather just eat a pizza. As someone once said; chicken over duck, steak over lamb, salmon over caviar, rice over risotto. And this movie is risotto not rice.

Original, intense, thought provoking, excellent.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 2 December 2022]

A group of people are invited to spend an evening with the renowned chef Chef Slowik at his Island restaurant, an uneasy, uncomfortable evening begins.

Wow, one or the most original, creative and thought provoking films for quite a while, the most original movie of 2022. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, and even as the film progressed, I had no idea what it was going to develop into, and where it was heading, such was the originality.

Terrific visuals, it was beautifully shot, very well filmed, I loved the symmetry and imagery, it looked great.

Ralph Fiennes never disappoints, and he gave a masterclass here as Slowik, some wonderfully intense scenes, he commanded attention. Considering the number of Brits playing Americans, I had no issues with the accents, they all did a fine job, I really enjoyed watching Nicholas Hoult also.

Proof that there is still originality in cinema, 9/10.

Appealing

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 6 January 2023]

THE MENU is a good and unusual little thriller that proves a breath of fresh air in this day and age. One for the more jaded among us, it provides the kind of surprising, satirical modern-times scenario that I was hoping from GLASS ONION (and which didn't land). This one is variously a mystery, a comedy, a horror film and more besides, and it has depth and a careful skewering of a whole industry which I found more than satisfying. The cast is remarkable too, with each particular actor - from Fiennes to Hoult, Leguizamo to Taylor-Joy - carefully chosen to fit the perfect role for their talents. Appealing!

Fine dining and breathing.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 6/10 · 9 May 2023]

If you attempt to engage with 'The Menu (2022)' as an allegory, its satire is actually somewhat troubling. If it is intended as a metaphor, it's rather obvious that its depiction of haute cuisine is a stand-in for the film industry itself. Its targets are the critics, the financiers, the unappreciative audience, the wannabe filmmakers and even the actors themselves. It seems to have disdain for almost every facet of filmmaking. Though none of its observations are especially biting or, indeed, clever, they're almost all extremely callous and some of them are actually rather problematic. For instance, a portion of the piece seems to suggest that if you have a passion for films and enjoy making them but aren't great at doing so, then you're part of the problem that prevents true art from excelling. This is an extremely reductive and, ironically, elitist stance that also provides a rather damning insight into the ego of the filmmakers behind this very feature. Speaking of those filmmakers, it's unclear if they feel as though the characters - and, by proxy, the groups they represent - are deserving of what befalls them (which, to be clear, they aren't). By extension, it's unclear whether they feel themselves to occupy the role of Chef Slowik, the villainous cook whose final menu extends beyond food and into morbid live theatre, which would suggest they view their antagonist as somewhat of an unsung hero and have marked themselves as being the same. If this is the case, not only have they created something distasteful, they have also severely overestimated the merit of their work as a serious takedown of the film industry; this is pretty basic stuff that is far less clever than it thinks it is.

Of course, perhaps the allegory isn't intentional or, at the very least, isn't intended to be taken seriously. In this scenario, the movie is much easier to engage with. Although its commentary on haute cuisine is still as unfulfilling as one of its antagonist's concept meals, it isn't as pretentious or problematic. The affair essentially acts as a pseudo B-movie with a sleek and shiny aesthetic. It's generally well made, with clean cinematography and decisive direction. It isn't particularly funny and it isn't particularly horrifying (although it has some disconcerting moments), but it works as an exercise in ratcheting tension and it's pacy enough to keep you engaged throughout. The archetypal characters do what they need to and are portrayed well (Nicholas Hoult and John Leguizamo are the standouts), but they mostly lack personality and are just kind of bland. The exceptions to that are the characters portrayed - rather excellently, I'll add - by Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor Joy and Hong Chau, who all showcase a bit more depth and have notable characteristics that mark them as major players within their ensemble.

Ultimately, despite its potentially dodgy allegorical underpinnings, this is a solid thriller that works fairly well on a surface level. The more you think about it or try to engage with it as a metaphor, the less it holds up. Much like the food served by its villain, it's pseudo intellectual nonsense that may seem impressive at first but is ultimately empty calories. In the moment, however, it's enjoyable enough for what it is and is structured in such a way that you shouldn't get bored. Regardless of any artistic or satiric pretences, what has actually been cooked up may lack a compelling concept but is competently crafted and can be fun while it lasts.

A delightful escape

[rsewolf · 9/10 · 18 November 2022]

(I'm sorry for any fool references) This movie is exactly what was called for now. Like some food and tastes, you have to give it time. Don't be afraid to laugh. There is so much dry wit and outright sarcasm, let your laughter out. (I was in a theater with little laughter.) Hands down Taylor-Joy, Houlton, and Fiennes gave fantastic performances. Not to spoil it, but Hoult's performance was simultaneously annoying and fantastic.

The play between Taylor-Joy and Fiennes is well worth the price. You simply wanted more from these too because it was the best part of the movie.

Hong Chau and Leguizamo are a delight. Though, Leguizamo is a tough swallow. He is still a delight.

It was wonderful to see Judith Light on the screen. She played her part perfectly.

Would I see this again, not in the theater. But I will see it again.

Laugh... don't think about the rest of the theater, this is a wonderful dark comedy.