The Menu (2022)
Oh well, I never expected the twist that came with this unsettling psychological thriller. This movie is a darkly comic that blends satire with horror with horror in a way that feels both original and oddly satisfying. With its biting critique of class, elitism and the pretentious world of fine dining, it serves up tension with a gourmet twist, that leaves you both amused and disturbed.
Synopsis
Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), travels to a remote private island as a couple to dine at Hawthorne, an exclusive and mysterious restaurant run by the legendary Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). Alongside a group of wealthy guests which include critics, celebrities and tech moguls. They all expect an evening of culinary art.
But, things take a dark turn when their elegant multi-course experience devolves into a night of shocking revelations and sinister intentions.
Review and Rating
Tyler pissed me off! I can’t scream this part enough but his character had me cringing. He was seriously giving “notice-me” in the most upsetting way. If not for the fact that I developed a liking for him from “Queen Charlotte” I’d be fuming in personal beef.
Anyway, this movie is striking for its atmosphere and tone. The isolated, minimalist setting is both beautiful and chilling. It perfectly echoes the cold, calculated world the chef inhabits. Ralph Fiennes(my first impression of him), is magnetic as Chef Slowik. He is controlled, menacing and hypnotic. Sometimes it pissed me off he was able to talk people into murdering themselves without a weapon in his hands. Well, his performance anchors the film, offering a terrifying portrait of obsession, disillusionment and revenge disguised as culinary genius.
Anya Taylor-Joy brings empathy and wit to Margot, whose outsider perspective allows us to see the absurdity and horror of what’s unfolding. Her chemistry with Fiennes is sharp and compelling, especially as their relationship turns into a subtle battle of wills.
What makes the film particularly enjoyable is its biting satire. It skewers foodie culture, privilege and blind idolization of “genius” to near-perfection. The absurdity of the haute cuisine world, complete with edible art, foams and obscure ingredients is played to both laugh-out-loud and bone-chilling effect.
If there’s any more critique, it’s that some characters fall into caricature. They just serve as vessels for the chef’s judgment rather than fully fleshed-out people. I felt this might be intentional. The film just isn’t about who they are, but what they represent.
In conclusion, this film is smart. It is visually refined, and a thematically rich thriller that uses food as a metaphor for power, control and artistic tyranny. It’s unsettling, clever and of course wickedly fun, with standout performances and sharp social commentary. Oh, and it’s directed by Mark Mylod.
Rating: 4.5/5