Director Mark Mylod has a tasty horror-filled treat for audiences, The Menu, which features an all-star cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, Hong Chau, Nicholas Hoult, and Judith Light.
The film is set in the world of high-end culinary culture; a group of foodies visits an exclusive destination restaurant on a remote island where the acclaimed chef has prepared a lavish tasting menu, along with some shocking surprises.
I went into watching this film not knowing precisely what to expect. I assumed it would be a pretentios film with a little horror thrown in. Well, you know what hey say about assuming. I will be the first to admit when I’m wrong and that’s the case with this film. What I got was an elegant film that combines psychological terror, brutality, and elevated horror that left me craving a good cheeseburger.
Anya Taylor-Joy gives a fantastic performance, as does Ralph Fiennes, and the interactions between the two make for a fiery combination that delivers a ton of drama. Each character in the film serves as their own essential ingredient in The Menu that is key to it playing out so perfectly.
One thing that will likely catch you off guard is the violence and horror you will witness, but I won’t spoil it for you. I will say this; I only have one somewhat negative comment. I felt the film missed a prime opportunity to take the horror further. I understand that the director may have wanted to keep things somewhat tasteful, but with a horror film about food and death, serving up some “long pig” (human) would have taken things to another level, but maybe the director felt that was going too far, and it would have been.
The power “The Chef” (Fiennes) has over his staff and the way he can manipulate people in the film is mind boggling. But I can understand it to a certain point. I worked in restaurants for years and I’ve seen first hand respect and loyalty a chef posseses. A powerful, respected chef can make their staff do crazy things. They also can ruin lives with the mental abuse they can inflict. But the brainwashing and loyalty in The Menu is off the charts.
The Menu caught me off guard, which doesn’t happen often. The story is exciting and fresh; something we haven’t seen before. It’s gripping, a bit off-kilter, and entertaining all the way through with many twists and turns. And the ending, well, let’s just say that it left me craving a sweet treat.
If you are looking for a movie that serves up something different, something intense,and one that takes aim at the pretentious of society, The Menu is must see. Watch it now on Hulu.
