A Haute Cuisine Nightmare: A Review of “The Menu”

Mark Mylod’s “The Menu” isn’t your typical foodie flick. Forget lighthearted rom-coms set in charming Italian cafes or documentaries waxing poetic about the perfect pizza dough. This is a film that plunges you headfirst into a world of haute cuisine, but with a sinister twist. While there are mouthwatering close-ups of meticulously presented dishes and a focus on the artistry of fine dining, “The Menu” quickly curdles into a chilling exploration of power, obsession, and the hefty price tag of exclusivity.

The story follows Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), a young man whose enthusiasm for food borders on pretentiousness. He whisks away Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy), a mysterious and discerning woman, to a remote island for a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu at Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant overseen by the enigmatic Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). From the very beginning, disquiet hangs thick in the air. The ferry ride shrouded in fog sets the unsettling tone, and the meticulously manicured grounds of Hawthorne harbour a sense of unease. The staff, led by the ever-watchful Elsa (Hong Chau), exude an unnerving blend of efficiency and fanaticism, their smiles never quite reaching their eyes.

As the courses of the tasting menu unfold, one by one, it becomes evident that Chef Slowik has a much grander design in mind. Each dish, exquisitely crafted and presented with theatrical flair, carries a hidden message or challenge aimed at the eclectic group of guests. There’s a pretentious food critic, whose withering reviews hold immense power over chefs; a group of wealthy investors oblivious to the simmering resentment of the staff; and a couple on the verge of collapse, their fractured relationship laid bare on the pristine white tablecloths. Chef Slowik observes them all, a maestro conducting a disturbing culinary symphony.

The tension ratchets up with each bite. The dialogue crackles with dark humour and veiled threats, laced with a biting social commentary. Fiennes is captivating as Chef Slowik, a figure who commands respect and inspires terror in equal measure. His performance is a masterclass in controlled intensity, his eyes glinting with a barely concealed madness that sends shivers down your spine. Taylor-Joy is a revelation as Margot, captivating with a quiet strength and enigmatic presence. Her character remains shrouded in mystery, her true motives slowly unravelling as the night descends into chaos.

“The Menu” is a visual feast as well, but not in the way a typical food documentary might be. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the stark beauty of the isolated island and the meticulous plating of each dish. Yet, there’s a subtle darkness to the shots, a sense of foreboding that hangs over the meticulously framed scenes. The score adds to the unsettling atmosphere, with dissonant strings and percussive flourishes building a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia. Mylod masterfully traps the audience alongside the increasingly desperate guests, with the camera work emphasising the isolation and lack of escape.

While some viewers might find the plot’s trajectory predictable or the ending ambiguous, the film’s true strength lies in its layered social commentary. It’s a scathing satire on the world of fine dining, where pretentiousness and an obsession with exclusivity often overshadow genuine appreciation for the culinary arts. The power dynamic between the chef and his customers is completely skewed. Here, Chef Slowik isn’t a benevolent provider aiming to please; he’s a puppeteer, orchestrating a night of culinary cruelty that forces the guests to confront their shallowness and the hollowness of their pursuit of status.

“The Menu” isn’t a film for the faint of heart. It’s a slow burn that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving you questioning your next bite and the hidden costs of an extravagant dining experience. It’s a film that will stay with you, a dark and unsettling reminder that sometimes the most exquisite dishes leave the bitterest aftertaste.

FINAL VERDICT:

“The Menu” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that will have you on the edge of your seat. With captivating performances, pitch-black humour, and sharp social commentary, it’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a healthy dose of satire. Just be prepared to have your appetite for fine dining challenged, and to walk away questioning the true cost of exclusivity served on a silver platter.