A dark, deranged & delicious full-course tasting, The Menu takes a pinch of twisted humour, a dash of social commentary, and a dollop of sustained thrills to create a fine-dining experience that features all the necessary ingredients, covers all the flavour profiles and is also elegant in its presentation but still leaves its patrons hungry for more even after the last course is served.
Directed by Mark Mylod, the film had all the makings of a memorable cuisine and for the most part, it even follows the recipe as per the specifications. Still, in an effort to retain its refined & restrained touch, it neither turns up the heat intensity nor lets it simmer just long enough, thus resulting in a dish that's slightly undercooked. And while it doesn't taste bland, it sure could've tasted better.
What the story does well is it keeps the intrigue alive at all times by keeping us invested in the unfolding drama and the mystery of where it's all headed. Every meal is accompanied with an unsettling monologue and it only gets more wicked & amusing as it progresses. Ralph Fiennes plays the chef with a controlled chill and is often challenged by Anya Taylor-Joy's stellar input but it's Nicholas Hoult who steals the show.
Overall, The Menu is a well-conceptualised & skilfully prepped delight that offers a delectable treat yet isn't as gratifying as it looks. Instead of taking the raw elements to their very edge to get maximum flavours out of them, the film chooses to focus more on plating & sophistication instead and though it delivers as a brilliant satire, the bite doesn't cut as deep as it needed to. Still, for what it's worth, this lavish dinner isn't one to miss out on.
Directed by Mark Mylod, the film had all the makings of a memorable cuisine and for the most part, it even follows the recipe as per the specifications. Still, in an effort to retain its refined & restrained touch, it neither turns up the heat intensity nor lets it simmer just long enough, thus resulting in a dish that's slightly undercooked. And while it doesn't taste bland, it sure could've tasted better.
What the story does well is it keeps the intrigue alive at all times by keeping us invested in the unfolding drama and the mystery of where it's all headed. Every meal is accompanied with an unsettling monologue and it only gets more wicked & amusing as it progresses. Ralph Fiennes plays the chef with a controlled chill and is often challenged by Anya Taylor-Joy's stellar input but it's Nicholas Hoult who steals the show.
Overall, The Menu is a well-conceptualised & skilfully prepped delight that offers a delectable treat yet isn't as gratifying as it looks. Instead of taking the raw elements to their very edge to get maximum flavours out of them, the film chooses to focus more on plating & sophistication instead and though it delivers as a brilliant satire, the bite doesn't cut as deep as it needed to. Still, for what it's worth, this lavish dinner isn't one to miss out on.