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.
906 Reviews
Nice Try, But the Satire Doesn't Land
evanston_dad2 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+
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+
Great satire
masonsaul18 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.
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.
Original, but ultimately unsatisfying fare.
Her-Excellency20 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.
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.
I tried to chew but couldn't swallow
julieshotmail24 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.
A very tasty treat indeed!
ethanbresnett14 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.
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.
If you understand the premise and concept of this movie, you will really like it.
groundzero-273-3971103 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.
Absence Of A Single Likable Character (Or Over-Arching Message) May Limit The Palette Here
zkonedog26 November 2022
Mark Mylod's "The Menu" is clearly a satire of a great many things--class, snobbishness, obsession, and the eating experience-in-general immediately spring to mind. While it certainly gets some awkward laughs and throws enough bizarre sight/character gags to live up to that satire moniker, it does so without one coherent, over-arcing message or a single character to really root for.
For a very basic overview, "The Menu" follows Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) as they embark on a lavish/expensive dining experience coordinated by master chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). As the courses progress and some weirdness--which quickly becomes deadly-serious--pop ups, it becomes apparent that this "fine dining" is anything but.
To me, the glaring problem with "The Menu" was that it lacked any character I could really root for amidst the bizarre nature of the circumstances they are placed in. It certainly isn't the Chef himself or any of the other pretentious passengers, and clearly the protagonist is supposed to be Taylor-Joy's Margot. But even that character is difficult to root for in the beginning and suffers from some thematic irregularity as more about her is revealed. As such, it was difficult for me to become invested in this film when I couldn't find a "way in".
I also believe that "The Menu" is very much a "throw a bunch of themes at the wall to see what sticks" sort of movie. There are a number of undercurrents running through the picture, but they are largely dangled in front of the audience before quickly moving on to the next one. There is no overall take-home message or thoroughfare to be found here.
I can give "The Menu" 3-stars for at least being a competent production from a visual/tonal standpoint--but no more. Even if one accepts the spattering of ideas that constitute its plot, it may be difficult to find something (or someone) to make you truly care one way or another.
For a very basic overview, "The Menu" follows Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) as they embark on a lavish/expensive dining experience coordinated by master chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). As the courses progress and some weirdness--which quickly becomes deadly-serious--pop ups, it becomes apparent that this "fine dining" is anything but.
To me, the glaring problem with "The Menu" was that it lacked any character I could really root for amidst the bizarre nature of the circumstances they are placed in. It certainly isn't the Chef himself or any of the other pretentious passengers, and clearly the protagonist is supposed to be Taylor-Joy's Margot. But even that character is difficult to root for in the beginning and suffers from some thematic irregularity as more about her is revealed. As such, it was difficult for me to become invested in this film when I couldn't find a "way in".
I also believe that "The Menu" is very much a "throw a bunch of themes at the wall to see what sticks" sort of movie. There are a number of undercurrents running through the picture, but they are largely dangled in front of the audience before quickly moving on to the next one. There is no overall take-home message or thoroughfare to be found here.
I can give "The Menu" 3-stars for at least being a competent production from a visual/tonal standpoint--but no more. Even if one accepts the spattering of ideas that constitute its plot, it may be difficult to find something (or someone) to make you truly care one way or another.
Original, intense, thought provoking, excellent.
Sleepin_Dragon2 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.
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.
I'm torn
rwilder0603-411-2119494 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.
Empty calories
qui_j29 January 2023
This was really very empty! The premise of revenge has been done to death (no pun intended). This film just doesn't deliver. It runs like a stage play, one that's overly staged in an attempt to come across as satirical and clever. It ends up being just a mess of confusion that really would have benefited from a completely different ending. The acting isn't the issue, but the script is really very thin on the ground. Kudos to the actors for working with what they had. The pace is just boring, and after slogging through the narrative, one ends up felling very unfulfilled, starved and satisfied. The ending is a pointless one and ruins the film completely!
Pointless and empty
The_Swedish_Reviewer7 January 2023
Dark humor and satire are mostly very satisfying. But in The Menu it didn't go as well as it started. The beginning is actually very good. I was completely enchanted. The cinematography and acting is stunning. But somewhere in the middle something went very wrong. So wrong that you don't understand what's going on. And that's exactly where The Menu fails. Too many awkward and crazy things happen and no one seemed to care, and that's also when I realized that The Menu is actually a very pointless and empty dark satire with no real punchline. Only snobbish film critics will love this "masterpiece". Real people who prefer a cheeseburger to snobbish food will hate it. Giving it one star to offset the high rating the film doesn't deserve.
Appealing
Leofwine_draca6 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!
After watching this I crave a cheeseburger!
EvanparkerT18 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.
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.
Fine dining and breathing.
Pjtaylor-96-1380449 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.
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 bit pretentious
Fabian_Lioner27 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.
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.
I just don't get it - I guess?
gunn-wrights3 December 2022
Maybe I'm just not snobby enough, or maybe I expect to be entertained when I pay the kind of money that movies cost today!! On both accounts, I feel totally ripped off!!!
I suppose the message was making fun of rich/eccentric idiots? I don't know, someone is going to have to explain WTF I just saw. It was horrible! When I saw the trailer, I couldn't figure out how they'd make a 2 hour movie from simply eating dinner - my initial instincts were correct - YOU CAN'T!! With the exception of a few laughable scenes, overall it was painfully slow, boring and void of any interesting plot or characters. I would have walked out, if I hadn't agreed to go with a friend.
RECOMMENDATION: Skip it! I'd rather watch paint dry....
I suppose the message was making fun of rich/eccentric idiots? I don't know, someone is going to have to explain WTF I just saw. It was horrible! When I saw the trailer, I couldn't figure out how they'd make a 2 hour movie from simply eating dinner - my initial instincts were correct - YOU CAN'T!! With the exception of a few laughable scenes, overall it was painfully slow, boring and void of any interesting plot or characters. I would have walked out, if I hadn't agreed to go with a friend.
RECOMMENDATION: Skip it! I'd rather watch paint dry....
Please don't say mouthfeel
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews21 January 2023
12 members of the upper class travel to an island to dine at an exclusive restaurant. But things don't go how they expected.
This is a dark satirical comedy with elements of a thriller. I agree that it's not quite horror. The characters are jerks and you don't really empathize with them. This has frustrated some people, who wish that they could recognise themselves in them, and feel that what they do makes no sense for the situation. It is a bit scattershot with the social commentary, with important issues brought up that aren't really explored.
The script is the very best part of this, and the dialogue is written and delivered impeccably. The music, with its string instruments, claustrophobic cinematography, and tight editing do a great job capturing how refined this place and the food there is, whilst also gradually raising the stakes and making things more disturbing.
This features a little bloody gory violence, and a moderate amount of strong language. I recommend this to to anyone who wants to see the rich skewered. 8/10.
This is a dark satirical comedy with elements of a thriller. I agree that it's not quite horror. The characters are jerks and you don't really empathize with them. This has frustrated some people, who wish that they could recognise themselves in them, and feel that what they do makes no sense for the situation. It is a bit scattershot with the social commentary, with important issues brought up that aren't really explored.
The script is the very best part of this, and the dialogue is written and delivered impeccably. The music, with its string instruments, claustrophobic cinematography, and tight editing do a great job capturing how refined this place and the food there is, whilst also gradually raising the stakes and making things more disturbing.
This features a little bloody gory violence, and a moderate amount of strong language. I recommend this to to anyone who wants to see the rich skewered. 8/10.
dissapointissimo
domialenic5 January 2023
I do make it a point to check the feedback on IMDB before watching a movie. Both the amount of votes and the average score. If there are few feedbacks the score tends to be unreliable as it was probably people involved with the production who would give it a high score. But not when we have 64K and an average rating of 7.4. That would put it among the top productions. So I was expecting something extraordinary. Well extra ordinary it was, but for all the wrong reasons. The acting was good, but they had nothing to work with. This was no comedy, black or otherwise, no satire no nothing. I couldn't even put this movie in a category, unless there was one called avoid at all costs. I probably should have rated it a bit better because of the actors but I can't. The overall product is just to terrible. Seldom have I been so disappointed.
A dinner to remember
DarkVulcan2918 November 2022
A bunch of people are invited to a island, where a famous chief( Ralp Fiennes) is going to cook a lavish meal, but has the evening goes on, they all discover this will be an evening they won't soon forget.
The Menu starts out slow, but when it picks up it really gets going. Nicholas Hoult and Ana Taylor Joy are great to watch, and so is the rest of the cast, all pretty much shine in there way. But it's Ralph Fiennes who pretty much takes the movie with his creepiness, you the audience are pretty much on alert whenever he's on camera. There are a lot of surprises you won't see coming. Check out The Menu if you are in the mood for a good thriller.
The Menu starts out slow, but when it picks up it really gets going. Nicholas Hoult and Ana Taylor Joy are great to watch, and so is the rest of the cast, all pretty much shine in there way. But it's Ralph Fiennes who pretty much takes the movie with his creepiness, you the audience are pretty much on alert whenever he's on camera. There are a lot of surprises you won't see coming. Check out The Menu if you are in the mood for a good thriller.
Plenty Of Flavour But Not Enough Bite
CinemaClown4 January 2023
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.
Not my taste.
RussHog8 January 2023
This was a weird film. It's sorta too artsy for me. But it was well filmed and had good acting. The premise is that a bunch of rich snobby people go to an island for a private dinner and the chef has a dark and sinister plan for them. I think this film might have worked better if some of the bad people had a shot at redemption or something - but whatever. The movie isn't really bad more than it just wasn't a film I liked. I can't write that it is an awful movie or anything...but I would not recommend it to anyone and I wish I had no watched it. In fact, I wish that I had watched anything else. Or done anything else.
The Menu is one of the biggest personal disappointments of the year.
msbreviews23 October 2022
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"The Menu is one of the biggest personal disappointments of the year.
Mark Mylod's film boasts inspired performances by the entire cast - Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult stand out - and some clever satirical moments, but pretty much nothing else works. Humor falls completely flat - except for the sequences à la Masterchef Australia. Screenplay follows surprisingly generic paths, being a mystery without any minimally impactful shock. Characters lack depth, and the anti-elite message is too evident and insignificant.
It should still get an overall positive reception."
Rating: C-
"The Menu is one of the biggest personal disappointments of the year.
Mark Mylod's film boasts inspired performances by the entire cast - Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult stand out - and some clever satirical moments, but pretty much nothing else works. Humor falls completely flat - except for the sequences à la Masterchef Australia. Screenplay follows surprisingly generic paths, being a mystery without any minimally impactful shock. Characters lack depth, and the anti-elite message is too evident and insignificant.
It should still get an overall positive reception."
Rating: C-
Why do People Like This?
dtswpod29 November 2022
The film critic, Alonso Duralde, is correct. This is an extended version of a Black Mirror episode or something you would see in an anthology series on TV back when broadcast television did loads of them. And yet, even with that criticism, he was far too kind to this picture.
It's funny that the film presents food that is far too underwhelming and tiny since that is exactly who the characters are. Wildly underwhelming and tiny. You learn very little about most of the dinner guests and even the chef remains a mystery. Which is all well and good for a 30 minute TV show that doesn't mean for us to invest more than a few minutes into characters that we won't be seeing again next week but for a movie it's awful.
Some people are calling this satire. Well. If that's true, it most certainly should have closed on Saturday night.
It's funny that the film presents food that is far too underwhelming and tiny since that is exactly who the characters are. Wildly underwhelming and tiny. You learn very little about most of the dinner guests and even the chef remains a mystery. Which is all well and good for a 30 minute TV show that doesn't mean for us to invest more than a few minutes into characters that we won't be seeing again next week but for a movie it's awful.
Some people are calling this satire. Well. If that's true, it most certainly should have closed on Saturday night.
In the weeds
ranwulfs21 January 2023
I don't even know where to start. So much about this movie left me saying "and..?" There are red herrings everywhere, things you think will be relevant to the plot (such as it is) but go nowhere. The characters are distinctly unlikable, and the storyline is all over the place. I appreciate seeing haute cuisine and food snobbery being lambasted, but 1978's "Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" did it better by far. I feel like I wasted an hour and forty-five minutes on this. I kept expecting it to get better, or at least become cohesive enough to follow, but it never did. The second half lost whatever thread it had and just wandered off. Meh. Hard pass.
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