“A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.” -IMDB
As The Menu spirals into a world of radicalism, madness, and violence, it somehow becomes increasingly more fun to watch. Morbid, but true.
The Menu follows a group of elite diners (including many of the usual suspects: the critic, the regulars, the falling star and his worn down assistant, the corporate assholes, and the self-proclaimed “foodie”) as they travel to a remote island in order to experience renowned Chef Slowik’s latest culinary innovations. However, as you might expect, the night take an unlikely and sinister turn.
In terms of watch-ability, The Menu is an absolute delight. It doesn’t attempt to hide its sinister intentions and we understand from the get-go that we are in for a homicidal roller coaster. The movie shines when it deliciously (😉) combines tried and true horror tropes with a fresh, comedic perspective. I laughed out loud at several points, often times at some of the darkest points in the movie and quite often at lines delivered by the movie’s main villain.
Speaking of Ralph Fiennes is the perfect casting choice for a villain who is intimidating, terrifying, and yet somehow utterly likable. The entire cast bounces off each other wonderfully and it is one of the best ensemble films I’ve seen.
What I particularly loved about The Menu is that it was able to weave in moments of sincerity and comment on modern social issues, particularly classism; yet, every time it got a bit too sincere, it leaned back into satire. You can tell the filmmakers never took themselves too seriously (which makes sense given Adam Mckay is one of the producers) and relished in the story’s absurdity.
Honestly, I was very torn on whether to give this film 8 or 9 Claire Bears. If I was a more tech savvy (or patient) millennial, I would figure out how to give half bear emojis and would have given it an 8.5. While I think this movie was nearly pitch perfect and would/will absolutely watch it again, I can see it not being a movie for everyone. After all, violence (even when wrapped in satire and comedy) is not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you can stomach a few moments of violence and an increasing sense of impending doom, then the rest of The Menu is an absolute wild ride that is well worth the watch!
Rating: 8 out 10 Claire Bears
🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻
If you like this movie, you should also watch: Boiling Point, Ready or Not, Get Out
Streaming: In Theaters only
With: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau
Directed By: Mark Mylod
Let Me Clarify 