Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Menu’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy in the film THE MENU. Photo by Eric Zachanowich. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Menu’.
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We are living in supremely fascinating times. For the world has reached a point where people are simply saying, enough is enough when it comes to old standbys and processes that have been tolerated for far too long, and that’s bringing about all kinds of unique unrest at every level of our world. Because not only are we seeing mass protests in the streets that demand change and the end of the old norms… but even everyday folks are striking back against problems that are simply stifling at this point. Take for instance, retail and the customer service industry. For this is a part of our world that is constantly beat down and abused by entitled consumers that have nothing better to do with their time than invent ideas of how they should be treated, and well… that abuse is now being exposed.
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For these workers are posting the extremes these buffoons will go to have their way on social media, giving rise to exposure at last and healthy protest to a problem that has persisted for ages on end. A move that has brought forth some results, since public shaming of the most extreme Karen’s and Chad’s has led to consequences for some of them. But thankfully, that is as far as those particular protests have gone, but it does leave us wondering… if by chance this is going to boil over at some point and someone involved in that kind of altercation might snap and take things too far. But while we hope that never happens, that kind of pondering does indeed ignite imaginations and allow for the creative mind to wander, and it just so happens that a brand-new motion picture explores such possibilities in fascinating detail in The Menu.

A feat that this move accomplishes, by taking us on a special journey. For this is a story that whisks us away to an exclusive dining resort known as Hawthorn. Which rests atop its own unique island in the Pacific Northwest and in this place, culinary wonders are achieved. For renowned Chef Julian Slowik creates only the finest and most unique dining experience for his guests, who just so happen to pay $1,250 a pop to eat in this environment… but get their money’s worth. For Julian has assembled the finest support staff to help him create foods that take one’s breath away and well, on this particular night… a special dinner is about to take place. One that will allow for Chef to repay the discourtesy of the elite and of the rotten customer in general, much to the chagrin of a woman named Margot, who was a last-minute addition to the carefully curated guest list, and has no ill will within her.

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Which is a plot that brings forth… all kinds of twist and turns and stunning moments that we will not be spoiling here. Because you need to experience them firsthand. But it is important to point out that Chef’s special dinner is grounded deeply in notions of revenge and a desire to bring forth payback for years of strife in the industry he loves… because that is the stuff that truly makes this a poignant motion picture. One that seizes upon the current zeitgeist and explores in detail how spoiled the consumer has become and how hard that has made life for the people that are supposed to serve them with a smile. Giving rise to fine commentary on how everyone needs to endeavor to treat those in this industry far better so that no one does slip to the dark point that Chef does in this tale.
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But all commentary aside, make no mistake about it, this a movie grounded in elements of horror. Because in order to exact revenge and teach lessons, ugly things have to happen and ugly things most certainly do and that… adds to the wonder of this film. Because it allows for some creative moments to take place from a horror perspective since Chef makes use of food and food themed elements to make these customers pay and that brings forth some memorable and shocking visuals, the kind that are stunningly original in nature and oddly… never overpower the viewer with raw fear. Courtesy of another unexpected surprise in this tale… it’s humor. Because believe it or not, this is a story that makes heavy use of comedic elements to keep it light and never overwhelming. 

All of which, is the perfect recipe for a delectably demented motion picture. One that captivates and enthralls with its mysteries and surprises, and never takes itself too seriously and also… features some magnificent acting. For Ralph Fiennes delivers a powerhouse performance as the tortured Chef Julian Slowik, and he is counterbalanced wonderfully by Anya-Taylor Joy’s turn as the out of place Margot. Not to mention John Leguizamo steals every scene he’s in this story and well, this is simply a must-see movie when all is said and done. Because it’s just so rare to encounter a dark humor horror film that offers this level of intelligence and creativity, and the best news of all, is that you can devour this unique experience right now since The Menu is now in theaters.  

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