The Menu 
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult
Director: Mark Mylod
Release Date: November 18, 2022
My Rating:
As some of you may know, I am not into horror/slasher-type movies so it may seem strange that I picked this movie to watch. The thing is, Ralph Fiennes is an extraordinary actor and Nicholas Hoult isn’t too bad either (check out the series The Great on Hulu). Also, personally, I would instead categorize this movie as more of a thriller than a horror movie. With that said, let’s get on with the movie review for The Menu.
The synopsis is Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) has purchased a once-in-a-lifetime dinner prepared by renowned Chef Slowik (Fiennes). He, and 11 other guests, soon discover that this is no ordinary meal. In fact, it may be their last meal.
Spoilers Ahead!!!
Not “Horror-bly” Predictable
As someone who is not a horror movie fan, I actually really enjoy this movie. The acting is great and the story movies at a decent pace. Actually, when I think about it now, it almost feels like a sick and twisted cooking show. Every step of the way I was waiting for the gratuitous violence you often see in horror movies. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bloody moments, but it’s not excessive.
One of my criticisms of horror and slasher movies is that they all seem to follow the same formula. Therefore most horror movies are predictable. They are almost like porn movies, you don’t watch them for the plot. The Menu does not follow this trope. In fact, just when I thought I had figured something out, the movie proves me wrong. The movie ends much differently than I was expecting. This is why, between the lack of excessive blood and the ending, a thriller is a better label for this movie.
Here is where the spoilers come in. I was reading some of the trivia on the IMDB page and it turns out there are a few religious analogies in this film. The Chef makes a reference to Holy Communion. There are 12 tables, analogous to the 12 disciples at the Last Supper. All seven deadly sins are represented by either the staff, the Chef, or the guests. (I didn’t read this bit of trivia until after I had watched the movie so now I’m compelled to go back and watch it again.) It also seems that, by the end, all the guests have atoned for their respective sins. However, that doesn’t save them from their fate, aside from Margo, who is spared; after all, she is the one who “doesn’t belong”.
What is your movie review for The Menu? It’s available for streaming on HBO Max.
“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick