The chefs place graham crackers on the ground and dress the guests in marshmello. Using big wooden spoons, they pour gasoline and chocolate syrup onto the floor and light it. This is the end for them.
“You represent the ruin of my art and my life.” Chef Slowik said. The whole building on a beautiful private island is engulfed in flames. Everyone inside is scared for their life. The fire sparked and ripped through the dark and starry night, creating a deep contrast between the colors and the quiet of the night with what is happening on the island.
This is a scene in the movie “The Menu,” directed by Mark Maloyd and starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes. The movie came out on Sept. 10, 2022, and is about the protagonist, Margot Mills, and her partner, Tyler Ledferd. Nine other people were invited to a dinner hosted at a private island by the world-renowned chef, Chef Slowik.
Throughout the story, Chef Slowik brings out different courses of food that are somehow connected to the personal lives of the 11 people on the island, which leads to suspicions about Chef Slowik’s intentions. Felicity, one of the 11, is so unsettled by the courses that she asks Chef Slowik, “Are we all dying tonight?”
Chef Slowik tells them all that these exclusive people he has invited to this dinner were his reasons for losing his love of cooking. Each person represented different reasons, except for Margot. “The Menu” is a story that takes twists and turns that make you think about how others may perceive you and how that impacts you.
The exploration of relationships between people is interesting, and the satire in the movie tends to fly straight over your head because the movie’s premise is a dark and unusual situation. The satire tends to feel out of place even though it is supposed to lighten the mood and make the viewer feel better. This movie tries to be cometic, but the timing and the jokes do not work with the storyline.
But what makes this movie good? This story looks into the relationship between the chef and the 11 people. This movie shows that even though someone might be at the top of their game, there will still be others who are trying to tear them down. The film makes you deeply reflect on the people around you and whether they are helping you or not.
This is a movie I would recommend because it explores different themes and makes you question your people and the choices you make. The movie outright shows you different relationships and makes you compare them. There are not only relationships but also economic undertones that show how money impacts people. This film can draw out many different emotions despite the comedic relief not landing. The mystery lying in the story/narrative makes for a thrilling and emotional experience while watching.
