El Menú

What I took away from this movie is that nothing ruins true passion like pretentiousness and hunger for monetary gain. It's a brilliant ode to the thin line between love and obsession and the difference between them both. Ralph Fiennes is perfection in the role as Chef Slowik, once again has he achieved the task of making one feel compassion and tenderness for a character committing unspeakable deeds. Anya Taylor-Joy is brilliant as always, her strong portrayal of "Margot" is awe inspiring, what ever life throws at her, she's ready to face it. Another important, and comforting aspect I learned from this movie is that student loans aren't always a bad thing.

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 just good.

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 missed some of the main point: sweet gratification and satiation.

Scares are not included on the menu; what there is of comedic value is presented as filling; it is unsatisfyingly light on gore; hints of interesting dialogue exist, but they are only scantily peppered throughout; the build-up of characters and backstory is distinctly and unpalatably in short supply, as well as somewhat bland; intentions are nondescript; it wore on and became progressively less, instead of more enjoyable; and, the main course was both 'cheesy' and a bit less than fulfilling. Yes, I greedily took it all in, but 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.

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 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!

The Menu, directed by Mark Mylod, is a dark satire that dissects the world of fine dining, wealth, and artistic obsession. Set on a secluded island, the film follows a group of elite guests invited to an exclusive restaurant, where a renowned chef has prepared a meticulously crafted multi-course experience-one that takes a sinister turn.

At its core, The Menu critiques the pretentiousness of high-class consumerism and the extremes of artistic perfection. The film highlights how privilege and wealth often lead to detachment, where experiences become commodities rather than meaningful engagements. The guests, each representing different facets of entitlement, are confronted with the consequences of their actions, forcing them to reflect on their own role in a system that thrives on excess and exploitation.

Another key theme is the cost of artistic obsession. The chef's relentless pursuit of perfection has consumed him, turning his passion into a prison. Through his elaborate, terrifying spectacle, the film explores the burden of creative expression and the dangers of losing oneself to an ideal that can never truly be satisfied. It questions whether art should serve the elite or remain accessible to those who genuinely appreciate its craft.

Ultimately, The Menu serves as a sharp reflection on power dynamics, consumer culture, and the true meaning of fulfillment. It challenges viewers to consider their relationship with art, privilege, and the pursuit of greatness. Beneath its suspenseful and darkly comedic layers, the film warns against the hollow nature of superficial experiences and reminds us that true satisfaction lies not in excess, but in authenticity and appreciation.