The Menu (2022) is a haunting satirical horror film directed by Mark Mylod and starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult. The film is not just a culinary story but also a profound work that exposes the dark side of the upper class and the catering industry.
The story revolves around Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), a couple who attend a lavish dinner at the Hawthorn restaurant - a luxury location located on an isolated island. The party is hosted by the famous chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), who is famous for his exquisite dishes and high artistic philosophy. However, as the night progresses, the dishes become increasingly bizarre and horrifying, and the diners gradually realize that they are being caught up in a deadly plan that has been prepared.
The Menu does not follow the traditional horror motif but exploits psychological, satirical and social elements. Each dish in the dinner is a profound message about the vices of the upper class - from vanity, hypocrisy to greed and contempt for others. The character of chef Slowik is portrayed as a corrupted genius who has lost faith in the culinary arts due to being eroded by commercial society.
The film's special feature is the luxurious but cold setting, combined with the slow, tense pace of the film and the creepy music, creating a dark and meaningful atmosphere. Ralph Fiennes' performance is especially excellent, when he brings an image of a chef who is both scary and pitiful - an artist imprisoned by his own creativity.
The Menu is a unique cinematic work, making viewers not only excitedly follow the developments but also ponder about the true and false values in modern life. The film is a warning against blind worship, the distortion in the way of looking at art and people. This is definitely a film not for the faint of heart, but it is worth experiencing if you love stories that are both thrilling and profound.
