The Menu is the latest film by director Mark Mylod, known for his numerous TV shows. This black-comedy horror film centers on a chef who presents his last creation to his guests, including the beautiful Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot. The movie also features other notable stars, such as Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, and John Leguizamo.
The story follows Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), a foodie who is a big fan of celebrity chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). After several visits to Julian’s restaurant, Tyler wants to return to taste his creations and watch the team prepare and present the dishes. After Tyler’s breakup with his girlfriend, he hires Margot to be his date and join him for an exclusive dinner on Hawthorne Island, where Julian creates his masterpieces.
The dinner takes place in a large room, and Margot feels uncomfortable right from the beginning. She cannot pinpoint what is wrong, but she knows something is amiss. Julian introduces himself and proceeds to serve some bizarre and creepy dishes, and when Margot rejects one of them, Julian scolds her for not appreciating his artistic expression. Tyler adds fuel to the fire, which further incenses Margot.
The situation takes a turn for the worse when one of the guests attempts to leave the island and loses his finger in the process. Julian reveals that he has kidnapped and taken all the guests hostage and that they are now part of his final creation. Chaos ensues as the guests try to figure a way out while dealing with their fears and anxieties.
The tension and horror in the film build gradually, and the cast of characters adds depth to the story. The acting by Anya Taylor-Joy stands out, and her portrayal of Margot is both relatable and compelling. The chemistry between Nicholas Hoult and Anya Taylor-Joy is excellent, and the supporting performances by Ralph Fiennes and Hong Chau are also worthy of praise.
The cinematography by David Procter immerses us in the visually stunning setting of Hawthorne Island, and the score by Ted Ruskin intensifies the underlying sense of dread throughout the film.
In conclusion, The Menu is an exciting and eerie film that blends black-comedy and horror into a unique blend of entertainment. The story is thrilling, and the performances from the cast are excellent. The Menu is not a film for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy suspenseful and scary movies, then this one is a must-see.
