Mark Mylod's "The Menu" is a dish best served with a taste for the unexpected. This delectably twisted satire slices through the veneer of high culture and gourmet snobbery with a sharpened knife, seeking to both amuse and unsettle. As we are ushered into the world of the Hawthorn, an air of pretension, mystery, and a hint of danger begin to marinate together, preparing us for a course of events that deftly treads the boundary between extravagance and insanity.
The gathering of the elite, those accustomed to the crème de la crème, sets the stage for what promises to be more than simple culinary indulgence. Chef Julian Slowik, the mastermind at the gastronomic helm, offers a performance where each course is an act in a play, hinting at a crescendo that is both theatrical and thought-provoking. The promise of the extraordinary is captivating, albeit with a growing sense that all is not as it seems.
As the courses unfold, each one is a microcosm of artistic flair and psychological intrigue. Tyler, played with obsessive zest, embodies the peak of the gourmet pyramid, while Margot, his companion, offers a counterpoint of indifference that brings balance to the otherwise entranced ensemble of diners. It is through their eyes that we, the viewers, start to chew on the film's deeper meanings.
The metaphorical menu presented by Chef Slowik pushes boundaries, conjuring a feast that blends horror and comedy into a dish that is as nauseating as it is enticing. The uneasy feeling that simmers beneath each patron's superficial façade gives rise to questions about consumption, both in the literal sense and beyond. What is it that we hunger for, and at what point does the quest for the extraordinary push us into the realms of the grotesque?
Visually, "The Menu" is a carefully crafted spectacle that marries the minimalist with the magnificent. Cinematic shots of culinary creations double as art pieces, becoming symbolic servings of the narrative's core critiques. The settings, performances, and the pacing are ingredients meticulously measured to flavor the plot's buildup.
Despite its cleverness and the piquant satire, some may find "The Menu" difficult to digest due to its desire to cover various thematic dishes. While it is ambitious in its culinary critique of elitism, consumerism, and creative genius, some palates may find it excessively rich, its narrative pathways meandering at times.
Yet, making it through the entire movie is a rewarding endeavor, akin to savoring a meal that lingers on the senses long after the plates have been cleared. Its score of 7/10 affirms that while it may not be to everyone’s taste, "The Menu" serves up enough flavorful commentary and suspenseful storytelling to satisfy those with a penchant for darkly comedic satires.
In a nutshell, "The Menu" is the kind of film that’s "good to see," especially if one appreciates a serving of high society paired with a generous portion of skepticism. Its over-the-top nature might have you questioning your next restaurant reservation, but rest assured, the aftertaste of this movie's raucous revelry in rebellion against the connoisseur culture will leave you entertained and perhaps, introspectively reflective on the appetites that drive us.
