The Menu movie is a delicious foodie satire full of stunning degustation morsels, sinister twists and a side dish of just enough weird. Please sir can I have some more?
The Menu movie starts innocently with twelve wealthy guests making their way by boat to the remote Hawthorne Island. Disembarking, they watch the vessel disappear taking with it their only connection to the real world.
With the guest list confirmed the party makes their way to the renowned farm-to-table restaurant, for a $1,250 per head, four and a half hour degustation menu. But there’s a problem.
One of the guests was not on the original list.
Foodie Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) hasn’t bought his original date. Instead we meet Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) who isn’t really into the whole food scene, she’s just along for the free meal.
Other guests include a washed-up movie star (John Leguizamo), a tastemaking restaurant critic (Janet McTeer), and a trio of tech brothers. With large bank balances and even larger egos, the guests settle in for an exclusive experience to remember. They will not be disappointed.
With the clap of hands, the kitchen team comes to attention in a stunning open-concept kitchen and we are welcomed by Chef (Ralph Fiennes).
Chef sets out the rules. No eating. Instead dinners must taste. Taste not simply eat. And no photos. Why take photos to impress people you don’t know?
As the party progresses the guests secrets are revealed along with the true meaning of the evening.
It’s rare to watch a movie and wonder what’s going to happen next and that definitely happens in The Menu. One things for sure, you’ll never look at a degustation menu in the same way. As Chef, Ralph Fiennes leaves the Soup Nazi in the dark. The movie did have me thinking about Nordic By Nature and the real life isolated restaurant KOKS. What really goes on there? Hopefully nothing like what happens on Hawthorne Island. The Menu also reminds us about the beauty of a good cheese burger.
Note. A few of the scenes may be confronting for some viewers.
Rating 8/10
For more information go to Luna Cinema, Palace Cinemas
