MOVIE TITLE: The Menu
Searchlight Pictures presents an intriguing film that is a combination of horror, comedy, mystery, and thriller. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, then opened in the USA at Fantastic Fest. It’s now in 3,211 theaters, making it the widest release in the studio’s history.
RATING: R
LENGTH: 1 hour 47 minutes
MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-
IN A NUTSHELL:
The stylish film was directed by Mark Mylod. What are he and the writers trying to say? Some say it’s a commentary on filmmaking today. Others say it’s a statement on the elevation of chefs to rockstar status. One thing I liked about this movie is that it will definitely get people talking.
The screenwriter, Will Tracy, thought of the idea for the movie after he visited a fancy-shmancy restaurant on a private island off of the Norwegian shore.
Will Ferrell is one of the producers.
THINGS I LIKED:
- I used to teach classes at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College (Las Vegas campus), so I was especially interested to see what this movie was going to be about. I hadn’t seen the trailer, so boy, was I surprised.
- This talented cast features many award winners, including Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, John Leguizamo, and Judith Light.
- Fun fact 1: The fancy food was actually prepared by French chef Dominique Crenn, who is the only female chef in the USA to earn three Michelin stars.
- Fun fact 2: In the beginning of the film the customers are led to the restaurant by Elsa and a few goats. A Judas Goat is a goat used to keep cattle and other livestock calm while being led onto trucks and into slaughterhouses. This is a hint that the diners are cattle being to the slaughter.
- Fun fact 3: Smoking DOES ruin your palette.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
- Some will say the ending is ridiculous. Many will say the entire plot is ridiculous.
- True horror fans will want even more blood and gore.
- A man gets stabbed in his groin but then seems to be fine after that.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
- This is not a movie appropriate for children.
- Profanity, including F-bombs
- Some crude conversations
- People get hurt in gory ways
- Violence
THEMES:
- Food and foodies
- Nature
- Obsession
- Pretentious consumers of art
- Concept art and the artist
- The “haves” vs. the “have nots”
- The elevation of the chef to rock-star status
- Service-industry workers
- Good and bad customers
INTERESTING LINES:
“Chefs play with the raw ingredients of life itself.” – Tyler (Nicholas Hoult)
“You will eat less than you desire and more than you deserve.” – Elsa (Hong Chau)
“Do you want to die with those who give or those who take?” – Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes)
“What happens to an artist who loses his purpose?” – Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes)
“You cook with obsession, not love.” – Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy)
OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Triangle of Sadness: https://moviereviewmom.com/triangle-of-sadness-movie-review/
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