The Menu
★ ★★★
I have never been foodie and may never be after watching this film. The Menu is wickedly fun, with performances that are locked into the tone and premise of this satire. I've always enjoyed movies that take place in one setting, and director Mark Mylod taps into the angst and anxiety that only a deserted island could bring.
This movie may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the dark comedy of it all. It was tense enough that I always wanted to see what happens next. But it didn't go too far off the deep end where it turns you off and you are unable to concentrate on the themes that the movie is trying to express. Mylod does an excellent job of placement and camera movement to keep the action lively, but you never get lost or confused about any of the characters' motivations. The ensemble is terrific with outstanding performances from Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult. Just like the variety of the menu itself, you get to observe an array of talent and experience and it's really fun to see them play off one another.
The Menu has a lot to say about a critical culture and high society. I myself am always aware of how critical I can be about movies though I'm not actually in Hollywood making movies. Some may think The Menu is too biting in its commentary or not dark enough, but I found that it strikes a perfect balance. It's a fun movie that will get people talking, which happens to be some of my favorite types of films.
