The Menu: A Fine Dining Fiasco You Can’t Miss
Picture this: Anya Taylor‑Joy and Nicholas Hoult arrive on a remote island, ready to swipe their cards for a meal that will literally blow their minds — and possibly their lives.
Meet the Stars of the Stage
- Margot – Anya Taylor‑Joy, queen of the indie‑cult world, plays the girl who thought she’d got the perfect food dream.
- Tyler – Nicholas Hoult, the award‑winner from The Queen’s Gambit and X‑Men, is the clueless groom who follows her everywhere.
- Chef Julien Slowik – Ralph Fiennes doesn’t just star; he’s the chef behind the door drama, a culinary mastermind with a penchant for theatrics.
- Extra Flavours – John Leguizamo brings Hollywood grit, Janet McTeer critiques with snobbery, and Hong Chau’s fiercely loyal maitre d keeps everyone in line.
The Plot: Where Luxury Meets a Dark Twist
They’re part of a 12‑person VIP squad that’s paid a fortune for a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” feast at the exclusive lofty restaurants on Hawthorne Island. The place is all green farm patches, buzzing bees, and staff who practically live in their own dorms.
Chef Slowik and his crew plan a custom menu that’s meant to be a culinary masterpiece. But when Margot arrives, even the slow‑slow aesthetic of the chef’s concoctions goes from gourmet to gourmet‑gone‑wrong.
A Satirical Take on High Society
“It’s all about privilege for privilege’s sake or premeditated pretentiousness,” Anya told Reuters at the London premiere. “If you’re not enjoying your life, what are you even doing? These characters are hungry for excess, and that’s where the dark comedy kicks in.”
Behind the Scenes: Authenticity Meets Hollywood
Director Mark Mylod (yes, Succession and Game of Thrones fame) can’t put his finger on just how much he’d love a Michelin star. That’s why he brought in real‑deal culinary geniuses:
- Dominique Crenn – a three‑star Michelin wizard who basically runs her kitchen like a spaceship.
- David Gelp – the Chef’s Table mastermind who poured just the right amount of food porn into the film.
Even the actors shot into their new orbit: “I wasn’t a foodie before, but after seeing those shows, now I’m whipping up dishes. I’ve even dipped into baking recently!” said Hoult, capturing the newfound culinary spark.
When It’s Time to Eat
Released worldwide on November 17, The Menu is a monster of a movie that laughs with you, feels with you, and will probably leave you questioning your next brunch. It’s a gut‑busting, high‑stakes satire that will have you giggling and spitting out your popcorn at the same time.
