Dinning in Luxury Has Its Price

The Menu - Victor Garrido's Review

The only thing I knew from the movie I had watched "The Menu" is that Anna-Taylor Joy is one of the main actors that starts in the film. From having watched " Last Night in Soho" I knew that it was her power to retain such strong facial retention in each scene. The English/Scottish actor knows her game. The film picks up with a quick run down of the people who attend the opportunity to dine in an exclusive restaurant in a private island.

From the start you get the scene Tyler and Margot are going to be the main characters of the film. Each group is quickly introduced by explaining their main role. These come in groups of the elites. Food critics, business men and a famous actor and more. People who have the value to be invited to what seems the very best. I had felt that the chef was introduced in such a subtle way.  A mystery in itself, while revealing that he's to be known as the best.

As a foodie myself the amount of work that is displayed in each course each with its own story to tell. Each food had such a value shown in its highlights. Each party at the table enjoys and talks about their complaints about their area of troubles. 

The first question that leaves the audience at wonder is when they shown each picture displayed in each taco is tailored to the guests hidden secrets and when the sous chef is shown. "Clap!" That's when the film took a sudden left turn leaving many of the guests in shock. It was interesting to me to see Tyler have no subtle reaction to the sous chefs death. "How was he the only one not having second thoughts?" The whole crowd quickly felt as if it was a dark set up. It only felt like cherry on top was taken when Richard had his finger cut off.

Following that each course had felt like a sudden challenge that was given to each guest, testing to see in what ways they will suffer or worry. Little funny details made me laugh such as when the males had the opportunity to leave the island. As the last man was found he was given an egg delight. "Such a treat"  The chance that was given to each male while the ladies had just reflected on their meal opportunity.

As the chef and Margot exchanged private conversations, there was a strong backlash between each other, having to try to understand each other and make their stance. As they both discover their own truths. The moment Margot gets the keys and relieves the hidden truth of it all. That's when I was thinking.."How is this going to play?" 

The set up from when the security guard had been called for a distress signal was when I felt as if all staff and guests were all put into the test. A slow play to see which group of fear and the imbalance of a very hidden play making the guests feel as if they had such hope for safety. "That was the best scene in my option"  

My final thoughts in this film is that it was very well directed. Each character gives their strong performances all round. The menu itself has the course to show the beginning to the knowing of each member's death. The moment when each person was dressed in marshmallows, I knew that the flame had to come. It was quite a performance! I'll be sure to order my food to-go!

"The Menu" is available on HBO Max  and on VOD

If you share this with a friend and they subscribe, I'll give you a shout out in the following issue!