The Menu (2022) is a dark comedy and psychological thriller directed by Mark Mylod, known for his work on Succession. This satirical horror film dives into the absurd world of haute cuisine, where obsession, privilege, and performance art take a deadly turn.
Detailed Summary
Welcome to Hawthorn
The story begins with Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) boarding a private boat to a mysterious, exclusive restaurant located on a remote island. The restaurant, Hawthorn, is run by the legendary and intimidating Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). The guest list includes a mix of wealthy elitists, food critics, tech bros, and actors — all people accustomed to privilege.
From the start, something feels off. The staff, led by Elsa (Hong Chau), are eerily disciplined, and the dinner atmosphere is unsettlingly ritualistic. Margot, who is not originally on the guest list, immediately stands out as an outsider, confusing the staff and Chef Slowik.
The Courses Begin
Each meticulously designed course comes with an unnerving story or performance. The first few dishes mock the pretentiousness of fine dining — tiny portions, overly complex descriptions, and a total lack of warmth. Chef Slowik begins to taunt the guests, exposing their hypocrisy, greed, and moral corruption.
Margot grows increasingly suspicious, while Tyler seems oblivious, worshiping the chef with blind fanaticism.
The Turning Point: “The Mess”
The tone shifts dramatically with the course called “The Mess.” A sous-chef named Jeremy shoots himself in front of the guests as part of the performance. Panic spreads, but the guests quickly realize there’s no escape — the island is completely controlled by Slowik’s staff.
Slowik calmly tells everyone that they will all die tonight, and that each course will bring them closer to “the perfect meal.”
Margot’s Defiance
Slowik confronts Margot privately, realizing she is not who she appears to be. It’s revealed that she’s an escort hired by Tyler after his original date canceled. Margot’s presence disrupts the chef’s carefully crafted menu — she doesn’t fit the profile of the rich parasites he intends to punish.
She and Slowik share a subtle connection — both are service workers who cater to the whims of the powerful.
The Dinner Guests’ Sins
As the courses continue, Slowik exposes the guests’ wrongdoings: the cheating husband, the corrupt tech investors, the dishonest food critic, the fading actor who sold out for money, and Tyler — who knew everyone would die but came anyway, just to experience the meal.
When Tyler’s fraud is revealed, Slowik humiliates him by letting him cook a dish. Tyler fails miserably, and overcome with shame, he hangs himself.
Margot’s Escape Plan
Margot refuses to accept her fate and challenges Slowik directly. She insults his food, calling it joyless and pretentious. She cleverly manipulates him by asking for a cheeseburger, cooked “just like when you loved to cook.”
Slowik, visibly moved by this appeal to his humanity, makes her the burger — simple, perfect, and full of genuine care. Margot takes a bite, compliments it, and asks for it “to go.” Slowik grants her request, wrapping the burger neatly and letting her leave the island.
Movie Ending
As Margot escapes by boat, the final course — “S’mores” — begins. Slowik instructs the guests to put on marshmallow capes and chocolate hats, symbolizing their roles as ingredients in the grand finale.
The restaurant is transformed into a grotesque human dessert, and Slowik sets the entire building ablaze. The guests calmly accept their fates, consumed by the flames as the restaurant burns to the ground.
From her boat, Margot watches the inferno light up the night sky. She takes a bite of her cheeseburger — a symbol of authenticity, simplicity, and freedom — and wipes her mouth with the restaurant’s pretentious menu. The film ends with her silent contemplation of what she’s just escaped.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Menu does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with Margot’s escape and the destruction of the restaurant. The credits roll immediately afterward, reinforcing the sense of finality.
Type of Movie
The Menu is a dark comedy thriller with strong elements of satire and horror. It mocks the culture of elitism, consumerism, and performative artistry in modern fine dining.
Cast
- Ralph Fiennes as Chef Julian Slowik
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot Mills (aka Erin)
- Nicholas Hoult as Tyler Ledford
- Hong Chau as Elsa
- Janet McTeer as Lillian Bloom
- Judith Light as Anne
- John Leguizamo as Movie Star
- Reed Birney as Richard
- Aimee Carrero as Felicity
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Colin Stetson, known for his haunting and experimental soundscapes. His music perfectly complements the film’s tension — blending elegance with dread, like an orchestra playing at the end of the world.
Filming Locations
Filming took place primarily in Savannah, Georgia, with many of the interior restaurant scenes shot on sound stages. The isolated island was inspired by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, giving it a natural yet claustrophobic feel. The restaurant’s sleek design was modeled after minimalist Nordic architecture, emphasizing sterility and control.
Awards and Nominations
- Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes)
- Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actress (Anya Taylor-Joy)
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Best Comedy Nomination
- Saturn Award Nomination: Best Thriller Film
The film received widespread praise for its performances, screenplay, and direction.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The food styling was supervised by real-life Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn, ensuring authenticity.
- Ralph Fiennes spent time in a professional kitchen observing chefs to perfect his posture and knife-handling technique.
- The crew cooked real food during many takes to keep the steam and textures authentic on camera.
- Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult improvised several awkward dinner moments to make their relationship feel more genuine.
Inspirations and References
The movie was inspired by the culture of celebrity chefs, the elitism of fine dining, and the performative nature of modern art. It echoes films like Parasite and American Psycho in its social critique and dark humor.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Director Mark Mylod has revealed that there were minor adjustments to the ending — one early draft had Margot staying to die with the others, but test audiences preferred her escape, emphasizing hope and rebellion. Some deleted scenes involved more character backstories, particularly about the tech investors.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The Menu is an original screenplay, not based on a book. However, it draws thematic inspiration from culinary memoirs and the growing trend of “exclusive experience” dining.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The shocking “Mess” course and Jeremy’s suicide.
- Margot confronting Slowik in the kitchen.
- Tyler’s humiliation and death.
- The cheeseburger scene — a perfect metaphor for authenticity.
- The fiery “S’mores” finale.
Iconic Quotes
- Chef Slowik: “You will eat less than you desire and more than you deserve.”
- Margot: “You cook with obsession, not love.”
- Slowik: “Tonight is not just a meal. It’s my masterpiece — and it will be deadly.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The restaurant’s name, Hawthorn, symbolizes both nourishment and poison — a duality reflected in the menu.
- Every course corresponds to a deadly sin or guest flaw.
- The final course “S’mores” mocks the idea of comfort food while turning it into a weapon.
- The movie subtly references Ratatouille — Tyler even mentions the film, contrasting its sincerity with his own pretentiousness.
Trivia
- The kitchen staff actors were trained by real sous-chefs to move like a professional brigade.
- Anya Taylor-Joy’s cheeseburger scene was shot in one take — the director said her expression of relief was genuine.
- The title The Menu is both literal and metaphorical — the film itself unfolds like a multi-course meal.
Why Watch?
Because it’s a perfectly cooked piece of satire — sharp, layered, and disturbingly funny. The Menu is for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at pretentious luxury culture or wanted to see the rich get their just desserts — literally.
Director’s Other Works
- Succession (TV series)
- Shameless (TV series)
- Ali G Indahouse (2002)
- What’s Your Number? (2011)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Parasite (2019)
- Ready or Not (2019)
- Knives Out (2019)
- American Psycho (2000)
- Triangle of Sadness (2022)
- Sorry to Bother You (2018)
