The Menu — A meal with consequences
The tension between expectation and reality is sharp, but the film leans too heavily on its own irony without fully committing to its themes.
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Spoiler-free review.
The Menu unfolds as a gathering of characters with hidden motives, each brought together by an invitation they cannot refuse. As the evening progresses, the stakes shift from social awkwardness to something more sinister, though the transition feels abrupt rather than organic.
The film moves quickly but not consistently. Some scenes focus on dialogue for too long, while others rush through emotional moments without giving them time to breathe. The direction keeps the setting visually tight, which helps build tension but doesn’t give much room to explore the characters’ inner lives.
Ralph Fiennes brings an unsettling calm to his role as the host, making his menace feel more insidious than overtly threatening. Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult navigate their roles with precision, though their characters remain underdeveloped beyond their initial impressions.
The film’s humor is dark, but it often feels forced, relying on irony instead of real character-driven comedy or horror. Even with its flaws, The Menu still makes a clear point about elitism and entitlement, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its own promise.
2022 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.
7/10
My verdictThe tension between expectation and reality is sharp, but the film leans too heavily on its own irony without fully committing to its themes.
— Desly