To pursue your passion, you must create for others: The Menu, reviewed

Hello, hello. I hope you are well. 

This is a spoiler free film review. 

Consumerism has evolved into something more intellectually and status driven, rather than something that is done out of pure enjoyment. Clothes, for example, are purchased because one wants to be perceived in a certain way. But, even food is part of this ordeal. The Menu takes this idea even further, displaying the effects on the artist. When your art is in the property of the public, you no longer create for yourself, but create to stay afloat, having to please an audience. But, imagine the void in creating for an audience that does not consume for joy but an image? 

Taking place on a secluded island called Hawthorne, The Menu follows a small group of elitists who bought tickets to experience fine dining at an exclusive restaurant. This time around, Chef Slowik has something more sinister on the menu as his greatest work yet. While the film is edited in the style of anything that might be found on a food channel, this only adds to the eerie and repressive tone. Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy is a horror film about the over-indulgent side of the world of a foodie. 

There is so much depth in the characters portrayed in The Menu. The focal point is around a young couple, Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), an obsessive foodie, whose great knowledge about cuisine has him believing that he is as good as the master chef, often trying to impress him and Margot played by Anya Taylor Joy, who seems out of place from the beginning. Chef Slowik’s (Ralph Fiennes) calm demeanor makes him even more chilling and with each course, he exposes more of his sinister side. Other characters of this wealthy and elitist world of foodies involve a once famous actor and his assistant, a rich, old couple, three investors and a very pretentious food critic followed by her suck up editor. 

• 

• 

• 

“You will eat less than you desire and more than you deserve.” 

The Menu reeks of social commentary done through an exaggerated and humorous way. Chef Slowik begins with a light hearted, tongue and cheek approach towards the people seated in the room, until it is glaringly apparent what he is trying to say and how he feels about his audience, specifically of their class. Chef Slowik expresses his frustration at people consuming his food without truly enjoying it and not being able to create solely for others to enjoy but rather to be known as one of the greatest, without anyone truly mirroring the fulfilment he felt making the food. 

Every element comes together to make The Menu work. The bleak atmosphere, the incredible writing with every line delivered perfectly. No cannibalism, no poisoning involved and yet this film is so chilling. And the irony is, we are the exact audience that Chef Slowik despises. Watching The Menu is as entertaining as it is genius. Proving Chef Slowik’s point, we learn nothing. 

‘That’s all’. (The Devil Wears Prada, 2006) 

I hope August has been treating you phenomenally, you beautiful soul. And I hope you enjoyed my latest blog post (I intend to get better at this).

Sincerely, 

The Nocturnal Journal

Find me elsewhere: Instagram, TikTok and Substack