50 Facts About The Menu (Film)

Plot Overview

The Menu is a 2022 psychological thriller that takes viewers on a dark, satirical journey into the world of fine dining. Directed by Mark Mylod, the film features a master chef with a twisted sense of justice and a young woman who finds herself at the center of a sinister dinner party.

1. 01The story follows a young couple, Tyler and Margot, who travel to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant.
2. 02Chef Slowik, played by Ralph Fiennes, orchestrates a lavish menu with shocking surprises for his guests.
3. 03The guests are subjected to psychological games and violent events, leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Setting

The film's setting plays a crucial role in creating its eerie and isolated atmosphere. The remote island adds a layer of suspense and tension to the story.

4. 04The exclusive restaurant is located on a remote island, described as twelve acres of forest with access to the sea.
5. 05The island's isolation contributes to the unsettling atmosphere, making the events even more suspenseful.

Characters

The Menu boasts a diverse cast of characters, each adding depth and complexity to the story. From the master chef to the unsuspecting guests, every character plays a significant role.

6. 06Chef Slowik, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is the master chef with a twisted sense of justice.
7. 07Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, is a young woman who becomes central to the sinister dinner party.
8. 08Tyler, Margot’s boyfriend, is initially oblivious to the true nature of the dinner party.
9. 09Elsa, the maître d', oversees the dinner party with a mix of professionalism and menace.
10. 10Richard, a wealthy patron, values status over culinary experience.
11. 11Anne, Richard’s wife, is a regular at the restaurant and seems to know more than she lets on.

Themes

The Menu delves into several thought-provoking themes, making it more than just a thriller. It critiques fine dining culture while exploring deeper psychological and social issues.

12. 12Psychological manipulation is a key theme, with Chef Slowik using games to control his guests.
13. 13The film highlights the artistry and precision involved in creating a fine dining experience.
14. 14It critiques the exclusivity and pretentiousness of fine dining culture.
15. 15Violence and mortality are explored, symbolizing the ultimate cost of culinary ambition.

Production Design

The meticulous production design adds authenticity and depth to the film. Every detail, from the kitchen to the dishes, is crafted to enhance the story.

16. 16Ethan Tobman, the production designer, worked alongside chef Dominique Crenn to bring the dishes to life.
17. 17The set included an open concept kitchen with marble countertops and an open flame grill, adding a dangerous element to the story.
18. 18The film’s design elements were inspired by Spanish chef Ferran Adrià’s restaurant, El Bulli.
19. 19A spice wall composed of various small bottles is a nod to El Bulli’s constant experimentation with dishes and spices.

Food Styling

Food plays a central role in The Menu, and the food styling is both visually appealing and integral to the narrative.

20. 20Food stylist Kendell Gensler ensured that the dishes were durable enough to withstand the rigors of filming.
21. 21Each item incorporated onto the plates went through an approval process to ensure it fit the film’s narrative and character arcs.
22. 22One standout dish is a roll of tortillas customized for each guest, imprinted with graphically depicted sins and secrets.
23. 23The tortillas were created using edible ink on actual tortillas that the actors ate.

Memorable Courses

The film's courses are not just meals but pivotal moments that drive the plot and reveal character backstories.

24. 24The first course involves bread service, but with a twist—guests are given shale plates with savory condiments instead of bread.
25. 25The second course, called “Memory,” introduces Chef Slowik’s backstory and motivations.
26. 26The fourth course, “The Mess,” introduces actual violence, marking a turning point in the film.

Key Characters and Their Arcs

Each character in The Menu undergoes significant development, adding layers of complexity to the story.

27. 27Sous Chef Jeremy, introduced in the fourth course, explains his journey to working at Hawthorn.
28. 28The staff at the restaurant is highly motivated and dedicated to Chef Slowik’s vision.
29. 29The guests include tech bros, artists, and wealthy patrons, each with their own secrets and motivations.
30. 30Margot’s role becomes increasingly crucial as she becomes aware of the sinister nature of the dinner party.

Chef Slowik’s Backstory

Understanding Chef Slowik’s past is key to understanding his motivations and actions throughout the film.

31. 31Chef Slowik shares a traumatic childhood experience where he stabbed his father with kitchen scissors.
32. 32This backstory sets the stage for his twisted sense of justice and desire for control.

Dramatic Conclusion

The film builds up to a dramatic and violent conclusion, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

33. 33The final course is an elevated version of s’mores, with guests fitted with marshmallow coats.
34. 34The dessert course culminates in a dramatic and violent conclusion where everyone inside the building is cooked alive.

Themes of Mortality and Social Commentary

The Menu uses its plot and characters to explore deeper themes, making it a thought-provoking film.

35. 35The film explores themes of mortality through Chef Slowik’s use of violence and death.
36. 36It critiques the exclusivity and pretentiousness of fine dining culture.
37. 37Chef Slowik uses psychological manipulation to control his guests.
38. 38Violence is used as a tool to achieve his goals, symbolizing the ultimate cost of culinary ambition.

Isolation and Atmosphere

The remote island setting enhances the film's eerie atmosphere, making the events even more unsettling.

39. 39The island’s isolation contributes to the eerie atmosphere, adding to the suspense.
40. 40The character arcs are complex, with each guest undergoing a journey from obliviousness to realization.

Margot’s Role and Escape Attempts

Margot’s actions and decisions drive much of the plot, making her a central character.

41. 41Margot attempts to escape via the staff motorboat but is thwarted by another staff member in disguise.
42. 42Her growing awareness and desperation to survive are key to the story.

Elsa’s Role and Character Development

Elsa, the maître d', adds to the tension and suspense throughout the film.

43. 43Elsa oversees the dinner party with a mix of professionalism and menace.
44. 44Her character undergoes significant development, revealing a more menacing side.

Richard’s Fate and Tyler’s Photo Incident

These events underscore the themes of mortality and control in the film.

45. 45Richard suffers a tragic fate when he loses a finger.
46. 46Tyler takes a forbidden photo of the amuse bouche, leading to confrontations and tensions.

Coast Guard Rescue Twist

The supposed rescue adds another layer of betrayal and isolation to the story.

47. 47Margot contacts the Coast Guard for help, but the rescuer turns out to be another staff member in disguise.

Chef Slowik’s Masterpiece

The final dish symbolizes Chef Slowik’s ultimate creation and the culmination of his twisted plan.

48. 48Chef Slowik’s final dish is a masterpiece where everyone inside the building is cooked alive.

Production Challenges and Collaboration

The production team faced several challenges, but their collaboration brought authenticity to the film.

49. 49The production team ensured that the dishes could withstand high-intensity lights and long filming hours.
50. 50Chef Dominique Crenn collaborated with Ethan Tobman to bring the dishes to life, adding authenticity to the culinary scenes.

Final Bite of The Menu

The Menu isn’t just a film; it’s a wild ride through the dark side of fine dining. With Ralph Fiennes as the twisted Chef Slowik and Anya Taylor-Joy as the sharp-witted Margot, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. From the eerie island setting to the meticulously crafted dishes, every detail pulls you deeper into the story. Themes of psychological manipulation, culinary art, and social commentary make it more than just a thriller. The production design, inspired by El Bulli, and the collaboration with Chef Dominique Crenn add layers of authenticity. The final s’mores course, where everyone gets cooked alive, is a shocking yet fitting end. If you’re into psychological thrillers with a twist, The Menu serves up a feast you won’t forget.