The Menu Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

Ups...

7. It's A Hilarious Satire Of Foodie Culture & Class

Despite some of the horrifying things that happen in the film, The Menu doesn't take itself all that seriously, given that it functions primarily as a flavourful satire of both foodie culture and class.

From literally its very first scene, the movie relentlessly mocks effete, pretentious foodies like protagonist Margot's (Anya Taylor-Joy) boyfriend Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) - a glorified fanboy of chef Julian who is obsessed with minimalist "refined" cuisine and every insufferable thing that entails.

On another level there's also a burning disdain for the cult of celebrity chefs, for while Julian certainly isn't an obvious caricature of any real-life chef, the deity-like regard with which he's held by his fans and even his own staff is horrifying in its own way.

The script further relishes prodding class war, namely the disparity between wealthy elite customers and the "lowly" kitchen staff who create their meals.

It all adds up to a rich, blackly comedic stew that keenly generates a consistent barrage of laughs, even though none of it could ever be called sly or cunning.