The Menu Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

3. Mark Mylod's Sharp, Stylish Direction

All the props in the world to director Mark Mylod, whose work on this film marks a major step up from his prior directing efforts, such as Brit comedy Ali G Indahouse and rom-com What's Your Number?

Mylod hasn't been sitting on his hands during the 11 years since the latter film, though, having sharpened his teeth on episodes of Shameless, Game of Thrones, Succession, and many more.

As a result, this is a supremely confident piece of filmmaking from top to bottom.

The visuals, so loving captured by veteran DP Peter Deming (Mulholland Drive), perfectly imitate the glossy style of contemporary food shows, and the production designers deserve a tip of the hat for finding such a lush-yet-eerie location for Julian's remote island restaurant.

And then there's the fact that the various courses consumed throughout the film are noted with on-screen text in a fashion that becomes increasingly, hilariously tongue-in-cheek the longer the night rages on.

But perhaps the biggest challenge for any director making this movie would be reconciling its tone, and ensuring that the comedy and horror elements don't clash in an offputting way.

But Mylod makes the balance seem easy and effortless, so nimbly are the potentially conflicting tones massaged into a totally coherent whole. One suspects Mylod will be getting some seriously heavyweight scripts coming his way after this.