Searchlight’s “The Menu” serves up a great dish

Searchlight films will be serving up a cinematic fine dining experience from 18 November 2022 as The Menu releases in theatres.

A couple, Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), travel to a coastal island in the Pacific Northwest to eat at an exclusive restaurant, Hawthorn, where the reclusive, globally celebrated Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish tasting menu for select special guests.  Joining the couple are three young, already inebriated tech bros, Bryce (Rob Yang), Soren (Arturo Castro) and Dave (Mark St. Cyr), an older wealthy couple and repeat clients, Anne and Richard (Judith Light and Reed Birney), renowned restaurant critic Lillian Bloom (Janet McTeer) and her slavish magazine editor Ted (Paul Adelstein), and a famous middle-aged movie star (John Leguizamo) with his assistant Felicity (Aimee Carrero). Hosted by the immaculately dressed front of house staff led by general Elsa (Hong Chau), the evening unfolds with increasing tension at each of the guest tables as secrets are revealed and unexpected courses are served.  With wild and violent events occurring, Slowik’s motivation begins to rattle the diners as it becomes increasingly apparent that his elaborate menu is designed to catalyze to a shocking finale.

The Menu is not what it appears to be from the outset.

Each course unravels a new aspect of the story, allowing the viewer to take a wild, unexpected adventure along with Hawthorn’s guests. As a satirical thriller, the film reflects on deeper issues without being too didactic or overbearing. It’s dark and unnerving but fun as well.

Although the events of The Menu border on absurd, it also seriously asks for consideration about how we interact with those who serve us.

Director Mark Mylod hopes The Menu entertains while also spotlighting the impressive, undeniable level of artistry that exists within fine dining—a form of expression he has a newfound regard for thanks to the film.

The Menu releases in cinemas countrywide from 18 November 2022.

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Issued by Disney+ and Studios

Feature image supplied by Disney+ and Studios; Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.