The Menu (HBO Max)

 

The Menu (HBO Max)

The Menu leaves a bad taste. It is described as a dark comedy horror thriller. What passes as humor are uncomfortable moments for the characters and the viewers. The problem with the movie is a lack of back story to give content to the film. The film takes place on a private island for an exclusive dining experience at the Hawthorn restaurant. What ensues is random mayhem and butchery.

Ralph Fiennes is the celebrity chef Slowik. Fiennes plays the role with controlled emotion which eventually erupts. The dinner is by invitation and the guests are specifically chosen. They have history with the chef, and he has scores to settle with them. Working for chef Slowik are a group of sous-chefs who dutifully prepare the meals and commit atrocities as easily as cracking an egg. One scene was brutal and unexpected.

Anya Taylor-Joy plays Margo who was not a designated guest accompanying Taylor played by Nicholas Hoult. Taylor-Joy gives a strong performance. She is not immersed in the epicurean experience and dares to criticize the overly complex food plates. Hoult is the opposite, even as chaos ensues, he is transfixed by the food and lofty preparations.

John Leguizamo is a second-rate actor who in the past insulted the chef. He was not funny or irreverent, a waste of talent. Hong Chau is Elsa, the maître d’hôtel. She is more gestapo than maître d’ enforcing rules and punishing non-conforming guests. There are other characters with ties to the chef.

Some scenes are there for shock value, and they hit their mark. Without some set up the relevance of the scene is obscure. As the story unfolds plot lines tie things together. The film would have been more effective with background. Cause and effect balance a movie, here there is more effect with cause lacking. In full transparency Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 89%.