Yesterday afternoon I realized I'd completed almost everything on my schedule and I still had some spare time before a rather anticipated Valentine's evening so I decided what better way to kill some time than to watch a movie. I didn't feel like watching anything love themed though (I find the majority of them cringe), Right then my mind went back to a random movie trailer I watched a few days back. It was giving some kind of thriller movie vibes, and It felt like something I'd enjoy, so behold, I give you, The Menu.
PLOT
A group of wealthy people, comprising of a renowned food critic and her assistant, four employees of an angel investor, a famous actor and his wife, an old couple, and Tyler and his date Margot, pay top dollar to get into an exclusive restaurant and eat from the Great Chef Slowik's exquisite seven course meal. Upon arrival though, things start to feel strange. And as they move further down the menu, they soon realize they may be in for a lot more than they bargained for.
MY THOUGHTS
First off, I'd start with a wow. When I watched the trailer my mind went in a different direction entirely. This movie surprised me in a lot of ways. I like it when a movie manages to surprise me. It's that sort of thing where you don't know exactly what happens next. And over time all the missing details start getting pieced together till you finally understand everything. This is that sort of movie. It also has this blockbuster feel. I don't know how to describe it, but I can spot high budget films by just watching a couple of scenes, and I haven't checked to see its budget but it feels that way. Maybe similar to Glass Onion which I reviewed a while ago.
There were a few deep messages sandwiched in the movie. Particularly from Chef Slowik who was my favourite character. He played his role a bit too well. I don't think I'd be able to see him as anything else for a while. The movie manages to touch on some themes like elitism, obsession with art and how things we love can easily become a burden or something we just keep doing because it's all we've known.
But despite all of these things when I finished the movie I felt unsatisfied.
"What was the point of all of this?"
I know movies are supposed to be just an escape and just for enjoyment, and I enjoyed them for the most part. But the ending just felt a bit flat. But then upon further reflection, there's no ending to the movie that would feel satisfying. The story is interesting but that's it. It's just a wild ride to be enjoyed no need to expect some life lesson or some spectacular end.
I enjoyed it though, so I'd give it a 7/10. It is interesting, but it is one of those movies you eventually forget rather quickly. Having gotten the entertainment I was looking for, I went on to enjoy my Valentine's night 😁.