Dir. Mark Mylod | Now Streaming On: HBO Max | Rating: 5/5

I made the grave mistake of not seeing The Menu during its run in theaters before the end of 2022. In the whirlwind of the holidays, I missed seeing this when it first came out and for that reason alone, it didn’t make my list of top releases from 2022 – because I absolutely loved this film. The Menu delivers an entertaining tongue in cheek dark comedy – serving a refreshing “eat the rich” narrative on a silver platter. ⁠
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As I’ve shared in the past, I’m not really a fan of comedy in general so it takes a horror comedy a lot to entertain me. The Menu delivers just my taste of dark humor, somehow both classy and distasteful. This film doesn’t try to hide its motives, it’s very clearly a jab at all things “wealthy.” From Slovik’s actual menu being a joke on fine dining to the rhetoric of how far removed the wealthy become from the reality of average people, Mylod doesn’t hold back. And I loved every minute of it. ⁠
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Not only is this story socially relevant, but the film is brilliantly shot and acted. Anya Taylor-Joy has become one of my favorite actresses working right now. I find her character acting to be witty and well done. This also features the amazing Ralph Fiennes, who I have loved since I was kid, after seeing him in – you guessed it – Red Dragon (2002). (Also his vocal work in The Prince of Egypt (1998) but that’s a rant for another day). ⁠
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The Menu’s strength is that it is digestible. (Have you been counting my food puns?) I think this is an example of a black comedy and horror film that wide ranges of audiences will enjoy – with good reason. My mom loved this film and has added it to her rotation of repeat watches, even as a very casual horror viewer. This won’t wow slasher lovers since these kills are relatively tame, but I think The Menu will come to be known as one of contemporary horror’s shining gems in due time. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features depictions of suicide, blood, some gore. ⁠