With a CV that includes only three film credits as director, the best
forgotten Ali G Indahouse (2002) the mostly forgotten The Big White (2005)
starring the late Robin Williams and the forgotten romantic comedy What’s
Your Number? (2011), the name Mark Mylod isn’t exactly synonymous with
quality films. Thankfully his past cinematic indiscretions are no measure
of the quality of his latest film The Menu as it’s quite possibly one of
the best films of 2022.
Plot wise when it comes to knowing anything about The Menu less is best so
no spoilers here.
The Menu is a black comedy set on an island where the only building is an
exclusive restaurant run by Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). The story,
set over one dinner sitting, sees a group of the Chefs fans arriving by
boat so that they can partake in his culinary delights. Included amongst
the foodie fans are young couple Tyler and Margot (Nicholas Hoult and Anya
Taylor-Joy), restaurant critic Lillian Bloom (Janet Mc Teer), a Hollywood
star (John Leguizamo) and other characters all of whom appear to have more
money than sense.
As the meal progresses it becomes obvious that Chef Julian, along with his
obedient staff, have more in store for their dinner guests than the
cliental expect.
To tell anymore would waste the enjoyment of finding out the plot for
yourself but just let me say that Mylod has produced a wonderfully crafted
film that’s both wickedly funny and chillingly scary and comes highly
recommended. Don’t miss
