Released in , The Menu is a satirical thriller about the fine dining scene that ends on a deeply morbid and decidedly non-appetizing note. The evening's service is no ordinary one, however. Each ultra-fancy course brings with it a hard truth about the diners, not to mention escalating acts of violence that, by film's end, veer towards the apocalyptic.
The Menu is tonally daring and thematically rich, leaving viewers plenty to chew on once the credits roll. Why were Slowik's patrons so willing to die with him? What did Slowik whisper in the ear of Hoult's Tyler? And what's the deal with Margot Taylor-Joy and the cheeseburger? We answer those questions and more below.
Dinner turns dire fast once the dozen or so guests arrive at Hawthorn's private island. The early dishes are impressive, but something's off. As the courses roll on, odd flourishes begin to appear, such as revealing and sometimes embarrassing images laser-printed on tortillas. It turns out Slowik has a bone to pick with these diners, which include an angel investor who attempted to meddle in the business and a noted food critic with outsized influence, among others.
Soon, things take an even darker turn. A sous chef kills himself. Another diner gets a finger cut off. Slowik himself even allows an employee he sexually harassed to stab him. Secrets unfold alongside the violence, with Tyler revealing that Margot is an escort he hired after being dumped by his previous date. This revelation doesn't go over well with Slowik, who humiliates Tyler, leading to Tyler's suicide.
After Tyler's suicide and before Slowik's final course, Margot confronts the chef and accuses him of "taking the joy out of eating" and having no "love" in his cooking. Slowik, stunned by her words, then asks her what she would like to eat. All she wants is a cheeseburger. After a few bites, Margot asks for a to-go bag a ghastly request in the realm of fine dining , but Slowik allows it. Margot exits the restaurant, boards a boat, and leaves the island.
