The Menu (2022)

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Not many original or interesting psychological horror movies around these days but enjoyed The Menu. It stars English actor Ralph Fiennes as a pretentious and revered head chef who serves up 'food experiences' in his exclusive restaurant on a small island off the commercial East coast of America, somewhere near The Hamptons. Tonight's guests are all invites only and come mostly from the food industry - bloggers, food critics, vloggers and foody social media influencer types. They will be treated to a very special interactive menu they won't forget in a hurry One guest ( Anna Taylor Joy) is not on the invite list, a stand-in date for one of the food critics ( Nicholas Hoult). Head chef is not happy a rogue customer is on the island to spoil his food theatre. He wants to know more about her. Early on it's clear this is not what the guests expected and the night soon takes a turn for the worse , even though the food is spectacular and tasty. Is this theatre and part of the food experience or something far worse? It's not looking good on getting to the last course. Do they want to? The food metaphors and the sending up of a very pretentious industry are a great target and hit the bullseye. Fiennes deadpan English chef also hits the mark as the guests are slowly exposed for who they really are and how dare they critic a great chefs food, a man chasing food perfection in his work. The star packed cast get brushed aside as he eats up the scenery with the best lines and scenes. Visually it's immaculate but the twist you think comes, comes but the other twist, doesn't and so not to0 predictable there. It's a very well written sharp script and likewise acting by all. Its slight surrealism works in that Wes Anderson way ( he is not involved in this movie) and just an original horror comedy that would please your genre palette. It's just un-expected and different and one to watch,a sense of foreboding throughout and unexpected scenes.