The Menu 2022

Margot Mills and her date, Tyler, embark on a boat journey to Hawthorne, an elite dining establishment managed by the renowned chef Julian Slowik on a secluded island. Among the other attendees are Lillian, a discerning food critic, her editor Ted, the affluent couple Richard and Anne, fading movie star George and his assistant Felicity, alongside business partners Soren, Dave, and Bryce, not to mention Julian’s mother, who struggles with alcoholism. As the guests are escorted by the restaurant’s Maître d’hôtel, Elsa, it becomes apparent that Margot was not originally supposed to attend this exclusive affair.

The dinner unfolds with Julian presenting an array of courses, each accompanied by increasingly disturbing monologues that shine a light on the hidden truths of the guests’ lives. As the evening progresses, simmering tensions surface, revealing affairs, financial crimes, and dark secrets intertwined with sharp critiques of societal issues such as class disparity, environmental impact, and the oppressive nature of patriarchy that affects both men and women. The atmosphere grows tenser when a sous chef takes his life in front of the assembled diners during the fourth course, followed by a shocking incident where a staff member amputates Richard’s finger as he attempts to flee. Matters escalate when Julian’s main investor meets a tragic end in the sight of everyone.

Despite moments of attempted escape by various guests, Julian and his crew swiftly return them, reinforcing a sense of inescapable dread. He reveals a chilling reality: every guest was chosen for their role in extinguishing his creative fervor or for their exploitative behavior towards artists and workers like him. In a twisted choice, he offers Margot the option to die alongside the staff or the guests. As she grapples with this decision, Julian exercises his power, suggesting he can predict the fates of his privileged patrons over those who serve them.

The narrative shifts as it is disclosed that Margot, whose real name is Erin, is an escort hired by Richard and is also an arrangement made by Tyler, who was aware of the evening’s grim conclusion. In an act of humiliation, Julian compels Tyler to cook, leading the frustrated Tyler to take his own life in despair. With a sinister task, Julian requests Margot to retrieve a barrel essential for dessert.

In a desperate bid for survival, Margot ventures into Julian’s home but finds herself confronted by Elsa. In a fierce struggle for her life, Margot manages to stab Elsa in self-defense. Exploring Julian’s past through newspaper clippings in his office, she stumbles upon a radio and calls for help, only to return to the restaurant with the barrel.

Once back, Margot boldly criticizes Julian’s culinary creations and expresses her hunger. When Julian inquires about her desired dish, she innocently asks for a cheeseburger and fries, having seen a nostalgic glimpse of his earlier happier self from a photo. Touched by her simple desire, he prepares the meal to her specifications. After savoring her first bite and expressing her appreciation, Margot makes a request to take her food “to go.” Julian, somewhat moved, accommodates her plea, allowing her to leave while she boards a nearby Coast Guard boat.

Meanwhile, the dessert served is a grand spectacle – an elevated s’mores creation that involves the staff covering the floor in crushed graham crackers, dressing the guests in marshmallow capes and chocolate hats. Compounding the finale, in a tragic flourish, Julian ignites the restaurant, leading to the obliteration of the guests, staff, and himself while Margot watches from the safety of her boat, unwrapping her cherished cheeseburger.