The Menu

Ten Second Review: I imagine that those it pokes fun at will not enjoy it or maybe they’ll laugh along not self aware enough to realise they are being measured and mocked.

When I first saw the trailer for this in the cinema, I turned to my mum and said “I can’t wait to see that”. I couldn’t quite tell what it was, I just knew I wanted to see it. 

Hawthorn is an elite restaurant tucked away on its own island. Run by, or better yet, curated by Julian Slowik (Raif Fiennes) the restaurant exists to push the boundaries of food. It is not a place for eating but a place for experiences. That type of restaurant commands a hefty price tag, and very few people are able to part with that kind of money. You’d have to wonder why they think it’s worth it…

My intrigue was most certainly rewarded. A bizarre film that will no doubt hold your attention all the way through, it’s filled with winks and nods that should at the very least raise a smile if not a full belly laugh. 

I have been lucky enough to be invited to a few very fancy restaurants and less luckily, I have worked some very fancy events. One of the thing that always brings me hours of enjoyment is inspecting the clientele. Why this? Why here? 

Occasionally it becomes envy, sometimes bafflement, but often it’s just curiosity. Is it the image, the sado-masochism of paying top dollar to still be hungry, fascination by the processes, or just someone saying you should go?

You can’t help but feel that this film is a tongue in cheek exploration of those feelings and it was a joy to watch. It is not always clear where it is going, but I broadly enjoyed where it arrived. It may be a case of the journey being better executed than the destination, however, i think it is worth watching for that journey.