Let’s tuck in our bibs and talk about s’mores.
overseen byRalph Fiennes' heralded Chef Julian Slowik.
The evening’s service is no ordinary one, however.
Ralph Fiennes in ‘The Menu’.Credit:Searchlight Pictures
The Menuis 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?
Ralph Fiennes and Hong Chau in ‘The Menu’.Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
And what’s the deal with Margot (Taylor-Joy) and the cheeseburger?
We answer those questions and more below.
What happens at the end ofThe Menu?
Ralph Fiennes in ‘The Menu’.Eric Zachanowich/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
The early dishes are impressive, but something’s off.
Soon, things take an even darker turn.
A sous chef kills himself.
Nicholas Hoult and Ralph Fiennes in ‘The Menu’.Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Another diner gets a finger cut off.
Slowik himself even allows an employee he sexually harassed to stab him.
This revelation doesn’t go over well with Slowik, who humiliates Tyler, leading to Tyler’s suicide.
Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘The Menu’.Eric Zachanowich/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
“The worst part is I’m still hungry.”
Slowik, stunned by her words, then asks her what she wouldliketo eat.
All she wants is a cheeseburger.
Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘The Menu’.Eric Zachanowich/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
“A real cheeseburger,” she says, “not some fancy deconstructed avant bulls—.”
Margot exits the restaurant, boards a boat, and leaves the island.
“We must embrace the flame,” Slowik declares.
‘The Menu’.Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Margot safely watches the fire from afar, calmly eating her cheeseburger.
What does the ending ofThe Menumean?
At its core,The Menuis a movie about class.
‘The Menu’.Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
He added, “That was immediately a very potent area to have a poke at.”
The pleasure of eating is replaced by a desire to make itimportant.
Of course, Slowik, too, is aware of what he’s doing.
Why was Tyler punished inThe Menu?
Yes, he knew everyone at this dinner was going to die.
This upsets Slowik, who then forces the pretentious foodie to cook an impromptu dish in front of everyone.
This is devastating for Tyler, as the chef is someone he worships, deifies, and dissects.
He is, in our modern parlance, a “stan” or a “fanboy.”
Slowik punctuates his attack by whispering in Tyler’s ear.
Why does Margot survive inThe Menu?
As such, his choice to let her leave could have been spurred by gratitude.
That, or he couldn’t help but respect her after she read him to filth.
What’s with the cheeseburger?
A simple, satiating burger is all she needs.
IsThe Menubased on a true story?
No,The Menuis not based on a true story (thank goodness).
But it didn’t stop there.
How can I watchThe Menu?
The Menuis currently streaming onNetflix.
It’s also available for rent via Amazon Prime Video.
