As a cinephile who’s dined at the most exquisite culinary establishments and attended my fair share of dinner parties gone awry, I can wholeheartedly recommend two movies for those captivated by the dark allure of “The Menu.
Following the wind-down of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of Hollywood movies began to explore themes of class struggle and inequality through their innovative storylines. One such film was the 2022 release “The Menu,” which subtly references the pandemic in an impactful manner. This movie, renowned for its exquisite portrayal of fine dining, revolves around Chef Slowik (played by Ralph Fiennes), who manipulates his diners emotionally and physically during a luxury meal service. As the cruel chef attempts to eliminate his affluent patrons, a working-class woman named Margot (portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy) plots her escape. With its sharp wit, “The Menu” effectively demonstrates how even pastimes such as cooking can be transformed into commercial ventures catering solely to the pleasure of the wealthy.
Upon its premiere, “The Menu” was warmly received by critics, with many praising it for its strong performances, sharp satire, and critique of wealth disparity. For instance, Looper’s Reuben Baron awarded the movie a perfect 10/10, commending its elements. On the film enthusiast platform Letterboxd, over 5,000 users have given the film an average rating of 3.5 stars, reflecting its growing popularity among cinephiles.
Everyone finds something unique to appreciate in Mark Mylod’s “The Menu,” a movie brimming with an intricate mix of themes. Some viewers are drawn to the film for its sharp satire (and at times, celebration) of the culinary world and fine dining, while others are captivated by its bold critique of elite behavior. If you’re seeking films similar to “The Menu,” here are seven that you might find equally enjoyable.
The Triangle of Sadness
If you appreciated “The Menu” for its exploration of social inequality, specifically wealth disparity, then you’re likely to be captivated by “The Triangle of Sadness.” To compare it to “The Menu” without revealing too much, let’s keep things general. Directed by Ruben Östlund, “Triangle of Sadness” tells the story of a young couple, portrayed by Charlbi Dean and Harris Dickinson, who are similar to influencers, as they set sail on an extravagant cruise populated by the extremely wealthy. Initially feeling out of place, their journey takes an unexpected turn.
Starring an outstanding portrayal by Woody Harrelson as the disheartened captain, the movie ‘Triangle of Sadness’ offers a biting critique of social class disparity and the manner in which power is wielded within society. Similar to ‘The Menu,’ Östlund’s film does not mince words, emphasizing its message with raw intensity and unapologetic honesty. In contrast to ‘The Menu,’ which dissects the realm of haute cuisine, ‘Triangle of Sadness’ provides a penetrating look into contemporary beauty norms and the sphere of fashion, particularly influencers. The film is not only hilarious but also packed with suspense, featuring a surprising twist in its second act that turns the entire narrative upside down, resulting in something truly one-of-a-kind.
Chef
As a passionate gamer, I can tell you that “The Menu” serves up some sharp social commentary, but what really drew me in was its focus on the culinary world. The main character, Chef Slowik, played by Ralph Fiennes, seems disillusioned about fine dining’s current state, but by the end of the movie, he rekindles his passion for cooking. If you’re searching for a film that champions the artistry and communal spirit of cooking (in a non-lethal manner), then “Chef,” released in 2014 and directed by Jon Favreau, is worth checking out. It’s all about a chef who loses his love for highbrow dining and decides to launch a food truck instead.
The movie shares a similar narrative progression as Fiennes’ character in “The Menu.” In this film titled “Chef,” we see a character rediscovering their love for their craft, which they subsequently turn into a profession. “Chef” is often overlooked yet stands out among the films of the 2010s due to its relaxed and effortless feel. Just like “The Menu,” it boasts an impressive cast, including Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., and many others.
Barbarian
One of the most fascinating components of “The Menu” is how Margot immediately recognizes that something is off about the restaurant and its workers. While the wealthy diners think the strangeness and absurdity is part of the dining experience, Margot comes to a sinister conclusion early on in the film. Realizing she’s in danger, she quickly starts hatching ways to escape the situation she’s in, making it one of the most thrilling aspects of “The Menu.” If you’re looking for a flick that captures this energy, look no further than “Barbarian.”
2022’s film “Barbarian,” starring Georgina Campbell as Tess, offers a chilling tale that isn’t for the sensitive viewers. The story unfolds when Tess visits a rental property, unaware it has been rented to another man (Bill Skarsgård), leading to an unsettling situation. As if this premise wasn’t enough to send shivers down your spine, the movie takes an unexpected turn into chaos and fear, all while maintaining a witty humor. With impressive performances by Justin Long and a steady stream of suspenseful moments, “Barbarian” is one of the underestimated horror films of recent times. The film also subtly delves into social commentary, exposing the deep-rooted issues of toxic masculinity and misogyny within specific societies.
The Hunt
If you’re looking for a movie that shares similar themes with “The Menu,” but from a slightly different perspective, consider watching “The Hunt” from 2020. This horror-comedy has faced some controversy since its release, but it has managed to build a dedicated fanbase. Directed by Craig Zobel, “The Hunt” could be considered as a twisted version of “The Menu.” The story revolves around a group of extremely wealthy individuals who kidnap ordinary working class people and hunt them down. This movie is essentially a contemporary take on the classic “The Most Dangerous Game” short story. What makes “The Hunt” stand out is its sharp satire of modern politics and power dynamics.
Similar to the film “The Menu,” “The Hunt” delves into a segment of society challenging their oppressors, although it’s more straightforward in its message. In “The Hunt,” the elite wield power, allowing us to witness their flaws, particularly arrogance, being exploited. The movie also skillfully explores political ideologies in a unique and self-conscious manner. Packed with action, humor, and intellectual stimulation, “The Hunt” is an engaging watch. Running for just 90 minutes, this film boasts a standout performance by Betty Gilpin and appearances by Hilary Swank, Emma Roberts, and comedian Ike Barinholtz.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
As a gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between my favorite games and movies. In “The Menu,” I find myself as one of the wealthy diners, unaware that I’m connected to Chef Slowik’s disenchantment with his culinary passion. You see, we’ve all played a part in tarnishing something he holds dear, so he seeks retribution against those who seemingly savor his creations.
As a fan, I find myself drawn into the intricate dynamics surrounding the eccentric character Bron, who seems to hold some sort of leverage over everyone. The complexity deepens for the island’s guests when the enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, enters the scene, compelling each person to confront their hidden truths. From a thematic perspective, both “The Menu” and “Glass Onion” share a common thread, critiquing the lives and aspirations of those considered elite. Both productions are big-name affairs, with “Glass Onion” featuring stars like Daniel Craig, Michael Shannon, Dave Bautista, Janelle Monáe, Jessica Henwick, and others.
The Invitation
Essentially, “The Menu” revolves around an unfortunate twist in a lavish dinner gathering. If you’re on the hunt for a movie with a comparable concept, I recommend checking out “The Invitation.” Directed by Karyn Kusama, who also made “Jennifer’s Body,” this film tells the story of Will (Logan Marshall Green), who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex (Tammy Blanchard). Initially, the night seems pleasant, and Will appears to be enjoying the company of the other guests. However, as the evening progresses, things take a dark turn, ultimately transforming an ordinary dinner gathering into a suspenseful and haunting ordeal that proves hard to escape.
Just like “The Menu,” the movie “The Invitation” effectively creates a sense of fear and discomfort. Unlike the 2022 film, “The Invitation” isn’t as humorous or high-profile, but it matches its counterpart in terms of engagement and thoughtfulness. It explores themes like grief and the impact of shared experiences, making it just as compelling. Despite being produced with a smaller budget, “The Invitation” is often overlooked yet is one of the best hidden gems in horror films from the 2010s – definitely worth watching!
Tampopo
“The Menu” succeeds at proving that cooking is a form of art, regardless of how it’s presented and served. Every dish in “The Menu” is beautiful, balanced, and inventive, including the “Supplemental Course,” which is described as “just a well-made cheeseburger.” As the film wraps up, it succeeds in showing that any meal, no matter the cost of ingredients or presentation, can be wonderful, so long as it’s made with love. While the ending has dozens of people dying, a less cynical interpretation is realizing just how important food can be. One film, like “The Menu,” that shares the power of food, is the 1985 flick “Tampopo.”
In a creative twist on the classic spaghetti Western genre, the film “Tampopo” delights in showcasing various aspects of culinary craft. This witty, chaotic, and humorous movie illustrates how food serves as a universal connector, uniting diverse individuals, provided it’s of high quality. The narrative revolves around two truck drivers (portrayed by Tsutomu Yamazaki and Ken Watanabe) who embark on a mission to transform a struggling ramen shop into a success. Interspersed throughout the film are episodes that highlight the significant role food plays in society, particularly from a communal standpoint. One of the most distinctive movies on this list, “Tampopo” presents an uplifting perspective on the art of preparing and selling food.
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2024-09-29 04:00