Incredible pacing and beautiful storytelling push this coming-of-age thriller out of any typical horror slump. Charming and unsettling. Carnal, sick. Lovely.
Still, I can’t help but feel that every casting decision was spectacular except for our two leads. Great performances, but I just don’t believe in the two of them.
In more ways than one, The Menu is a love letter to simply enjoying. My criticisms point toward the lack of inventiveness in its horror angle as its shock value barely excites the tastebuds. However, I feel more amicable towards the film as a whole as it reminds us that for the menu to work, each dish must be considered. The film is to be digested. Much like its satirical subject, though, the film feels too pretentious for what could have been a thoroughly well-thought-out piece.
Nice film. I don’t think much of it, but it’s good to watch a blockbuster and not think too much of sayang in terms of story and execution. Though I do wish they had more fun with the color grading — you’re already in a colorful, dreamlike setting; why not commit to it? Trying to ground it as realistic takes away the fantasy and joy of the film. Regardless, a cute watch :)
