The Menu: Why everyone is utterly obsessed with Anya Taylor-Joy’s new film

Spoilers for The Menu ahead.

The Menu is a dark comedy-horror about the perils of wealth and frivolity – and it’s taking the world by storm. Written by Glass Onion’s Seth Reiss and Will Tracy, and produced by none other than Will Ferrell, the film was bound to be a hit and has been shocking and confusing British cinema-goers since its release in late November.

The ensemble cast is chock-full of big names, but of course, Anya Taylor-Joy steals the show with the spirit she brings to her character, Margot Mills. Though it starts slow and takes a minute to warm up, the film takes audiences on a twisty-turny journey ending in a crescendo of flames (literally), with everyone asking, ‘What just happened?’ 

Even if you don’t fully get it, it’s incredible just to watch Anya Taylor-Joy in her element, serving looks with her Queen’s Gambit signature red hair. Here’s everything you need to know about The Menu, including major plot points, who else is in the cast, and how fans have reacted to the most unhinged moments. 

What is The Menu about?

The Menu follows a young couple, Tyler and his date Margot Mills, as they travel to the remote Hawthorne Island for an exclusive restaurant experience organised by celebrity chef Julian Slowik who also owns the private island. They are joined by posh food critic Lillian and her editor Ted; loaded regulars Richard and Anne; legacy movie star George and his assistant Felicity; venture capitalist business bros Soren, Dave and Bryce, and Julian’s unnamed alcoholic mother.

Upon arrival at the Island, the group is given a tour where it becomes clear that Margot is not supposed to be on the trip, and she’s also completely unmoved by the pomp and circumstance of the five-star dining world, much to the annoyance of her date. Chef Julian begins the meal with an ominous speech and introduces a series of tiny-plate courses, each accompanied by an unsettling monologue. 

As the night goes on, it’s revealed that Chef Julian’s plans go far beyond just feeding his patrons, and he begins to expose each of their sordid secrets while perturbed by uninvited and uninterested guest Margot who seems to be throwing him off his game and making complaints about the food and peculiarly personalised service.

What are the best fan reactions to The Menu? 

Viewers have been going crazy in the aftermath of The Menu, especially since the ending and overall significance of the plot is kind of unclear. The jury is still out as to whether or not people actually liked the film, but they at least seem interested enough to want to keep talking about it.

One Twitter user said the film is “a lot sharper than folks give it credit for…” while others say it falls just short of really digging into the many complex themes it explores.