The Menu stars Margot (Anna Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicolas Hoult).

In The Menu, the pair are part of a group waiting for a boat to Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant on a private island belonging to Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). Chef Slowik and his staff are the only residents on the island. The group of travelers is very wealthy. The movie is a study of the ultra-rich, their values, and their affectations.

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Margot and Tyler learn about their fellow diners throughout the meal. Guests must come as at least a twosome. A food critic (Janet McTeer) and her editor (Paul Adelstein) represent the food industry. Another twosome includes an actor planning a food show (John Leguizamo) and his assistant (Aimee Carrero). Three techy brothers (Arturo Castro, Mark St. Cyr, and Rob Yang) are also among the diners. Finally, a pair of regulars (Judith Light and Reed Birney) finish the group. All of the people in this group are obviously wealthy and snobby except Margot, a paid date. Tyler hired Margot after experiencing a breakup with his girlfriend.

Chef Slowik introduces each course with a description of the food and revelations of his plans. Slowly, the guests realize that Chef Slowik intends to murder them. He also reveals that he feels used by wealthy people who are more interested in bragging that they participated in this experience than enjoying the specially prepared food.

Chef Slowik also shares secrets he has learned about his guests. The guests feel so upset that Chef Slowik would leak their secrets if they try to escape past the staff that they remain. Chef Slowik’s plans are known by the employees and Tyler. However, the employees resemble a cult following Chef Slowik, and a similar thing can be said for Tyler.

Chef Slowik has become connected to Margot because he feels she is also being used by the wealthy. He asks Margot if she supports the workers or the guests. She chooses the staff, so Chef Slowik sends her on an errand, where she discovers a radio and a picture of Chef Slowik happily cooking a cheeseburger. She uses the radio to send an SOS, but the Coast Guard Captain is a co-conspirator in Chef Slowik’s plan.

Before dessert, Margot says she needs more to eat. Chef Slowik realizes Margot is stalling, but he asks her what she wants. She asks for a cheeseburger. Cooking the cheeseburger brings the joy of cooking and a smile back to Chef Slowik’s face. Margot takes a bite but then says she isn’t as hungry as she thought. She asks for a doggie bag. Again, Chef realizes what Margot is doing. Margot takes the doggie bag and escapes into the night.

For dessert, Chef Slowik covers his guests and the restaurant with chocolate syrup, graham cracker crumbs, and giant marshmallows. He then sets the restaurant on fire, creating a version of S’mores.

Margot reaches the Coast Guard boat and sees the restaurant catch on fire. She tries to start the boat. She fails, so she eats the cheeseburger that gave back the pleasure of cooking to Chef Slowik.

The Menu is now available for streaming on HBOMax.