Anya Taylor-Joy has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents, with a career that spans indie darlings like The VVitch and blockbusters like Dune: Part Two. But among her many roles, one stands out as her absolute best: The Menu, a 108-minute thriller that's now streaming on Netflix.
Directed by Mark Mylod, The Menu takes a razor-sharp look at the world of fine dining. Taylor-Joy plays Margot, a young woman invited by her date Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) to an exclusive restaurant on a private island. The restaurant, Hawthorn, is run by the enigmatic Chef Julian Slowik, played with chilling precision by Ralph Fiennes. What starts as a lavish meal quickly turns into a nightmare when Margot realizes Slowik intends to kill everyone on the island.
The film is a masterclass in building tension. Mylod sprinkles subtle clues throughout, from the military-like discipline of the staff to the unsettling devotion they show Slowik. When one guest tries to leave, the staff makes a gruesome example of him, and Slowik's sharp hand claps before each course send shivers down your spine. It's a slow-burn that keeps you on edge until the very end.
What drives Slowik to such extremes? His wealthy patrons have drained his passion for cooking. Billionaire Richard Liebrandt and his wife Anne have dined at Hawthorn a dozen times without ever appreciating the food. Critic Lillian Bloom built Slowik's reputation but also destroyed other chefs with her reviews. Even movie star George Diaz earns Slowik's ire for a terrible film he starred in. Mylod, known for his work on Succession, uses this premise to skewer the pretensions of high-end dining and the entitled elite who consume it.
But the real heart of The Menu is Taylor-Joy's performance. Margot is introduced as a rebel, smoking a cigarette despite Tyler's objections and wearing combat boots under her elegant dress. She's a perfect foil to Slowik, deflecting his probing questions with ease. Their verbal sparring is electric, and Taylor-Joy brings a fierce intelligence to every scene.
One of the film's most memorable moments comes when Margot slaps Tyler across the face after discovering he knew about the deadly plan all along. Taylor-Joy told BBC 1 that she pushed for the slap instead of a breakdown, saying, "I have a thing about feminine rage... We get mad, and angry." That choice pays off, making the scene a cathartic release for both Margot and the audience.
The Menu is more than just a thriller; it's a commentary on class, art, and the cost of obsession. It's no surprise that it's being hailed as one of Netflix's best offerings. If you're a fan of modern thrillers that redefine the genre, this is a must-watch. And for those who love a good Netflix thriller, The Menu delivers on every level.
With its impeccable cast, sharp satire, and relentless suspense, The Menu is a dish best served cold—and it's available to stream right now.
