The Menu
A clever bottle film, The Menu viscerally takes a knife at pretentious critics, performative artists, and the commodification of passion. In a year of memorable new characters, Julian Slowik, played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes, is compelling. I’d love to see more of his story unfold. His passion and history are intoxicating, rivaled easily by an equally confident Ana Taylor Joy. The film is hilarious, chilling, and powerful but not mean-spirited. It’s clear everyone involved had a lot of fun on the project, and that fun was on screen with its brilliant performances and memorable set pieces. It’s rewarding that a film about how easily one can lose their artistic passion is incredibly passionate. The Menu is a stunningly unique film that’ll make you crave a delicious cheeseburger.
Check out interviews with actors Ana Taylor Joy, Nicholas Hoult, John Leguizamo, and more by Knockuturnal contributors Colin Stetson and Reen Birney here. For an opposing viewpoint, check out a review contributor by Dano Nissen here.
