First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for the amazing support on my last blog post. Your engagement and comments mean a lot, and they keep me motivated to share my thoughts on films. Today, I want to talk about a movie that really hit home for me as someone who works in the food service industry: -The Menu (2022).
As a service worker, I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between food, art, and the experience we create for guests. So, when I heard about The Menu, a psychological thriller set in the fine dining world, I knew I had to watch it. The film, directed by Mark Mylod, takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through high-end cuisine, exposing the dark side of the industry and the extreme pressures behind perfection.
The film mixes dark comedy with real horror. The way the story builds up from slowly heating up before exploding into chaos, reminded me of the tension in a busy restaurant kitchen. The film uses humor to criticize class differences, snobbish food culture, and the toxic environment within the restaurant world. As someone who has worked in the same industry, I found its take on perfectionism and difficult customers relatable. It made me think about my own time in the industry. From dealing with rude customers, watching chefs push themselves too hard for the “perfect” dish, and feeling drained after long shifts. Film and TV often bring up emotions we don’t talk about, and The Menu surfaced thoughts I didn’t realize I had.
The film is relevant in this era, when food culture has changed so much. Social media has made dining more about showing off than enjoying a meal. Fine dining is no longer just about food, it’s about status, presentation, and bragging rights. The Menu points out how people care more about appearances than real appreciation for the craft. It also highlights burnout, something many people experience today, especially in industries like hospitality where workers are constantly pushed to their limits.
While The Menu focuses on fine dining, its themes are just as relevant to the fast food industry. The unrealistic expectations placed on food workers, the demanding pace, and the lack of appreciation for their efforts are all issues seen in fast food service. Just like in fine dining, fast food workers often experience burnout from long hours, low wages, and demanding customers who expect perfection at an unsustainable pace. The film highlights the power imbalance between food workers and customers, something that exists in all areas of the food industry. Whether it's a high-end chef or a fast-food worker, the constant pressure to serve without recognition is a reality that many in the industry face daily.
I loved how the film mixed horror and satire. The cinematography, especially the way it showcased food, was stunning, almost too beautiful for such a dark movie. The performances were also fantastic. Ralph Fiennes as Chef Slowik was chilling, showing how the pursuit of perfection can drive someone to madness. Anya Taylor-Joy, as the skeptical and down-to-earth Margot, balanced out the pretentious guests and intense kitchen staff.
What I didn’t love? At times, the film’s message felt a bit too obvious. While the social commentary was strong, it could have been a little more subtle. That being said, it still left a lasting impression.
There are many moments from The Menu that I still think about, but one that stands out is when Chef Slowik talks about the fleeting nature of food. His speech about how a meal is consumed in minutes, despite the hours of work behind it, really hit me. As a service worker, I know how much effort goes into making a meal, only for it to be quickly eaten and sometimes even criticized. It reminded me how often the hard work in this industry goes unrecognized. It shines a light on the dark realities of fine dining and the extreme standards placed on restaurant workers. It makes audiences think about the way they experience food, not just physically, but socially and emotionally. The film is a powerful critique of an industry that values exclusivity and perfection at a high cost, making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking watch.
For those who have worked in food service, The Menu might feel a little too real. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made for culinary excellence and a warning about obsession and entitlement. Whether in fine dining or fast food, the struggles of food workers are often overlooked, and this film highlights the toll it takes. While it’s not for everyone, its sharp message, strong performances, and unique storytelling make it a must-watch.
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Thank you for reading this simple blog of mine. I truly appreciate the community. Hoping for the future of Web3 applications that support the ideas of the people.
ALEXIS
Welcome to my blog. I'm just a simple staff in the service industry, currently doing the things that my inner child wants in life. Mostly self-taught in the things that gave me the purpose to learn more about the digital world that led me to this awesome community.
