The Menu successfully marries commentary, dark humor, and thrills. Its themes consider the loss of humanity that comes from classism, ego, hivemind, and willful oppression. It doesn't get to the roots of these issues, but offers solutions of honesty and humility. Meanwhile, dialogue is quippy, events are motivated, setup is consistent, reveals are impactful, and the tension is riveting. The supporting characters are flat but defined. Plus, the acting adds chemistry, range, layers, intensity, mannerisms, timing, vulnerability, and disassociation. Specifically, Fiennes displays forceful emotions buried under restrained confidence. Overall, The Menu is sincerely dramatic.
Technically, The Menu is discretely refined. Its visuals use framing, focus, movement, earthy colors, angles, lighting, steadiness, and composition. The neat editing employs tempo shifts, coordinated conversations, smash inserts, mini montages, jump cuts, and intercuts. The sound provides stings, layers, trans-diegetic ringing, synchronization, emphasis, split cuts, silence, ticking, and a clapping motif. Furthermore, the music is elegant yet moody, the production design is upscale, the cast is recognizable, and the effects support the suspense. Ultimately, The Menu has a detailed script, dynamic performances, and pristine presentation. Most viewers should find it engaging and thoughtful.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.3/10
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