In this section of the Colossus Movie Guide for The Menu, we answer questions you have about the movie. If you’re curious about plot explanations, meanings, themes, lessons, motifs, symbols, or just confused by something, ask and we’ll do our best to answer.

Cast

• Julian Slowik – Ralph Fiennes
• Margot Mills / Erin – Anya Taylor-Joy
• Tyler – Nicholas Hoult
• Elsa – Hong Chau
• George Diaz – John Leguizamo
• Felicity – Aimee Carrero
• Lillian Bloom – Janet McTeer
• Ted – Paul Adelstein
• Anne Liebbrandt – Judith Light
• Richard Liebbrandt – Reed Birney
• Bryce – Rob Yang
• Dave – Mark St. Cyr
• Soren – Arturo Castro
• Writers – Seth Reiss, Will Tracy
• Director – Mark Mylod 

The Menu | Questions and Answers

Why did Chef Julian Slowik do what he did?

Chef lost his passion. The love he had from cooking left him. Partly due to the types of people he invited to the restaurant for the final meal: critics, thoughtless guests, financiers, fanboys, and other artists who caved to the system. He blames them for the desecration of the art. They’ve all contributed to commodification of cuisine and have helped to rob the food of its pleasure. 

Why did the people let themselves be burned/become a s’more?

The whole experience had broken their spirits. And everyone there was already on a self-destructive path. Whether from grief, shame, obsession, or age. Margot is the only one who really fights back and she’s the only one who escapes. She’s also the only one who wasn’t handpicked to be there. Many Slowik probably identified the others as people likely to subconsciously go along with what he was doing. 

That’s the more literal view on it. Thematically, the diners represent various archetypes in an industry or culture that can be negative influences. Especially tied to the idea of the elite and bourgeois who become disconnected from aspects of their own humanity and joy. So their acceptance of their demise isn’t just a plot thing but a thematic statement. 

Who was Margot? What was her real name?

Margot’s real name was Erin. We don’t learn much about her aside that she’s an escort who had previously been employed by fellow diner Richard Liebbrandt. 

Was Margot dating Tyler?

No. The Menu wants us to think Margot and Tyler are a couple. But one twist is that he simply hired her to be his plus one at Hawthorne. They weren’t romantically connected at all.

Why did Tyler go to dinner, if he knew everyone was going to die?

Tyler seems symbolic of the “fanboy” archetype. Someone who is obsessive over a topic and gives their entire persona over to it. Of course, he’s an extreme example. But it’s reflective of a growing trend in pop culture where people base their identities off of their fandom. Or become radicalized in their support of a figure or topic. For him, the idea of death doesn’t matter. He cares more about being part of the group. Except the group ultimately rejects him. 

What is The Menu about?

It’s about how elitism, intellectualism, and business can rob a craft of its joy. It’s about loss of passion and disappointment and the way these things spoil us. It’s about nature and purity. Essentially, The Menu is a reminder to live and to escape from influences that would otherwise break and demoralize you.

What does “the menu” represent?

Chef has a theme to each dish. The first dish is natural and about the land. It’s pure and beautiful. Then the rest relate to negative aspects of the human experience. So each dish represents this different aspect of what leads people to losing their passion and seeking self-destruction and rebirth. 

There’s also an elitism to the meal and menu, since the cost is $1250. Margot using a menu to wipe her mouth as she happily eats her $9.95 hamburger—that’s a statement from the filmmakers. 

Is Hawthorne real?

No. But it was filmed in Georgia. Specifically, Jekyll Island.

What question do you have?

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