Summary
- In The Menu, Chef Julian Slowik orchestrates a meticulously planned massacre, targeting both his guests and himself.
- His actions stem from a profound loss of passion for cooking and a deep-seated resentment toward elitism.
- Every dish and interaction in The Menu is a deliberate commentary on the commodification of culinary art and the exploitation inherent in high-end dining.
In The Menu, Chef Julian Slowik (portrayed by Ralph Fiennes) presents himself as more than just a culinary genius—he is an architect of retribution. The film’s plot centers on his carefully orchestrated plan to kill everyone on his private island, including his guests, his loyal kitchen staff, and ultimately, himself. His motive, however, is not born of mere madness. A closer look at his actions reveals layers of emotional pain and artistic disillusionment.
Loss of Passion for Cooking of Chef Julian Slowik in The Menu
Chef Slowik’s journey throughout The Menu is defined by his gradual loss of the passion that once fueled his culinary creativity. Over the years, his love for cooking has been eroded by the very system that celebrates his art—a system that caters only to those who can afford extravagance rather than those who genuinely appreciate the craft. In numerous monologues and through the symbolism of his dishes, Slowik contrasts his humble beginnings with the pretentious behavior of his elite diners.
One of the pivotal moments in the film occurs when Margot Mills (played by Anya Taylor-Joy) requests a simple cheeseburger—a dish that harkens back to Slowik’s early days in the kitchen. This moment briefly rekindles the chef’s humanity and reminds him of the true joy found in simple, honest cooking. However, this fleeting glimpse of hope is overwhelmed by his recognition that his current reality is built on exploitation.
The chef’s repeated emphasis on how his guests “don’t truly taste the food” but rather focus on its superficial presentation underlines his deep-seated disillusionment. The passion he once had for his craft is now replaced by a sense of futility, as he sees his art reduced to a mere performance for the privileged few. In his eyes, the culinary world has been corrupted, and no amount of artistic effort can restore the lost integrity.
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Punishing Elitism and Hypocrisy
Another critical element of Slowik’s motive is his disdain for the class system that permeates the world of fine dining. The restaurant on the private island is populated by wealthy business people, celebrities, and food critics—individuals who, in Slowik’s view, exploit the labor and passion of culinary artists for their own status and pleasure.
Throughout the film, Slowik makes it clear that his guests are not there for a genuine dining experience; they are there to flaunt their wealth and to indulge in the luxurious trappings of high-end cuisine. He criticizes their pretentious attitudes and their inability to appreciate the art behind his dishes. By meticulously planning their deaths, he seeks to punish them for their hypocrisy.
One of the most chilling symbols in the movie is the final course, Human S’mores. Traditionally, s’mores evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and childhood innocence. In the context of The Menu, however, they become a symbol of ultimate retribution. The course is designed to burn the guests alive, serving as a grotesque reminder of the destructive consequences of culinary elitism. This final act is not just about killing; it is about exposing the emptiness of a system that values art solely for its status and spectacle.
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Self-Destruction and the Desire to Die
Perhaps the most complex aspect of Slowik’s motive is his decision to join in the collective suicide. His self-destruction is a multifaceted act that encapsulates both personal and artistic despair.
Slowik is fully aware of his own complicity in the system he despises. Despite his outward condemnation of his guests, he acknowledges that he could have left the industry long ago. Instead, he chooses to orchestrate a grand, violent spectacle as a form of self-punishment. His suicide is not just an escape from his misery—it is a calculated statement that everyone involved in this corrupt system, including himself, must pay the ultimate price.
In his final act, Slowik views his demise as the ultimate artistic statement. By reducing himself and his guests to “human s’mores,” he creates a macabre tableau that mirrors the excess and superficiality of the culinary world. This self-immolation is intended as both a cathartic release and a denunciation of the artifice that has tainted his once-pure passion for cooking.
His decision to kill himself alongside his guests is also a symbolic rejection of the broken system that values wealth and pretense over authenticity. Slowik sees no way out of the cycle of exploitation that has defined his career, and his suicide is the final act of rebellion against a world that has forsaken true culinary artistry.
READ MORE: The Menu Cheeseburger: Recipe & How-To Guide
The Menu Uncovered: Symbolism and Final Irony
The intricate symbolism woven throughout The Menu reinforces the themes behind Chef Slowik’s deadly motive. Each course in the film is not merely a meal but a carefully curated narrative element that reflects the underlying tensions between art and exploitation.
The Cheeseburger as a Beacon of Lost Innocence
- Margot’s Role:
The cheeseburger, requested by Margot Mills, stands out as a symbol of simplicity and authenticity. Unlike the elaborate and often pretentious dishes that have come before, the cheeseburger is a reminder of Slowik’s humble beginnings. It briefly rekindles the chef’s lost passion and offers a stark contrast to the hollow grandeur of the other courses. - Survival Through Simplicity:
In a twist of fate, Margot’s appreciation for the cheeseburger becomes her saving grace. Her desire for genuine food, untainted by the artifice of fine dining, sets her apart from the rest of the guests. In a cruel turn of events, it is this simple dish that ultimately allows her to escape the cataclysmic finale—a final glimmer of hope amid the pervasive despair.
The Staff’s Robotic Devotion
- Critique of Service Industries:
The unwavering obedience of the kitchen staff, punctuated by their habitual “Yes, Chef!” moments, serves as a critical commentary on the dehumanizing nature of service industries. Their behavior mirrors the mechanization of art in an environment where creativity is sacrificed for routine perfection. - Transformation into a “Machine”:
Slowik’s transformation into a figure who prioritizes spectacle over substance is underscored by the robotic manner in which his staff operates. Their dedication, devoid of genuine passion, symbolizes the tragic loss of individuality within a system driven by profit and pretense.
Final Irony: The Chef Becomes the Spectacle
- Cycle of Consumption and Destruction:
In a bitter twist of fate, Slowik’s final act of self-destruction transforms him into the very monster he despises. His elaborate plan to punish the corrupt elite ultimately reinforces the cycle of consumption and destruction that he sought to dismantle. - Reinforcement of Culinary Cynicism:
By orchestrating a “perfect” finale that ends in his own death, Slowik exposes the inherent hypocrisy of a system that venerates art without truly understanding it. His demise serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers that the relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to self-obliteration.
The Menu premiered in 2022 and is currently streaming on Netflix.
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