Anya Taylor-Joy‘s darkly comedic and satirical 2022 horror movie, The Menu, is making waves on Netflix’s charts, two years after its debut. The film has surged in popularity, drawing in audiences with its engaging storyline and Taylor-Joy’s captivating performance. The movie has already grossed a remarkable $79.6 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, solidifying its financial triumph.
The Menu, directed by Mark Mylod, features Anya Taylor-Joy alongside a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, Paul Adelstein, and John Leguizamo. The film follows Taylor-Joy’s character, Margot, who is invited by foodie Tyler (Hoult) to a remote, elite restaurant run by the embittered chef Julian Slowik (Fiennes). What begins as an exciting culinary experience quickly turns dark when Slowik unveils a twisted plan of revenge, propelling the plot into a thought-provoking commentary on privilege and creativity.
Critics and audiences alike have lauded The Menu, praising its unique blend of horror and satire. Its themes resonate deeply with current societal issues, making the movie feel extremely relevant today. According to Netflix, The Menu has attracted 2.4 million views in its first week alone, landing it 8th place in the Global Top 10 between popular titles such as The Secret Life of Pets and Scream VI for the week of January 27 through February 2. Remarkably, in the United States, the film reached a peak position of second place on the US-only chart, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s journey in the horror genre began with her breakout performance in 2015’s The Witch, which marked her as a talent to watch. Over the years, she has continued to deliver standout horror performances in movies like M. Night Shyamalan’s Split and Glass, as well as Edgar Wright‘s Last Night in Soho. While maintaining her foothold in horror, Taylor-Joy has also garnered recognition for her roles in Emma, The Northman, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Additionally, she captivated television audiences with her Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit.
The character of Chef Slowik has stirred discussions; while his actions are drastic, audiences find him unexpectedly sympathetic. His motivations echo themes many grapple with today, making The Menu a compelling narrative that transcends entertainment. Viewers from various backgrounds relate to the struggles presented, including the class divide and the pressures of modern life. The film’s blend of an optimistic yet devastating ending leaves many feeling its urgency still lingers, even after two years.
As The Menu continues to resonate deeply with viewers, it stands as a piece relevant to current societal conversations, offering catharsis to those in the service industry and beyond during these uncertain times. With its significant viewership on Netflix, the movie reinforces the cultural impact Anya Taylor-Joy’s performances bring to the screen.