Horror goes haute-cuisine inThe Menu, the horror black comedy that takes “eat-the-rich” to a whole other level. The film follows a well-to-do couple who embarks on a one-of-a-kind culinary experience on a designated, and isolated, island. But an innocent night of fine wine and dining soon reveals itself to be a literal kitchen nightmare. News ofThe Menuinitially broke out in April 2019. Back then, the main cast was already announced, withRalph Fiennesplaying the lead andEmma Stoneoriginally set to join him. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, Stone left the project and was replaced byAnya Taylor-Joyin June 2021. Filming finally began on July 06, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia.
Directed byMark Mylod, whose portfolio extends from several episodes ofGame of ThronestoSuccession, and with killer writing bySuccession’s very ownWill TracyandSeth ReissfromLate Night with Seth Meyers, you can expect a natural, original screenplay that is equal parts suspense and satirical comedy. Here’s how you can catchThe Menu.
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on January 2 with the streaming, digital, and DVD release dates.
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What Is The Menu About?
Here is the official synopsis forThe Menu:
A couple travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.
Is The Menu Still in Theaters?
Yes, it is!The Menuwas released nationwide in theaters on June 14, 2025, and it’s still playing in some theaters. Before its theatrical release,The Menupremiered on July 10, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by aUS premiere at Fantastic Fest. you may use the following link to check for showtimes and tickets at a theater near you:
Get Tickets on Fandango
Is The Menu Streaming Online?
There’s some good news here. In case you didn’t manage to catchThe Menuin theaters, the film is now available to streamon HBO Max as of August 26, 2025. And that’s not all…
Watch on HBO Max
When Is The Menu Arriving on Digital and DVD?
The Menuwill be released digitally on the same day as its streaming release, i.e. on January 3. But after that, the film will also bereleased on Blu-ray and DVDlater that month, on June 09, 2025. You can pre-orderThe Menu’s DVD and Blu-ray now with the following link:
Pre-Order on Amazon
Watch theTrailer For The Menu
The trailer introduces a young couple, Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), an enthusiastic foodie, and Margot (Anya-Taylor Joy), who are on their way by yacht to an exclusive restaurant called Hawthorne. This, however, is no ordinary fine dining establishment. Located on an uncharted island, the destination restaurant only accepts a limited number of customers and charges $1,250 per person. Anyone who considers themselves a culinary connoisseur will find this restaurant to be quite the dining experience, serving only the finest in molecular gastronomy.
The cynical Margot is both perplexed and amused by her boyfriend’s enthusiasm for these dishes, which, to be honest, don’t look particularly appetizing at first glance. Despite her natural skepticism, she goes along with Tyler’s excitement. The scene shifts to Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), whose eerie, intimidating presence gives new meaning to the phrase “hell’s kitchen.” Things take a bizarre turn in the middle of dinner, with restaurant employees shooting, tasing, and stabbing their customers. But this is no coincidence. Everything, from the menu to the guest list, has been meticulously planned for a night of treats and terror, and leaving the island is not an option.
Related:‘The Menu’ Trailer Serves Up Anya Taylor-Joy With a Side of Murder
Who’s In the Cast of The Menu?
Academy Award-winning actor Ralph Fiennes plays Chef Slowik, the culinary genius with dangerous plans up his sleeve. The English actor is an icon of the film industry and has starred in numerous movies ranging from theSteven SpielbergdramaSchindler’s Listto the stunningly quirkyThe Grand Budapest Hotel. His roles have earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Going head to head with Chef Slowik is the headstrong Margot, played by none other than Anya Taylor-Joy. You may have seen her playing the baddie Gina in the final two seasons ofPeaky Blindersor the vengeful ghostly apparition Sandie inLast Night in Soho. But Taylor-Joy is most recognizable for her groundbreaking role as Beth Harmon inThe Queen’s Gambit. She is set to star as the title character in theupcomingFuriosamovie, a prequel to 2015’sMad Max: Fury Road.
Nicholas Houltstars as Tyler, one of the few people who actually enjoys the over-priced dining experience at the Hawthorne and who seems to be under the impression that the restaurant’s bloody shenanigans are just theatrics. Interested in acting since a young age, Hoult gained recognition for playing the bad boy protagonist Tony Stonem inSkins. He’s gone on to take bigger roles in movies likeMad Max: Fury RoadandX-Men: First Class. Hoult has been nominated for a BAFTA Film Award and Primetime Emmy Award.
The Menualso features an equally talented supporting cast.Hong Chau, who’s recently played a supporting role inDarren Aronofsky’s psychological dramaThe Whale, takes on the role of Elsa. Tony Award-winning actressJanet McTeer, whom you may have seen inTumbleweeds, plays Anne.Encanto’s very ownJohn Leguizamostars as an unnamed movie star, whileReed Birneyfrom the playThe Humansstars as Richard. Other notable names includePaul Adelstein,Aimee Carrero,Arturo Castro,Mark St. Cyr,Rob Yang,Rebecca Koon, andPeter Grosz. Featuring a roster of accomplished actors and actresses,The Menu’scast list is as delicious as it gets.
Related:‘The Menu’ Reveals First Images and Release Date for Anya Taylor-Joy-Led Dark Comedy
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