The Greek Mythology Reference Cleverly Hidden In The Menu
"The Menu," starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Fiennes, and Nicholas Hoult, is a 2022 horror-meets-psychological thriller-meets-black comedy that has been both critically acclaimed and loved by audiences around the world, per Rotten Tomatoes. The film's basic premise involves a pretentious fine dining chef whose most prestigious restaurant is located on a remote island. The guests for one of his exclusive, elaborate, multi-course dinners are a group of elites who — well, let's just say — have done him wrong in some way.
Of course, since "The Menu” is a movie that mainly takes place in a culinary setting, the storyline involves a number of notable food scenes that are already being deemed iconic. From chicken tacos that expose dark secrets to breadless bread plates to a cheeseburger with a side of crinkle fries to a grim take on a classic campfire treat, there's certainly no shortage of fare.
Discovering Easter eggs in movies or other works of art is an exciting experience, especially when they are smaller than some eyes can ascertain. And as it turns out, the film's plot pays homage to Greek mythology. If you have yet to see "The Menu," you've been warned that a few spoilers lie ahead!
The plot of 'The Menu' is a nod to a Greek myth
Recently, a TikToker revealed that "The Menu" subtly alludes to an important account of Greek mythology. The video shares a striking detail that seemingly ties the entire wicked story together. While an abundance of users claim they did indeed notice this minutia, it's still an amazingly genius component of the cinematic masterpiece.
In the scene during which the protagonist Margot snoops around Chef Julian Slowik's house, she notices a framed newspaper clipping from his early days as a cook at a restaurant called Tantalus. According to Greek Mythology, Tantalus, one of Zeus's many sons, stole nectar and ambrosia, which were considered "food of the gods," in hopes that they would generate immortality when consumed. However, when the recipe proved to be faulty, he killed his son Pelops and fed his cooked flesh to the gods to test their true powers. The gods, cunning and omnipotent as they were, caught onto Tantalus's stunt. He was consequently banished from Olympus and cursed for all eternity by having to constantly stand in water with fruit surrounding him. But whenever he became hungry or thirsty, the branches would suddenly be out of reach and the water disappeared before he could drink it.
Chef Slowik's fate is eerily similar to that of Tantalus, according to the TikToker, as he feeds his aristocratic patrons devious dishes and is punished for his evil acts. Moreover, even in death, he will forever be deprived of food and drink.