The Menu (Dead Meat Podcast Ep. 180) 

I loved how no one recognized the cook who posed as the coast guard guy. He was there the whole time, cooking their food and no one knew it was him. These people didn’t pay any attention to the workers preparing their food. Good subtle work there.

The smores monologue at the end I think is the ultimate encapsulation of the Chefs character. Like, he's so far gone from the simple pleasures of this craft he mastered he can't see the joy people have for something as simple as smores. Like, yeah smores are a messy food made from cheap ingredients, buts its the situations you cook them in, the people you cook them with that make a smore a special food. You don't just make a smore on a weekday night, its always at a fire, surrounded by friends or family. They're not made to be mass produced or mindlessly consumed like the food in a store or a restaurant. They're a simple thing anyone can make but its the context in which they're made that gives them value beyond just taste.

The whole experience with Chef is "cool motive, still murder" and I love those kinds of villains.

"Tyler's bullshit" title card was so freaking great, the title cards evolving from breakdown details of the meal to the cheeseburger was great story telling

I've seen some people say they think Chef whispered something along the lines of "you don't deserve to finish the menu" to Tyler, which is probably the most devastating thing he could be told.

I loved this movie. I absolutely loved the exchange between chef and the assistant to what school she went to. "Student Loans?" "No." "You're going to die".

Something I noticed in the scene where Chef lights the flame is he looks like he really doesn’t want to do it. Margot made him remember the beauty of food so he looks so unwilling to commit to it. And yet he does because “the menu only makes sense if they all die.”

Judith light was my fav character just because at the end when the girl turns around second guessing if she should leave everyone there to die and Judith just waves her to go. That was heartbreaking.

i really love that erin/margot was the only dinner guest to get bread.

I’m kind of obsessed with this growing sub-genre of class conscious horror. What I love about this one is that it subverts tropes associated with the genre. In many of these movies you start off with the rich being potentially likable or at least fine, with you building a growing dislike for them throughout the movie. In this they set up the guests to be assholes you assume you won’t care to see die. They remain kind of assholes, but you don’t want them to die. The moment where “Margo” looks at them before leaving is a much more wholesome moment then I would’ve ever expected from this. I was really engaged throughout this whole movie and even a little moved.

Maybe it just didn’t make your edit but when the assistant is wondering why she has to die got the biggest laugh out of our theater. “Where did you go to school?” “Brown” “Do you have student loans?” “No…” “You’re dying.” Hilarious

When I saw this film at Fantastic Fest, they served S'more dishes at the very end of the film 🤣 it was the best theater-going experience I had all year.

I'm surprised that what I thought was the funniest joke wasn't at all mentioned, where Tyler is scrambling and cursing to come up with ingredients to prepare, saying "Shit, shit-" only for Julian to ask if Tyler would like shit [to be provided to him] like that was completely sincerely on the table.

Margot dressing down the chef at the end is one of the best scenes I've seen in recent film, full stop. It says so much about the idea of art being purposefully inaccessible when it shouldn't be. Art is comfort, art is giving and taking and giving back. It shouldn't be exclusive to the rich, it shouldn't be pretentious or bougie or overcomplicated when it doesn't have to be. Margot is the only person there who wasn't there just to say they've had this expensive experience. She really cut him to his core and I think she understands him better than anyone else there has, which is why he let her leave.

I loved how it became clearer as the movie went along that this was a classic cult structure but it's never explicitly stated. A cult movie about a cult but the word "cult" is never spoken. Pretty cool.

I don't think Tyler ever thought he was gonna live, in fact I think he was the only one there excited for the whole experience, including getting to share a death with his idol. That'd explain a lot of his behavior, and why his original date might have bailed if she found out what he was intending to be part of. It's also probably why he so readily hung himself: After having his ego broken, I like to imagine chef Julian whispered something along the lines of "if you want to contribute to my kitchen and this menu, then remove yourself from the rest of it."

I appreciate that Chelsea knows it's important to wait for the fire to die before you start roasting the marshmallows.

I watched this in a packed theatre and there are moments where it was so tense that it feels like you can hear a pin drop. It was one of the most enjoyable theatre experience I had this year!

I watched an interview with some of the cast and they said some things that made me see certain parts differently. Aimee Carrero, the actress who played the assistant, said that her character represents nepotism because her parents work in the film industry and helped her get to where she was. Even though she’s in a service position, she got there because of connections, the same ones that helped her get a Brown education without student loans. They also mentioned the idea of who paying the check as taking responsibility and it made me see the end scene so differently. The tech bros put their cards down not just as a competition but each taking ownership of the shady things they’ve done at the company. The critic goes to pay but the editor stops her and says it’s on the magazine. She goes to take responsibility for the damage her words have done but it’s the magazine that gave her a platform and ultimately gave her words importance. I think the card John Leguizamo put down was the company card the assistant tried to give back to him. He says she’s not going anywhere and it can be he’s telling her she’s not quitting but also that she can’t deny her privileges as a nepotism kid, so putting down that card is her paying but ultimately he pays her so it connects them both. Also, I found it interesting Tyler yells at Margot/Erin about how smoking kills your palette but the critic is smoking in the Men’s Folly dinner so either that’s bs and just a way for him to have control over her as the one paying her and as a over educated person like Chelsea mentioned or it really ruined her palette and the restaurants she had a hand in closing down are the victims of that. Another thing that I liked that showed just how brainwashed the staff are, Elsa’s last words are “I didn’t forget the barrel, he didn’t tell me about it.” She’s dying but God forbid she dies with someone thinking she made a mistake, even the one who killed her. Lastly, Tyler calling Margot/Erin a cool girl multiple times reminded me of Amy Dune’s cool girl monologue. Sorry for the brain vomit, I watched this movie and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about it but I’m so glad to see it on the podcast. I was hoping y’all would cover it.

The title cards for each course were absolutely hilarious as it went on

You guys skipped over a detail of the barrel fetching where the chef tells Anya’s character that Elsa forgot to get the barrel and couldn’t live up to her duties, and during the fight scene with them Elsa says right before Anya’s character kills her that the chef never told her about a barrel and she didn’t forget anything. I was curious as to your guys’ take on that and why he would pretend like Elsa forgot something and wasn’t living up to his expectations

Nicholas Hoult is charming in interviews, but he's almost timid and VERY British so it's interesting that he's so incredible at these type of roles. ATJ is exceptional so I'm glad she's in everything. Jenna Ortega, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor Joy, Joe Alwyn, Paul Mescal and Jacob Tremblay are the future of Hollywood.

Tyler’s Bullshit was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a horror movie , this movie was amazing

This movie was such an unexpectedly relatable movie for me. I can't quite explain the experience of watching it. Some of the commentary it makes and some of the things that come out of characters' mouths are so incredibly true to my own life and I FELT it in my soul. I went to culinary school and cooking was my whole life. But the culture of the industry and the pure stress of it broke me. Not enough people really realize how hard and taxing this line of work is. There's a reason suicide and substance abuse are so rampant amongst those in the industry. There'd be days that I'd cry before going to work because I was so anxious and stressed about how insane the day would be. People would send back my food that I burned myself making on the daily. Or they would just not even eat it at all. Not only have I switched careers, but I have my boyfriend do most of the cooking now because I just can't bring myself to do it. The Menu is such an intelligent, funny and illuminating examination of how soul crushingly thankless the service industry is. The commentary on the parasitic relationship between those that give and that create art with love and passion - and those that only seek to take and consume, was profound to me.

A podcast episode that is longer than the movie it's about lmao. The power of James and Chelsea I swear!

Going into the movie completely blind made the end result very satisfying. Been a minute since I could go into a movie expecting nothing and come out very happy.

This has got me thinking about the AI art generator and how it’s gotten popular and will lead to companies using them in place of paying artists. People continuously discredit artists saying art isn’t a career but we consume so much art daily whether it be music, animation, adverts, etc.

Okay, maybe I don't remember this right, but I thought the exchanges with the older couple were supposed to be far more damning for the man. Like, his wife says something about Erin along the lines of, "Doesn't she look like our Clair?" Or something like that. I had assumed that was the couple's daughter. And then when we find out the older man had paid Erin to watch him... While she told him he was a good man and father... Again, might be remembering it wrong, but I'm pretty sure the movie implied that he lusted after his own daughter... And Erin knew it, which is why he disturbed her so much. Is anyone else remembering this? Or can provide another explanation??

I watched this in theaters with my mom. Usually she doesn't like horror movies but she absolutely loved this! We got McDonalds afterwards.

I love how Anya-Taylor Joy used her brain to escape the restaurant. Hilarious and brilliant, especially when we see her stop to eat the burger and watch things.

It just hit me as I was listening to you guys talk: Nicholas Hoult's character should've been the main villain because he was clearly jealous of Margo. I also completely love that he thought he could win over the Chef's appreciation by being a top level foodie, but instead Margo wins the Chef's attention/appreciation because he recognized her for being in the service industry JUST LIKE HIM. I love that.

1:50:25 On my second watch, Chef was the one to turn off that candle at Margot/Erin during one of his talks just moments before the coastguard came, so it really was stage for him to turn it right back on, it was part of the menu that it would happen that way

I also agree that the mess is the most crucial course, it’s the backbone of what’s transpiring here, and Graessel nailed that on the nose. Mental health is a tremendous issue in the industry, long hours, neglected relationships and personal welfare, I mean seriously beautiful stuff that is such an important topic to some of us Chefs.

OMG Chelsea nailed it with the analogy about movie Q&As. "Not really a question, more of a comment...." Ugh, those people are the worst.

Leeks are notoriously sandy and need to be cleaned, so you know “Tyler’s Bullshit” is under seasoned, undercooked, and gritty af.

The ending of the movie gave me such Midsommar vibes and it’s awesome!

The final menu card is quite simply one of the funniest things I have ever seen. *Chefs kiss*

About the asbestos hands, maybe you missed the part when Chef has to get a bandage in his hand when the fake cop in the boat arrives. I think it was very funny because he was bragging so hard about not feeling anything when in reality he actually got injured and needed medical aid. I thought it was a small commentary on how chefs sometimes pride themselves on how much they have to endure because it is so normalized among them (like a friend of mine who is a chef used to brag about his longer work days, few breaks, negative work environment or overall abuse from his supervisors, but never really complain, he was very proud to have endured it and mocked the ones who didn't )

When he said “mouth feel” my mind immediately went to Bob’s Burgers 😂

The Chef's table scenes were shot by the second unit director, David Gleb, who created Chef's Table

**SPOILER** Tyler taking photos of the food even tho he knows they're gonna die is hilarious.

James' bit about "living in the moment" defending the old couple was gold XDD

The myth you're thinking about at 1:48:17 is that of Tantalus, who (when the gods came to visit), cooked and served his son for the feast - the *why* of this is varies by version. He's sent to Tartarus, forever in a pool of sweet water that recedes from his touch and plump grapes that pull away from him, always thirtsy and hungering, never able to satisfy either.

I’m glad y’all are really digging into this one. The Menu just might be my favorite horror movie in this very stacked year.

I went to see this movie with my boyfriend for his birthday. I've been slowly bringing him into the horror fold and he absolutely loved it. It was an awesome watch

Did anyone else notice that when the old fart husband got his finger cut off, the critic was laughing😂😂 It was great Definitely can’t wait to rewatch

Funny story going into this I had no idea this was a horror movie and I never finished a horror movie in my life before this. I was just enjoying the music and dishes before jermy got shot. It came as a big shock. I thought it was going to be wholesome story about Julian finding his passion for cooking but no people get shot and drown. Great movie. One of my favorites.

when you tweeted about having graessle on this episode i thought we were only gonna get some extra good banter but the amount of insight he brought into this about a world i know nothing about was amazing and made me love and wanna rewatch the menu even more!!! incredible episode for an incredible movie 💚

Such a great movie. Anything Anya Taylor Joy is involved in immediately becomes a must-watch. I like the take that Tyler was not just a burn on "foodies", but also on movie critics (professional or armchair) . They know what makes a good movie or not, but put them in the directors chair or hand them a camera and a script and they'd make some bullshit.

1:22:18 I used to work at a restaurant, and they actually did have food stylists come in, and it was absolutely fascinating to see the kind of stuff they did.

Thank you Graessle for all your chef knowledge! As soon as you mentioned this movie referencing Noma It changed my tune on wanting to check this out. Your episodes are always my favorite due to your humor and true intelligence.

Always here for a Graessle episode

One of the best movies of the year and is insanely rewatchable.

i work in 2 michelin restaurants in dc and this movie felt so real. i can absolutely see this happening in a way and the dynamics of the kitchen are 100% accurate in most kitchens

I can honestly relate to how Tyler must have felt in that moment so much. I joined a 3rd year catering course without any prior years at the collage and with all the students already knowing each other for years. We was asked to make a meal with anything in the kitchen in an hour and then everyone had to bring their meals up and let 3 senior chefs try it and the. The rest of the students. I burnt my sauce and chicken and had to watch everyone try it in and be disgusted, never wanted to melt so bad in my life ☠️😂😂

All the other guests are talking about the experience when they're first eating but the older rich couple just talks like they're at a typical dinner, "I saw Parry today at the grocery store."

I'm surprised there wasn't more mention of the boatride over, serving that taster in the mignionette sauce. The Mignionette itself was a ship that sank with 5 survivors, 4 of which made it to shore because they ate the 5th. Right off the bat, the Mignionette sauce told me something bad was gonna go down

I'm a very casual fan of this channel, but I have to say you guys are simply awesome! Such fun and insightful conversation on a fantastic film, loved every second of this episode. Especially the point Chelsea mentioned about Erin also rekindling the joy in her work during the cheeseburger scene. I know this wasn't original to the podcast cast, but I still appreciate you all bringing these extra layers to wider audiences and this one really got me thinking. Gotta go rebinge old Dead Meat content now!

so glad u made this, i loved this movie w my whole heart and was smiling w joy in the theatre abt how perfect it was made.

I finally watched The Menu and came back to watch the full podcast. Just a few thoughts I want to mention here. The first thing is I was sooooo captivated by this movie. I did not move the entire time. Next thing is I was surprised and very happy to see Judith Light in this. I've loved her since "Who's The Boss?" Yes, I'm old. 😂😂😂 Chef Julian: Is it bad that I loved him a little bit? The killing part, not so much, but his motivation and backstory really got me. Along with how he treated Erin/Margot. I feel like he really didn't want to kill her, and he was looking for any reason at all to let her go. Elsa: She has definitely spent a long time making sure everything is exactly like how Chef wants it, and I kind of got an entitled vibe from her. Like she was special (in a different way than Tyler felt he was special). Jeremy: I was expecting it, but it still made me say, "Oh, sh*t!" Then, dude's finger getting cut off. I was freaking out with everyone else. R.I.P. Jeremy Catherine: I don't know what to think about her. She couldn't handle Chef ignoring her? So, she came up with this concept to...what?...try to get back in his good graces until the restaurant goes up in flames? I don't understand the motivation. If anyone can explain it, please do. I'm lost as to why everyone had to die to complete the concept. Erin/Margot: I knew it would happen, but I was still glad that Chef did let her go. At one point, I thought he might let a couple others go with her. Specifically, Anne and Felicity. I feel like they weren't really bad enough to deserve what happened. Unless I missed something. There's really too much to say about Erin, but I'll end this part with I just loved her. Tyler: Ugh! He was the embodiment of all the worst traits of a foodie. I do agree with James that Tyler probably felt he was too special and wasn't going to die and for the same reasons he mentioned. He knew beforehand what was going to happen, and he still went willingly. Not just that, but the fact that he hired Erin to go with him shows another layer of him not caring about anyone in a service industry. She's not a person to him just like Jeremy wasn't a person to him. The fact that all he wanted to do was eat all the food. Even the one the women were served while the men were running. I can't remember what they called it. I'm sorry. I did also die with Graessle when Chef had Tyler cook for him. I know my way around a kitchen, and I'm decent at plating. However, I would actually pass away if a chef of that caliber told me to cook something. I think that's it. I'm sorry it was so long. If you made it this far, thank you for reading my 2:00am insomnia-fueled thoughts.

I can't seem to grasp themes in horror movies, that's why I love this podcast so much because y'all analyze everything and bring new theories to the table

I took my buddy to Marrow in Detroit for his birthday and that tasting menu was AMAZING. Every time a new course came out I said "that is the best thing I've ever eaten." Detroit is really coming alive with some amazing restaurants.

I come back to this episode every so often to listen to while I’m cleaning or crafting-I really enjoy hearing Graessle’s input and his passion for the restaurant and food industry!

I had been on the fence about seeing this movie and after I listened to the spoiler free section, I went to the next available showing time right after work and am so glad I did, it was great listening to y’all right afterwards ♡ One thing that stood out to me in retrospect was what Elsa says to the burn out question on the island tour, basically “we don’t,” but burn out, dissatisfaction/frustration, and loss of passion (all the while putting on a self assured facade) is so central to the movie. I like that they hint at that theme so early on in what could’ve just been a set up for a cheeky line referencing the ending

I missed a whole 30 seconds of them talking when I noticed James’ shirt said Baja Balstoise. That’s one of the best shirts I’ve ever seen.

My friend doesn’t get super excited about movies the way I do, so I drag him along to movies like this a lot. We both loved it. He’s a big foodie, I’m big on movies. We both got a lot out of it. It took some time to convince him though. It was literally “Hey remember when we went to see the Northman? You liked Anya Taylor Joy in that, c’mon”

Fingers crossed for a 'Pearl' discussion soon. After your 'X' podcast I am very curious to hear your thoughts.

I saw this with my girlfriend who isn't a horror fan at all and she loved it and thought it was hilarious. She's not super into gore which is what turns her away from a lot of horror so this was a nice balance of thrilling, good storytelling, and humor.

I saw it with a full audience and they were here for it. It was a great time. They really seemed to be a good crowd for the movie.

First off I would like to say thank you Dead Meat for covering all these movies on your podcast! As someone with depression I find it hard to go through the days so I really latch onto things I look forward too to get me through the day which has always been the dead meat podcast. Whenever I see a release I'm immediately excited and can't wait to watch. Secondly I loved the menu! I can't stop thinking about how much I want to see it again! I saw it in a completely packed theater and everyone was having a blast. I have not laughed so hard at a movie in so long. I'm not even a foodie but the jokes just all really landed with me. Then afterwards my sibling and I couldn't stop talking about how absurd and darkly comedic the movie was. Especially the end with the smores gave me such a visceral reaction of omg this is so absurd I can't help but laugh but also the feeling of omg this is horrible and really unsettling. Definitely one of my fave movies this year.

When my roommate and I watched this the other day there was about 10 people in total in the cinema and we were the only two people screaming with laughter. But it was so good I didn’t even feel awkward haha

i’m surprised they didn’t mention how amazing chefs kitchen in his cottage looked. that’s my dream kitchen

When they explained why John’s character was invited to the island the entire theater I was in (including me) bursted out in a belly laugh. This is probably going to become my favorite modern dark comedy

Chelsea’s commentary on “Avalon” had me howling in laughter!!!!

So I work at a cinema and I've seen the end scene multiple times and that's all I've seen. Gotta say I'm fascinated

Graessle was such a great addition to this episode!

i loved this movie personally, went between comedy and horror in such a good way, and felt completely natural for each character to act the ways they did

I love Ralph Fiennes he's wonderful

When the chef was making the cheeseburger, his little smile made me honestly cry. The s'mores monologue destroyed me. This movie is for me a masterpiece. My own experience with food is complicated at best but cooking will forever be therapeutic for me. And as an artist I sympathize with his feelings of emptiness and honestly failure, so that scene where making the most simple thing brought him joy, just because he enjoyed doing it, moved me. I will hold this movie close to my heart for ever

1:26:33 This is one of the reason I find fan fiction to be so much fun. No one’s getting paid for it, the only reward you get it your own dopamine, but it’s that expression of “I wanted this to exist and so I made it” that I love.

I really love the discussion of art for yourself vs art for profit or praise. I know it’s not high art in the slightest but I love making kandi/rave jewelry. I never want to sell it for profit, I only ever want to make it to trade, give away for at the very least put on my table at art shows for the bare minimum. I just love the pure childlike joy of making brightly colored bead bracelets with silly phrases on them

. The scene when The Chef and Margot were talking in the kitchen , the 1st time gave me chills when they" yes chef " that they all are going to die.

Saw this movie in theatres and I was so impressed. Going to see it again with my friends for my birthday.

Did you guys not think that he originally intended on letting Tyler leave because he would have shared the story with the world (also explaining why chef originally told Tyler about the mass murder). But then Margo showed up, giving him a better option and also enabling him to kill what he hates so much.

I'm so excited for you to be in the Dead Easy table read, Chelsea!! And Sean Astin as your dad?! Count me in!! This was the movie I was most intrigued by and really enjoyed. It was SO funny and thrilling!!

Love that Graessle was given a mic on this one! I was in culinary arts for a couple years with a chef who thought they were Gordan Ramsey, so it immediately made me lose the love for the art that I had. Hearing Graessle's thoughts on food were so refreshing.

There's this very quick cutaway shot where John Leguizamo and his assistant are passing the keys and cards back and forth and he just starts cussing in spanish it caught me so off guard in the best way I really loved this movie

I'm a massive foodie, my dad is a chef and he taught me alot about the cooking industry. We were laughing our asses off for alot of the movie, we both agree that it's one of the best movies we've seen in ages. All the character critiques are of real types of people -the chef that has been burnt out and beaten down by the toxic work environment -the celebrity host who doesn't care about cooking or food -the restaraunt critic/reviewer that ruins someone's life with the flick of a pen -the stuck up rich folk that go to expensive restaurants for no reason other than to show status and has no respect for the craft -and lastly the stuck up prick who will criticise any tiny mistake you make, who appreciates good food, but if you throw him in a kitchen with as many resources as possible he couldn't cook for shit These are all real people that are ruining the restaurant industry, the reason that in what used to be culinary epicenters like France you can't find a single restaurant that doesn't do a burger and fries. All in all, as someone who really knows about food and the cooking industry this is a 10/10 movie, but I can clearly see that if someone is not informed on the industry, or who isn't a foodie wouldn't enjoy this movie as much as someone who does

This movie was almost perfect... Chef Slowik: "Would you like to hear the specials?" Patrick Bateman: "Not if you want to keep your spleen" Can we get a trailer mashup? Anyone...

Y'all talking about food photos had me so wanting to watch this, because I work as a food photographer for restaurants. And as soon as Graessle mentioned the top down photo I cringed a little LOL, those shots are always the worst for like 80% of food (but every restaurant wants them -.-)

I feel like this is one of the rare movies where the story beats and the dialogue gives enough of a basic understanding on what this movie is about, that everyone can enjoy it, while at the same time giving you depth to explore as much as you wish, and you're not gonna reach the end.

Oh thank God a new podcast came up, been absolutely flying through the podcasts at work, AND this is 2 hours!! Bless you guys. I do Amazon, and it always brings me so much joy just doing the intro out loud while listening to yall. GO AHEAD AND LAUGH YA LITTLE BASTARDS. be safe you guys!

probably my favorite movie of the year. this movie has my exact sense of humor

I am currently a dishwasher, and it's my favorite job out of the ones I've had. I felt very satisfied and seen when Graessle talked about his work experiences.

This is the best movie I've seen in a VERY long time. So original and creative. Absolutely loved it! I was in a full dine in theatre and the audience loved it. Lots of laughs, and it was opening night Also Violent Night was very stupid and very funny and very fun.

I'm so excited you guys covered this one! Saw it last weekend in an almost empty theater but the experience was amazing

As someone who has done food photography, it has put me off food for life. Also this movie sounds awesome, really need to go see it

I remember that magazine from the early 90s Chelsea talks about and how they make food look better in ads! It stuck with me to this day.

As a hospitality major and a fan of horror I loved this movie. There’s so much to unpack.

I freaking loved this movie. I’m not all the way through so you may mention this later, but the theory that Tyler doesn’t think he’s going to die could partially explain why he kept being so worried that Chef was mad at him. Because if Chef is mad at him, Special Baby Tyler could die too. Also I saw this in a packed theater in Lincoln Nebraska and the way people cheered when Margo said she was from Grand Island! But then she ended up not being from there so we Nebraskans faded into obscurity once again. 😆 Edit: something I remembered: I was scared that Margo was still going to die at the end because of the conversation early on about how long they age the meat in the smokehouse, and how everyone would die if they weren’t professionals. When Margo was eating the burger on the boat I was like, was it made from that meat? Was it properly aged??? But no, I’m just paranoid I guess.