The Menu Explained | What the Cheeseburger Really Means

The Menu Explained that Chef Julian Slowik is an exploited artist at the whim of a shallow elite. Tyler, Lillian, Ted & Co. all use Slowik's art for their own gain, and are duly punished for it. But Margot is not like the others. Armed with a simple cheeseburger order, she is able to bring joy back to the jaded cook and win her freedom. In this video, I explain how a humble cheeseburger can be so powerful.
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[@nvrmnd4567]

Also a small detail is that all the food was cooked by the line cooks, the cheeseburger was the only food Slowik cooked himself

[@StockaOfficial]

Almost as if he can only cook burgers... 😂

[@cc8879]

The last three words disprove your comment XD (well, if you're a cannibal)

[@kellylozano8899]

Remember she "read the writing on the wall" about him.

[@USA_UNITED1776]

@@StockaOfficial dun dun dun.

[@themeticulousassassin2632]

If this was a comedy, he would’ve staged this whole thing because he only knows how to make burgers and he was only good at delegating and not cooking

[@geo4256]

The other night one of our elderly customers told her server she had for her entire life eaten crab cakes all over the world but the one she had that night was the best ever. As a Chef those are the moments that keep me from putting S'mores on the special sheet.

[@realchezboi]

I love cooking but I ended up hating my job, it’s not my place to tell anyone else how to enjoy this art but for me maybe home cooking, cooking for a friend or family, someone who’s just hungry and what’s something yummy, that’s so fulfilling.

[@sabrenuh9924]

I think Margot/Erin was the only one who really wanted to live, because despite being taken hostage and the deep effects it has on people, she still kept on trying to find a way out. Unlike the others who gave up after a couple tries. She persisted, especially when she went to the Chef's cabin and strategically used the Chef's photo of him cooking burgers when he was young. I also noticed that all of them complained about being there, but none of them really asked to the bitter end to be kept alive instead they accepted their death. In the other hand, Margot/Erin sat down when they were preparing the last course knowing it could be her last chance to escape, so she used her will to live and tricked him into letting her go. At least in my eyes, people that are that crazy as to plan a whole mass suicide (I think it was a mass suicide instead of a mass murder), cannot relate to people anymore. I believe people like that are so apathetic to others that the only way to get to them is by playing by their rules, and she did. Because no pleading, or not any number of tears could turn his heart around. The only way was to trick him into doing exactly the thing he respects, which is cooking.

[@julianjpantoja4603]

There's a drug which makes people lose their will or agency to do something, I forget what it is called, probably some amphetamine, but since Margot refuses to eat, it is possible she's the only one with enough determination to act, the others being too drugged to do anything. The story never implies they were drugged but it's only reasonable in my mind as to why everyone is so complacent

[@carolinec1213]

@@julianjpantoja4603 burundanga (scopolamine)

[@AbbyDishongh]

@@julianjpantoja4603 oh snap, like scopolamine or something ??

[@sabrenuh9924]

@@julianjpantoja4603 Very on point...never thought about drugs being laced into the food. Makes complete sense as to why the only one that didn't eat was the only coherent one (and also the one who ate the most, being Tyler, was the least rational and ended up killing himself as soon as Chef asked). Probably why the Chef was so adamant she ate and was so peeved to see her rebel against eating, as if she already knew what his intentions were. On another point, I don't know how she ended up at the restaurant (I mean why chose her among other people to join you and die with you?), but it doesn't seem completely at random. Especially since she knew other guests as well. Anyway, thanks for bringing it up because now I get their weird acceptance with death.

[@zestybutterfly7161]

That's a very compelling theory!

[@badyoutuber1986]

You know what this film reminds me of when celebrities speak of how hard the industry are it's ups and downs blah blha blha but everybody should remember that everyone at a certain age chooses where they are going even if they think they aren't,

[@maelo9x]

I really enjoyed the breakdown and the time that you have taken put this together. I wish to see more from you... 1 new sub 🤙😎

[@sandwitht6264]

the movie should have won the oscar

[@francisco-vb9wg]

I thought she survived because the picture of him being a cook in the burger place was the only one where he was smiling. Implying it was the only time if at all he was happy doing his job

[@victorhojgaard1769]

Loved this film, had so many things to tell. Fx that usually rich people needs to feed their ego’s and satisfy their High standards to prove themselves worthy humanbeings, while margot is as real and clear as it gets, she doesnt Care about standards, she cares only about the simple logic behind food, it fills your hunger, and it taste good. Eat for need, not for greed.

[@Its_Cannon]

Also, Slowik gave Margot bread in the form of the burger bun. Earlier he said none of them deserved bread, and yet, Margot got a bun.

[@kanoaikawach]

ah, good observation

[@robinmarriott00]

I thought this, but tortilla is bread

[@Its_Cannon]

@@robinmarriott00 The tortillas represented painful memories. The Burger bun cradled the burger, his innocence. The bread she was given was made to be consumed and enjoyed, the tortillas were meant to invoke sorrow and pain.

[@petergriffinson1907]

Its a cheese burger bro.

[@AlexLopez-hn5ru]

@@robinmarriott00 sir...a tortilla is NOT bread.

[@procastination_is_my_passi4182]

That 10 dollar she gave him at the end, probably meant more to him than the thousands of dollars he got from each of the other customers. She showed genuine appreciation for his food and service. No buttery statements, nor long-winded critiques of his food, all she said was "now that's a burger" and they had that look of mutual understanding and appreciation. Edit: I rewatched it and a subtle detail is that the Chef uses a handkerchief to prevent his hand from being burned while making Margot's burger, but during that rest of the film, he was super detached and even actively put his hand on the candle flame without fear nor reaction. In that moment of cooking a simple burger, he's human again and can feel- instead of being a soulless, overlooked robot he has been while having to serve these rich, snobbish customers

[@x340x]

damn i missed that detail about the handkerchief, thats actually genius!

[@procastination_is_my_passi4182]

@@x340x It's so simple and yet so effective! It's also the one time we see the Chef actually cooking and smiling in the kitchen :')

[@bdpv025]

I notice it and taught he really likes to make burgers eh 😆

[@iGottaGoodiDea]

Also, it would’ve been unsanitary too.

[@hafirenggayuda]

Basically put more care for the cheeseburger huh? His "real" final dish

[@beardedbatman822]

The subtle smile while he cooked the burger was a joyous sense for that he was making an item so simple yet the simplicity of it took him back to his Joy for cooking

[@yeeaahhzz]

they went to the ratatouille moment, but for the chef instead of the critic

[@tomzeru]

Remind of italian cuisine, maximum satisfaction with minimum effort. Most of the flavor and taste come from the quality of raw ingredients. It's nice to oppose at french cuisine where sophistication are stacked above each other

[@hermiona1147]

​​@@yeeaahhzz that's exactly what I thought about, she reverse ratatoiulled him

[@rotom18]

I was gonna say, the way he acted the joy in doing something simple that you used to once do was immaculate just by that facial expression

[@dontrah1838]

This was a bad movie the plot was stupid

[@bk.dannaa]

I hate how some people think that Margot "tricked" him, like, she didn't. She knew and understood the flaws of the Menu and the customers that she gave Slowik what he truly needed to make in that situation. Plus, she also clearly enjoyed the cheeseburger so it was a win win.

[@ryann9026]

he gave expensive food to expensive people and most didnt even like it margot asked for a simple cheeseburger and enjoyed it

[@lainaverse]

There's also the aspect of how none of the rich people made an effort to escape. A video or article I came across mentioned that subtlety. Margot considered her own survival and took action to change her situation.

[@brucegilbert625]

@@lainaverse he does say if your all tried you probably could’ve escaped.

[@michaels7134]

I think you are forgetting one thing. Margot is a prostitute; she sells an illusionary connection to people. She doesn't REALLY want a cheeseburger, rather she knows her mark and how to get what she wants from him (usually money but tonight, her freedom). While it never MEANS ANYTHING to Margot, she leaves another man satisfied and happy. When she bites into the cheeseburger on the shoreline, she demonstrates that she is a taker as well just like the other prostitutes back on the island.

[@jotarokujo5132]

@@lainaverse have you not seen the movie ? they literally ran away at one point.

[@Bhethar]

I worked in a burger joint and it was the job I loved the most. I made peanuts, but when this guy came back with his mom and dad telling them how good the burger I made him was I almost cried. The one job where I got the most honest happy people was that one. Watching happy people eating your food. Hearing genuine thank you. I miss that.

[@jackmesrel4933]

This is the reason why when I go to eat out and the food is genuenly good, I say to an avaibable waiter to say to the chef that the food was delicious, cus If I worked in a kitchen and really tried to make the food good, hearing that would make my day

[@npcimknot958]

Why I line mom pop shops more than fast food.

[@Political_Brainrot_Auditor]

I don't get it. What kind of burget joint makes peanuts? I'm assuming it was just served as a side dish?

[@azizsafudin]

@@Political_Brainrot_AuditorI think he meant that his salary was peanuts.

[@agenttexx]

My first job was at a Subway. From there, I worked as a fry cook in a resort restaurant. I worked a year and a half as a cook at McDonald's and then 8 months in a Convenience store deli. I loved flipping burgers and making Meat loaf sandwiches. I still enjoy cooking, but I do it very rarely these days and I can still make a mean sub sandwich.

[@riotbreaker3506]

To me, the cheeseburger is the antithesis to culinary art, it's greasy and easy and popular. Yet it accomplishes everything a cook should seek to accomplish, it's delicious, it brings happiness, for a while before his death, Slowik isn't a chef serving the elite ideas, he's a cook, making a poor, starving girl some food.

[@wingwangtingtang]

Idk man culinary art doesn't have to be difficult and hard, art is subjective no matter the medium

[@riotbreaker3506]

@@wingwangtingtang I'm mostly referencing the elitism of art, Slowik was miserable deconstructing the idea of consumption, much like his guests were miserable caught in their own status, cheating, stealing, and lying. For the first time in years, someone wasn't asking him to be the best chef in the world.

[@calvinbethea3369]

I wonder, as an artist I’m driven to create. I draw from my experiences and translate them so I and others can process them. But in a capitalist society where everything is a commodity the efforts of the creative are subject to the demands of the market that supports it. Many artist become famous for works that were not their favorites. Is this a cautionary tale of compromising your creative soul for financial gain or a tragedy that every thing that is unique and authentic becomes common and counterfeit when commodified. That cheeseburger on the other hand really looked good. Beauty and pleasure should be for everybody elitist and classist needs for validation destroys that.

[@wingwangtingtang]

@@riotbreaker3506 I mean I get that I wqs just saying I have the opposite opinion fo a cheeseburger when it comes to cuisine based art. Sure its not highbrow really but it does everything food is supposed to do and more, making it(again this is just my opinion) more than a match for pretentious high dining dishes in terms of being culinary art. Just because you have a resuarant as highly rated and desirable as slowik's doesn't mean your food needs to be experimental, difficult, or even expensive. It took margot ordering a cheeseburger without all the fancy stuff for him to realise that. It brought the pleasure back into his job at the end of it all. It's a great allegory for the materialistic society we all live in

[@fb101786]

i Like that they show her actually eating the cheeseburger at the end, so the viewer knows she was being honest to the chef, That she really did enjoy it.

[@benedictsmith9112]

When she took a bite from the cheeseburger, it represented her eating a cheeseburger. Truly one of the greatest representations of all time.

[@Ronkyort0dox]

But it was Jennifer Lawrence the first woman to ever eat a cheeseburger.

[@godson8817]

@@Ronkyort0dox what the fuck does that mean, Kobe Bryant.

[@AC-iz7eh]

It's a Morbius meme

[@KAINOA104]

top 10 anime moments fr

[@adrianopandolfo]

@@AC-iz7eh I loved it when Morbius said "Morbing with a cheese of burgers" and menued all over Jeniffer Lawrence.

[@oscarv6907]

When I first heard her order a cheeseburger I recognized it was because that is what Slowik used to cook. But I, mistakenly, thought it was an attempt to humiliate him, because he is overqualified to prepare a cheeseburger. But now I get that it was actually an act of compassion, she gave him a true moment of joy and desire to cook, which is even more impressive when you take into account the fact that he is a monster. I like the message that she was allowed to leave because she showed compassion, and I believe that this is a lesson on forgiveness and empathy, and it was the lack of this essential human emotions in the "takers" and the chef, that led to their death.

[@thepaesesai]

People who arent detail driven would miss it. It held on to the shot though for a whilllle

[@clark5426]

Yeah that was my first thought too, thinking she's trying to humiliate him or trick him by ordering that cheeseburger

[@michaels7134]

I think you are forgetting one thing. Margot is a prostitute; she sells an illusionary connection to people. She doesn't REALLY want a cheeseburger, rather she knows her mark and how to get what she wants from him (usually money but tonight, her freedom). While it never MEANS ANYTHING to Margot, she leaves another man satisfied and happy. When she bites into the cheeseburger on the shoreline, she demonstrates that she is a taker as well just like the other prostitutes back on the island.

[@StarLight-lt2tm]

Spoken like a true insane person who thinks way to hard about a bad movie

[@lawton6123]

She did manipulate him. And he knew it and let her do it. She solved his problem of what to do with her

[@AngeryCrow]

For me, it's that smile he give when he's cooking the burger. For most of the time it's the only time he keep on smiling, a true genuine smile.

[@whitneyrose9293]

Being present in the present is integral to being able to enjoy it as is being "presented" with a genuinely unique challenge 🍔 We don't savor things that we no longer value due to it becoming routine as a result of losing passion for it 👍💯👍

[@GoldKingsMan]

Cheeseburger magic, Tohony Stark on top of burger shack.

[@whitneyrose9293]

@@GoldKingsMan Truly, there is no greater magic than that of a cheeseburger. Well put and said.

[@es330td]

I love that he smiles when he sees that look every cheeseburger lover makes when that first bite of flavor/fulfillment/indulgence happens. It is the deep internal knowledge that if a burger is done just right one doesn't need a fancy brioche bun with gold flake foie gras truffle infusions. He knew from her reaction that he did well and created something she appreciated without judgement.

[@whitneyrose9293]

@@es330td Do you think you an individual can truly enjoy something without judging and evaluating it consciously or subconsciously?

[@xplosiv211]

She didn't trick him. She gave him what he desired. In a way, she serviced him similar to him serving her. It was a mutual respect, a mutual understanding, and a fair trade. She didn't deserve to die like the rest because she gave him the one thing he had been missing for decades. Ps: wow,15k likes for this comment! Crazy. Really makes me happy, because I really love this movie. I think it's one of the best films I've seen in quite some time.

[@DAKreates]

Exactly

[@dawe964]

Exactly

[@smaragd2421]

Exactly

[@kevooo1250]

EXACTLY

[@EsuChiefCraig]

Well said.

[@AmusableKitten5]

What she did wasn't a manipulation, she treated the situation as what it was, a service, something no one else did

[@AndroidNoir-L06k]

only those who stay at the buttom knows the joy of being serve a just nice meal.

[@moxiemaxie3543]

A service for a personal experience vs a soulless transaction

[@ichini525]

In Polish, the chef’s surname, Słowik means a songbird. So he’s a songbird who got tired of singing for the enjoyment of snobbish people and then got reminded of the joy that it used to bring him.

[@joshuataylor3550]

Nice

[@a.carolineott]

Thank you.

[@owlmangaming2076]

Wow 🥹🙏🏻

[@robertnett9793]

Makes sense. I wonder if it was intentional, or just a good sounding name... well, considering the love to detail the movie shows, I would believe the first one.

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

No wonder Voldemort hates muggles.

[@albertko1]

If you look at Ratatouille and it's ending, it really is the same concept from the other side. When we eat, we should appreciate and enjoy our food even if it's "simple" or "lowbrow" just like the cheeseburger... That's why Erin/Margot finished eating it, it WAS a good burger.

[@JovianAtrocity]

I thought of Ratatouille as well, except the nostalgia from cooking vs eating.

[@briansmith2163]

I also thought of that film !

[@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366]

Triumph of the mediocre, anti-progression. You have been brainwashed

[@jjpc225]

Welcome good burger home of the good burger can I take your order?

[@CuZtuga]

@@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 Crustiest comment i've seen here

[@eliasroos7185]

Honestly, I broke down crying during the burger scene. I'm a fine dining chef, and I was dealing with some serious depression and burnout when I went out to see it. Watching him finally make something that made him happy just made me crack, and it's still one of my absolute favorite scenes in any movie I've seen in years.

[@mweb586]

I hope you're doing well now :). We didn't have much growing up and I still struggle sometimes, but remember that some of those people who come to fine dining places (unfortunately you probably never meet them) are spending what is to them exorbitant sums to celebrate key moments. One of my favorite moments was when my Dad drove us hours away into to the city for Ruth's Chris when I graduated high school. It meant so much to me. I don't know if that counts as fine dining, but it made my damn year. I will never forget that Ribeye. I got the only Creme Brule and happily passed it around to share with my family. There are people who appreciate what you do, everyday!

[@pezpengy9308]

i was abducted to a very fancy restaurant in honolulu that featured (he actually owned the place) a world renowned hoity toity chef. everyone dressed to the nines, fancy decor etc etc. im a farmer and all this did was make me uncomfortable. the menu beautifully presented gastronomic visions that im sad to say made me feel rather ill... nobody in my world eats capers, much less puts it on fish for goodness sake! i asked the waiter if i could order... a cheeseburger. he snorted and disappeared into the kitchen where we could hear shouting and banging of pots. he came back and said no. i ate the bread. i know what bread is and i was just hungry. that restaurant closed not too long after, but the greasy burger joint up the road from my home is still open and serving great cheeseburgers. in fact, last week they were voted as having the best cheeseburgers in the united states. after hearing about it on the news i congratulated them when they got home (the family that runs it lives next door to me) and she just gave me this quizzical look and said, "so what - its just a cheeseburger." THAT, in my hick hillbilly mind, is a great chef.

[@thomasa8814]

The suppressed excitement he showed in his face when she orders the burger is a masterclass of acting. You can almost feel his joy and that spark of life he had been missing out on.

[@mutsuhanma7807]

It's not acting, she just really liked that cheeseburger...

[@yohanark7411]

@@mutsuhanma7807 Slowik's smile, not Margot's

[@vlr7368]

I didn't actually see it as excitement smile, I thought he was smiling because he was amused how she must have seen pictures of his past or how she found the loophole

[@e.matthews]

@@vlr7368 There can be immense "joy" and a "spark of life" in being outplayed. I think it was both. Excitement, a touch of wonder at her audacity, and likely a feeling of being truly understood. She knows the service industry script. She understands the source of his pain, and anger, and joy.

[@daviduhr4941]

@@vlr7368 nah, if that were the case it would really undermide the entire movie. She didn't find a "loophole," she brought him back to a time when he enjoyed cooking for someone, a thing that he mentioned earlier had not occurred in some time. She reminded him of why he became a chef and for that he allowed her to leave.

[@TheodoreCoolman]

I love that even though it's proved in the film that Slowik no longer feels pain from heat or fire, or at least chooses to ignore it, by him literally grabbing coals out of a flame, he still uses a dishtowel to press down the spatula, smashing the patties. Another element showing that his very last order is sending him back to his younger days, when he cooked for pleasure.

[@UncleJemima]

astute observation!

[@thehermit8618]

Its also oddly heartwarming how you see sparks of a smile in some shots as he cooks the burger. Its as if for an instant he is brought back to a time where things were simple and happy

[@BlackRose-rp7kv]

That and maybe he didn’t wanna you know bleed and leave melted skin in her burger 🤓🤓

[@TheodoreCoolman]

@@BlackRose-rp7kv bros the metaphor master stfu lmao

[@devinxoxo8350]

@@BlackRose-rp7kv If he was putting his hand on the spatula it wouldn’t even touch the food since the spatula was blocking it and a burn like that wouldn’t cause you to bleed anyways.

[@klawis]

This film is about losing your passion. You dreamed of something, you chased it, you achieved it, you lived with it, only to find out that the dream and life you've always wanted wasn't really for you, and it is really heartbreaking. Slowik had a glimpse of why he started his craft but it was brief, but at least he experienced cooking cheeseburger again during the final moments of his life. In general, The Menu wants to tell us that losing yourself is a part of human's life. It's sad, but that's the reality. This film has no shining embellishments about life, just a hard slap of truth.

[@PIPpalaceFX]

That’s life tho ain’t it

[@iloveverycoolcats3833]

For me i think it's that when you have reached the limit (example. his limit was when he was the employee of the mont) but is forced to always elevate and elevate until you forgot what you were supposed to be doing. the world works in where you will always need to evolve and i think some people are comfortable being in the low. it's clear that he STILL has passion for cooking, just that he stopped cooking for people and cooked for status

[@nostrum7278]

This film is genuinely one of my all time favourites. I legit almost cried when Slowik was cooking that burger

[@npcimknot958]

@@PIPpalaceFXnot really.. it’s when u stop chasing.. u achieved it and the. U have no purpose. Money isn’t everything.. the ones that do lose passion are those that can’t chase cause they reach the top In this case, deconstructing food to the point it’s not food and the people that is able to eat this aren’t even people who love food, they love status. But u see a street vendor who owns his own shop is smiling making simple food.. that’s something they can’t ever have again because of the circle they chose - money, fame fortune

[@GallardoAlejandra]

I think he didn’t lose passion for his craft. The better of a chef he became, his life started being invaded by those annoying, rich and entitled people. They are the ones that sucked the life out of him not his craft. Being constantly around them, really affected him. In a broader sense they are the ones culpable for destroying the life out of everything because the rest of us live to serve them and it’s never going to be enough for them. They’re bored and shallow. It’s more of a realistic commentary on those group of people. He looked happy cooking that burger, before dying he knew he could die happy

[@jnpilot]

“These are tortillas” is my favorite delivery of any line in this film, and there are a lot of gems to choose from.

[@slipperyfella4171]

YUP LOL

[@daviduhr4941]

the pronunciation of "tortilla" got me

[@slipperyfella4171]

@@daviduhr4941 she said it correctly tho, just said it a bit louder

[@mauricioprado5189]

American Cheese is the best cheese for a cheeseburger because it melts without splitting. Love the delivery and smoothness on that line

[@0heda734]

"torTILLA delicioso"

[@lukehopper8380]

Let's be honest. That cheeseburger looked amazing.

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

I actually wish I had ground beef right now if make me one.

[@tomzeru]

It was just a Well made Cheeseburger

[@markpierce4416]

I wanted a cheeseburger so bad after watching this scene

[@ChrisGurin]

I watched that and thought, "Screw my cholesterol level!" I'm pretty sure my corps will be found with a double cheeseburger half-finished in my mouth, which will be smiling.

[@heretyk_1337]

Fuck yeah it did- i got so hungry after just watching that scene, that i galloped to the place, where i usually eat burgers at once a week, just to sink my teeth into one of theirs. They make their own buns, their beef is so clean- pure meat, no veins, nothing chewy- and they put so many tasty vegetables in it, that my mouth actually waters just thinking about it- i am going to go there in 4- 5 days again, but Hell- Good burger is a good burger and i pity people, who disregard that type of food. Nothing better than sitting down with good food and a few cold shots after hard week- maybe it is bit simplistic, but as soon as i saw that woman chewing on good burger, i knew what she felt. Just for a second i was out of any shit i a normally in- my moment of freedom, if you will

[@Maiden_to_mother]

I saw the cheese burger scene on KZbin shorts and had to watch the movie all the way through. The chef is one of my favorite anti hero’s ever. I found myself on his side the whole entire time because there truly is a softness underneath his madness. “Margot” was able to tap into this softness, giving him a moment of happiness behind the grill one last time before his death. Of course he let her go, she was the only one who saw him for who he really was.

[@gulsahuslu4012]

same I saw the same youtube shorts clip and watched the movie right after

[@a_diamond]

Same, I just came across the clip and thought "Wow! Which movie is this, and why haven't I heard about it?" The acting is amazing!

[@stillwatersrundeep001]

He's more anti-villain than anti-hero. No matter how you slice it, he's still a lunatic and a spree murderer. No one there deserved to die. If you're taking the movie at face value rather than the surrealist allegory it is, of course.

[@widedPanda9797]

he isn't an antihero he's a made villain

[@Roflemoon]

But what if she never saw the picture of him cooking the hamburger lol she prob going to die

[@theshapeexists]

I was a chef and restaurant owner for many many years. Worked in a kitchen for 22 years. this movie was exactly what I wanted to see. I kept my menu simple, but knew a few incredible chefs. One had a Michelin star. He hated his life trying to maintain it and it sucked his enjoyment in life completely dry. He closed his fancy restaurant, and opened a simple but delicious street street taco shop in La Jolla. He was way happier making tasty food for everybody that would just appreciate it rather than picky rich bastards who pay $500 for a meal they would nitpick and complain about. My other friend was super successful chef who traveled with a TV show and cooked for the cast on location throughout several states. He made $275k a year as the executive chef, and eventually hated life so much he quit and came to work with me for $20 an hour. He was way happier in the small kitchen than trying to constantly impress celebrities across the country

[@phoenixastra4429]

Food is one of the greatest joys in life. It is such a beautiful experience. Just remember a lot of do appreciate you. I love cooking, I keep trying but I am very bad at it. It makes me appreciate all the work and care put into it.

[@my_MillenniumFalcon]

In Malaysia, we have lots of sellers of Ramly Burger, the local version of McDonald’s… Many of them trade in roadside stalls or food trucks and one thing is in common - they all enjoy doing what they’re doing, without having to be in a fancy restaurant and all… Kinda reminds me of Chef Justin in his simpler burger-frying times also!

[@ryannguyen9259]

What’s the taco shop called? I’m in La Jolla and I would love to try 😄

[@theshapeexists]

@@ryannguyen9259 its called Galaxy Tacos. Try it! Its been 2 years since I've been but recently looked them up. They used to have a non local chef from any place across the world fly in and do a menu takeover on Thursdays, and the 2 Thursdays I went they had some pretty incredible menus there.

[@KayJayFusion]

It's amazing how often I hear this story amongst the best chefs. I ran a street food restaurant for a while and met lots of chefs who worked in kitchens that demanded perfection . One of these chefs is a friend of mine and he seems to have gone through the exact same cycle as the individual you know. Worked himself to the bone in fine dining, but chose happiness and now runs his own taco stall at markets around the country. He's much happier.

[@scottieboy5429]

I’ll never get over the fact that this hostage situation was so intense and mentally isolating that the guests all say “we love you chef” through tears and acceptance and surrender, it gives me chills…also the poor wife being the one to gently wave Margot/Erin off, so she could take the next step without a huge guilt keeping her from moving. (Bonus, the poor wife saying thank you, had me sobbing…that woman knew what her life was and was horrifically welcoming a cleansed soul)….I love this movie 🍽

[@professordoungut]

I felt bad for the wife at the end, she didn’t beg to leave or anything but she was saying get out while you can

[@kevankwok01]

I'm surprised more aren't talking about this as this is probably the most twisted dark part of the movie. Perhaps deep down they know they aren't the best people, maybe they are punishing themselves, they could just be in a state of shock or as with Stockholm syndrome have formed a sort of bond or liking to their aggressor as he promises them a form of spiritual cleansing. What's clear is that neither the chef, the others chefs not the privileged guests really know what love is.

[@AC-iz7eh]

Yeah Stockholm Syndrome probably. Over the course of the night the chef had managed to instill in everyone's minds that they all deserved this fate, the guests and even his kitchen staff.

[@professordoungut]

@@kevankwok01 i was getting Stockholm vibes too

[@R.444-]

Hits even harder when she caught a glimpse of Erin and immediately made the connection to the resemblance to their daughter Claire, and then soon came to the realization that her husband had been cheating on her with escorts during the taco course. She very likely was forced to make the connection, probably realize what she had known deep down and thus the fact she’d been enabling it, so she thanks the chef for “purifying” them so they can be “remade anew.”

[@Mimzy1313]

I actually tear up during the perfect scene where he is making Erin/Margot that cheeseburger. He was happy as hell making that burger, it was pure joy to see.

[@babycakenerds]

I THIUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE GOD IT HIT ME IDK WHY

[@focusandflowtarot4325]

She was giving him joy. And when she(the oppressed) demanded freedom from the Oppressor 😮❤ it was the perfect end to that whole situation. What a great movie. Imagine having your life depend on ordering a cheeseburger.

[@Mimzy1313]

@@focusandflowtarot4325 Well stated madam!

[@whitedom2041]

poor chef booo whoo he is a rich wanker who murdered other rich wankers

[@bruggski]

@@babycakenerds omg i thought that i am a psychopath bc i cried AHAHAHH

[@danielwitt7419]

One detail I absolutely can’t get over. The fact that even though it was going to cost $1250 a person. And when Margot ordered the cheeseburger, she asked how much it would cost and she paid up when it came, she didn’t expect it to be given to her. That right there could’ve been what closed the deal on letting her go, that made Chef realize she wasn’t like the other and she deserved to live. Coming from a server who has worked a variety of restaurants, you come in contact with so many customers who feel so entitled. That when a customer comes around that asks for something but says “I have no problem paying for it”. I’m willing to hook them up and treat them that much better. The people who made this movie knew exactly what they were doing.

[@JPSimen]

Pretty cheap for $1,250.

[@caronstout354]

Erin/Margot paid for what she got-$9.95 for a 🍔 & 🍟..she hardly ate any of Chef Julian's food.

[@JPSimen]

@@caronstout354 She ate more on the boat ride away from the island as she knew she purchased her food near closing time, and thoughfully asked for it to go. Had she finished it there, she also would have been closed on too.

[@wiczus6102]

Whether their feeling of entitlement is misplaced depends on the price and your standards. If someone pays a lot that person is entitled to the respective standard. If you get a lot of criticism, perhaps you should raise the standard?

[@HuyNguyen-bd7qj]

How about the mother of the Chef... i really confused about her appearance in hole movie...

[@cesst3696]

The concept of this movie is so refreshing. It deserves recognition. So many restaurants try to elevate their menu, when all we want is a simple meal that is true to its taste and wont cost a limb

[@jocelantonettetenoc5996]

And the chefs are supposed to bring joy and satisfaction to people who eat food not because of how beautiful nor pleasing the food was, but because they are hungry. Unfortunately they had to deal with entitled people that made them lose those things that what made them in the first place.

[@Whatwhat4007]

I think it’s because she proved she was a service worker. Her service was making people feel good, and through the cheeseburger she made him feel good.

[@apiadventures3213]

Indeed 🙌🏾 she gave him a gift before his final act.

[@thetoastisburntgmail]

This is likely correct, and also my interpretation of the act. At that point, it becomes a simple transaction, and when she asked for it to go, he realized it was a transaction and he only had one way to pay.

[@Numbabu]

@@thetoastisburntgmailyee! I also think one of the reasons he let her go is because he wanted to enjoy the transaction. She helped him by enjoying something he provided, so when she said she couldn’t finish it and asked for it to go, he couldn’t prevent her from finishing without stopping the only person to truly enjoy his cooking in decades from finishing what he made.

[@chunky16]

that's interesting, I hadn't thought about that

[@DensilGrant]

Moron all she did was ask for it to go.He did say everyone could leave if they choose too.

[@Agentbear420]

As insane as he was I never felt like Slowik showed Margo malice even in the most harrowing scene between them in the ladies room he seemed genuinely concerned that she wasn't eating,not buying into his scheme but genuinely she wasn't eating. When she finally declares her hunger and enthusiasm to eat he had to stiffle a smile because he finally got to do what all folks who love to cook love to do and that was feed someone who was enthusiastic about being fed. I was dying laughing but through it all I was really rooting for Slowik and by the end was glad Margo got got and he still got what he wanted.

[@zheretxc]

it’s because she literally was not supposed to be there, coupled with the fact he realized she was also a “service” worker like them and thus was one of the group, not the guests.

[@thedarkemissary]

I'll remind you, it was actually Chef Katherine's idea to kill everybody.

[@Dansuperfly]

One thing that goes under the radar is we can see Slowik using a handkerchief as he presses down on the meat, to obviously keep himself from burning his hands, which, if you watched the movie, know how this is special, as he really is taken back to his early years almost unconsciously to not "reproducing" something he's already mastered, but he is back to being put to the test with that hamburger.✨ I ended up enjoying the movie more than I thought I would.🙌

[@Aristotle2000]

She is allowed to escape (at least in part) because a cheap cheeseburger MUST be a "to go" cheeseburger. He and she understood this. If she had not asked to get it to go, she would have died with the others.

[@drmaulana2600]

@@santiagocarracedo7938 wtf are you on about? the director of this movie literally confirmed that she's survived and called that burger a "victory burger".

[@ihatenubs]

@@santiagocarracedo7938 they use fresh ground beef when they cook it

[@adrianghandtchi1562]

@@santiagocarracedo7938 where are your resources? So many people keep saying that, but the Director had already confirmed that she is alive. Her character is after taking a bite out of that burger.

[@nixandre8863]

@@santiagocarracedo7938 Just to add with what others have said. Margot specifically said none of that fancy bullsh*t and Slowik agreed saying the cheapest burger her parents could barely afford. That meat Slowik used could never be from that fancy Nord-style barn we saw earlier.

[@disturbed157]

You must have missed the scene where she saw the picture of him cooking a burger. It was the last time he was visibly happy. You can then see him grinning the entire time he's cooking and when she takes a bite. She gave him back his happiness for cooking if only for a brief moment.

[@jasperpennsington663]

Imagine how good that burger is that she takes a bite after she leaves. Considering everything that she has went through and observed, she still like hold up I need another bite.

[@pengyzin8668]

She felt like squidward when he bit into his first krabby patty

[@AC-iz7eh]

Well, she did say she was "fkin hungry" and many people had to die to make that cheeseburger

[@JaqenHghar.]

When she asks for it to go his acting is great. He looks so torn. He knows as someone in service industry he has to oblige but he had already decided that no one is leaving. It's a simple way to beat the game but it makes perfect sense. Oddly enough, it's actually kind of a happy ending for everyone

[@R.444-]

In that moment she completely severs herself from “the menu” - someone who was never supposed to be a part of it anyway, did not fit with the clientele selected for this night, there by happenstance because Tyler used her. Even down to her asking how much it’ll set her back and leaving the crumpled ten dollar bill (the other guests tossing their credit cards, gratuity included as no one tips at Hawthorne). She is no longer, and never truly was, the kind of customer who eats at this restaurant, but the kind of customer from his memory, just one person at a burger joint who wants something simple and satisfying.

[@JaqenHghar.]

@sexweed yeah... maybe. From the beginning he seemed very distraught about her being there because he didn't want to kill someone he hadn't already planned on killing but he had already planned the dinner and you don't fuck with the chefs menu it cant be changed so even though he doesn't think she deserves it she still has to die. But I can see your point as well. He was finally serving someone worthy of his service just like back when he started so he definitely liked her as a guest but I think that would make him want to let her go even more not kill her but like I said, I see your point. It could easily be a combination of the two. The fact that it's not outright said makes it that much better because we're all allowed to fill in the blanks however we choose

[@TooFewSecrets]

@@R.444- The final course of the menu was dying in the blaze. She sent his whole menu back, ordered a cheeseburger instead, and got it. Only paid $10 for the burger. I assume Tyler's credit card only had a charge for himself in the end and not her, not like it really matters. The other customers got exactly what they paid for - they even got the menu at payment just before dessert, so they knew they'd be part of it, and paid anyway.

[@ahmaddanielazmi1339]

​@@TooFewSecrets Also iirc Margot never really ate any of the other dishes on "the menu" meaning that you could argue that she doesn't actually have an obligation to pay for or be a part of the 1250$ course which might also be part of the reason Slowik let her go. Alongside the whole the first customer to give something back to him in decades thing.

[@xtuffcookiex]

Watching that burger being cooked looked so damn delicious compared to the other food. The shots and acting of the scenes are perfection!

[@mikaelastefkova]

@@veselindochev8557 Same! I'd eat this burger tho 🙈

[@JoseDiaz12]

I 100% ordered a cheeseburger shortly after watching that scene. It looked so unbelievably good, lol.

[@CatMoonErickson]

Margot got bread because it’s part of the dish. The fact that it goes without saying is merely respectful, even dignified; and yes, a detail I’m sure we’re supposed to notice. The other guests wanted bread, at least somewhat, arbitrarily. The bread, for those guests, represents their desire to eat for the sake of eating. Another thing is that Margot is actually hungry, “starved,” even. This also probably fits more the profile his typical customer back in the day. May be reaching there… just a thought.

[@schr4nz]

Bread is also common man's food, it's the basis of many fundamental meals, it's a staple, based on a staple grain, not serving it leans into many of the films themes

[@supersonicfroot]

No, I think you're onto something. People always want free bread with their meal, and people tend to make a tremendous stink if they can't get it. (Good old customer-is-always-right entitlement).

[@bigshrekhorner]

uhh, the other customers aren't there for the sake of eating, Margot is. That's the whole point. Everyone else saw the food as an art piece and "an intellectual exercise" that was trying to pass off a message, whilst Margot was just trying to eat something delicious and have a good time; like every normal person that goes to a (fast food) restaurant

[@theeristicwriter8280]

this movie hit me hard. I'm currently a chef for a local brewery and have worked in various fine dinning spaces throughout my city but around a year or so ago I started to doubt the direction I was going in. when my roommate asked what I would do instead the one idea I could not get out of my head was starting a burger joint. something simple but comforting. a place families would want to go to to spend time together. a place for highschool sweethearts to make memories they could one day share with their kids. I want to make a Home...

[@nathanrobbins8976]

Well made burgers are amazing !!! Try maybe a food truck or something with small over head that’s usually the bane of new restaurants , good luck man

[@Charlie-pu9bx]

The reasons you want to do that is beautiful. I really hope that one day you can make this dream reality ❤️

[@jlscoyserney]

@Nathan Robbins as somebody who has run both. unfortunately a food truck's overheads are comparable to a restaurant 😕 the benefit is that you can go where the people are. witha. restaurant you rely on the area being busy

[@kevankwok01]

I'm from Sydney Australia and worked with hundreds of restaurant owners to launch foodora, Australia's first premium on demand food delivery service. Gourmet burgers were always one of the top sellers. Think a blue cheese, wagyu beef burger with caramelized onion & a homemade tomato chutney. What I noticed is that casual dining opened by former fine dining chef's were always amazing. They had the techniques, discipline, appreciation for quality and love for food but without being too stiff or just for a niche of people to enjoy. Many opened up gourmet burger bars and have done very well. Perhaps you can weave some local beer in to your burgers. Add a few vegetarian burgers as well. Interesting fries like polenta, halloumi, zucchini, sweet potato. Home made sauces. Brioche buns. Good luck!

[@MsMedford]

I hope you open that burger joint or foodtruck. I am middle aged and regret not going to culinary school. Cooking and food is my passion. 20plus years in a jobs that arent my passion. Please name a burger after a crazy cat lady.

[@warwickwagner4797]

Great analysis! Also I thought it was fitting that Erin/Margot was the only one to eat bread - As in the bun of the cheeseburger - since the earlier course literally refused to serve the guests bread as a representation of how far removed they all were from the fundamental purpose of cooking and eating.

[@shanethebrownwolf5575]

Maybe not the perfect way to phrase it, but you could also say he refused to break bread with those he saw as his enemies

[@miruuuuuuuu]

@@shanethebrownwolf5575 or perhaps it is a guestright sort of thing? were guests under the same rooftop are served bread as a token that they would not be harmed? just my speculation of course.

[@ryancols]

Not even really that great, it's literally in the movie lol

[@darlalei4303]

I had the privilege of working with my mom in a nursing home. I was lucky growing up with a mother who loved to cook, we were extremely poor, but somehow it was all delicious. When she went to work at a nursing home as a cook. It turned the staff and residents world upside down. It didn't matter if it was a low sodium diet, a diabetic diet and even pureed food, it was wonderful. She loved to cook but I think she loved those residents more and gave them many happy moments around the tables. I love and miss her.

[@panianap9408]

I took it as a clever way for her to tap into the time he loved cooking. She saw the article of him with the big smile on his face holding out the spatula with the burger. In the end she gave him one last opportunity to love what he did.

[@nunyab5955]

Bingo! I completely agree.

[@ahstiasummers5583]

Yes, and I think that is why he let her go

[@Neknesch]

But no, that would be way to easy and mundane, that can't possibly be the reason!!! I agree with you that is most likely the reason for it, all the other explanations are hard trys to make the white wall be a symbol for blablabla instead of a white wall because the artist didn't have an idea.

[@TrainingTipsy]

Exactly!

[@antworker3634]

this, thats the foreshadow when she snuck in the room. I though he was the father or sth but that end explains the burger end😂

[@jordanphillips3593]

“Are the fryers still on?” As someone who recently went back to Jasons Deli from being a sous chef, there was a certain cathartic release I got from watching a man dedicated to his craft, just wanting to get back to his roots an enjoy serving simple food to simple people. I love this movie.

[@8plays876]

This movie is still confusing as heck to me….

[@ylvasvielYT]

@@8plays876 Margot was not supposed to be there; she was not part of the miserable life of Slowik. The entire menu was like a slap to all their faces-an eloquent way of exposing one's wrongdoings. So far, that's how I'd summarize the entire plot.

[@talthan]

I used to really enjoy my local Jasons deli got to be a bit too expensive for me to go to on my fixed income but Id go now and then anyway...then covid happened and my local location permenetly closed... shame

[@TheRealTMoon]

Ahh Jason's Deli! My first job ever, & still love the food

[@jocelantonettetenoc5996]

​@@ylvasvielYTMargot got dragged by tyler in the beginning, hence why she wasn't supposed to be there.

[@coalcreekdefense8106]

Here's something I noticed that might or might not have been intentional: the burgers are Oklahoma-style. They came from the Depression and Dust Bowl era. Cooks would stuff their burgers with cheap onions(way more than Slowik uses) to make the beef go farther. It's struggle food.

[@benjaminletiecq4932]

So this is what Voldemort is up to these days. Way to turn your life around Voldy. Proud of you mate.

[@chrisg5219]

Wait that was Ralph fiennes?! Never realized that.

[@franklyn0110]

Used to work for MI 6 too mate

[@anthonyhernandez4266]

We don't say that name. Not here.

[@josearias9002]

🤣🤣

[@jakobchristiansson]

And you might say "He's still a mass murderer" but he let one live this time AND he's targeting people because of their actions now and not because of their genetics - that's progress! Keep on truckin' Tom! Rome wasn't built in a day.

[@ploofedoof1]

The ending was an escape story....Erin helped Chef Slowik briefly escape his own madness, and Erin was allowed to escape with her life. throughout the movie you'll notice Chef Slowik has a somber and joyless expression, until the end when asked for a simple cheeseburger. In a way Chef Slowik serves his customers without any real joy, but Erin served Chef Slowik in reminding him of his own humanity, if ever briefly.

[@AW-lo7sz]

Yes, the film was good. I think it's somewhat subjective whether the Slowik was a victim getting revenge or just a man going through a crisis that comes with reaching the pinnacle of one's ambitions. It's not clear that he wasn't a monster because he set himself on a path of success at the cost of his own joy.

[@tiredartist3234]

Weirdly this movie was very relatable for me as I think for many others; I am no chef,But I used to draw. My whole life was revolved about drawing , I wanted to study art and make a job from it, but in the process , the enjoyment faded away , I cried , since this was supposed to be my dream since the beginning. It was like watching a part of myself die, but I had to keep going , because this was what I wanted. In the end, I accepted it, I was tired. Losing the passion for doing something is heartbreaking, this movie captures that feeling at least in my opinion. (I’m sorry if this is kinda hard to read , my English needs more practice)

[@chandlerholloway3900]

Same thing for me as an actor. It was my dream and I did it for so long I forgot why it made me happy in the first place

[@EdricHsu]

Similar to the both of you, I am a freelance actor and artist, with similar sentiments and frustrations. I act because I didn’t get much commissions or appreciation in my art, and I paint because it pays the bills and good acting jobs are scarce anyway. I’m tired. I’ll still do both when the better opportunities arrive but in the meantime I’ve decided to get a job at a gym instead…

[@summerinsolo]

art was my passion since i was a small child but my parents convinced me that art would took me nowhere in life and decided i would go to law school and be a lawyer. still pursued art until high school but then in uni i couldn't do it because law took so many time and life is suffocating since then. once i cried when i attempted to paint (didn't do it for years) and failed because i didn't feel that spark of joy anymore (you are a fellow artist, you know what i mean by that spark)

[@anniesavitri]

I used to write everyday in high school thinking I would be an author of a novel. I even took English as my major. I still wrote in my uni days. One day, one of my professor gave a bad feedback for an essay and everything just shattered. I know that shouldn't have let one comment break me. But, it did. I've made many attempts to bring back the joy of writing, I couldn't. It's been ten years since I graduated, I sometimes miss that joy. Thank you for this comment.

[@kathryndunn8052]

I feel this movie relates to many art forms. I felt this mostly with music, writing, and film, all where it’s about the purpose behind it more than the story. I wanted to write songs once in my life and perform but I was held back by all the fine tuning aspects that no one would notice (my voice was too bright for one song but too warm for another, my lyrics weren’t deep enough or made no sense). I still keep those things in mind when I sing nowadays but I’m never gonna do it for money. I work in filmmaking which I love more for the process and action itself more than the end product

[@riotto1802]

Just remember. Even Erin was wearing a facade of happiness thruout the movie. They are similar, in the fact that they both were happy at first in their service jobs, but it grew out of them because of the people who continued to use them. Then at the end, they no longer need those facades of happiness. She makes him happy, and he sets her free. Her name is Erin, not Margot. Something that everyone seems to forget. His name was Justin, not Chef. Something that people no longer call him.

[@AC-iz7eh]

I thought the chef's name was Julian Slowik?

[@JollibeenosHasYourCoordinates]

I will never forget Jerome.

[@melonlord2851]

RIP Jason.

[@Arnazisti]

rip jeremy gone but not forgotten

[@Akael22]

Jedidiah; a legendary chef we all must remember.

[@Redman147]

This was the best movie of the year. It was such a sad story, but just amazing at the same time. At the end, even those takers realize what they were and accept their fates.

[@bingobongo1615]

I think it was the most pretentious movie of the year if not decade so far but glad that apparently so many people saw something meaningful in it..

[@brycemedvin8765]

@@bingobongo1615 Are you okay?

[@yoursodumn]

​@@bingobongo1615 it being pretentious was the entire point

[@REDACTED_7]

@@bingobongo1615 taker spotted. why cant you sit down and enjoy a simple cheeseburger- i mean movie?

[@REDACTED_7]

@@bingobongo1615 i laughed a lot during the movie. It's full of comedic moments, and it's not political at all too. It's not pretentious.

[@agenttheater5]

7:31 Someone commented on a video of the cheeseburger scene that the role of an escort (though I think they meant like a courtesan rather than a prostitute) is to make the customer feel good about themselves and how that is not simply providing them with sex or with just flattering/building up/stroking their ego. It's not just empty flattery. With escorts you're paying for their company, maybe a performance but it's their company. Courtesans are or were sought after for their charm as well as their attractiveness, and they weren't just there to agree with everything the customer said. And the customers pay a lot for them allowing them to live in style. Margot didn't make Chef feel good about himself by mindlessly praising the food. She challenged him in a way that she knew he would enjoy being challenged, she drew on something she knew he enjoyed doing. She used her words and actions to affect him personally, and she got repaid for it with her life.

[@limefrog]

wtf

[@popsikern5848]

@@limefrog ?

[@avacadotoast5571]

That's beautiful.

[@AwakenedAvocado]

All women are 'escorts' ,in their own ways. The decision a man has to make is, is she worth it.

[@cosmicgalaxystudio1539]

Just finished watching it. When the film ended I paused for a while then I couldn't stop crying. I'm not a chef but I have a tiny cake business for 4yrs. Just last December I just realized that I lost my passion. I don't hate baking but the thought of doing it just for the money without the passion made me sad. I felt so lost again. I'm nowhere a chef like Julian but I understand what he feels. So tired, burned out and lost my passion.

[@Stevelemontrudy]

Hang in there. Work doesn't define you.

[@PedroTricking]

Can you tell me if this guy was tired of who he was cooking, why didn't he just move and open some crappy small restaurant somewhere else?

[@dragontear1638]

@@PedroTricking Taking a guess here, maybe he assumed that expectations were so sky-high that going back to roots wouldn't be 'good enough'?

[@iclovemime1]

​@PedroTricking because he just some psychopath who create cult just because he bored lol

[@cosmicgalaxystudio1539]

@@Stevelemontrudy thank you. So nice to hear that 😊

[@JakeNutt]

I am a restaurant manager of a 2 Michelin Star restaurant in the UK, named #1 for 2 years running. I just wanted to say that whoever consulted on the food/restaurant in this movie did a fantastic job. Nailing the range of guests we deal with every day and the genuine heartbreak that chefs at this level deal with on the inside, Every. Single. Day. A little over the top of course but it would simple be an excellent episode of Netflix's Chefs Table if no one died.

[@ИльяТелванни]

Well, they can quit their jobs and start working as labors on a factory or something if it's so unbearably hard.

[@BobaCody]

But isn’t being a factory worker just as hard? I’m sorry, I’m asking this because I just don’t have any work experience so far, but I’m planning to do cooking as my career, because I enjoy cooking for myself and my family..

[@daniellewalker329]

He lost all his love for being a chef, serving these types of people drained it from him, he lost his passion. So hearing margot ask for a cheese burger ignited his passion once again through the love he had from that first job, it brought back the memories and the joy he had from it. This is coming from a chef who completely understands the power that food has and what memories it can bring back to a person

[@church_world_domination9357]

And if you want to get really philosophical about it she represented his last bit of humanity and when she was allowed to leave he had one fleeting moment of happiness and he felt human again and with her gone there was nothing tying him to the world anymore

[@Eldrich4291]

"Okay Tyler, you suck at cooking. But that's okay. You have one more chance, make me a hinge" *sets timer

[@ChristopherMB87]

A cut so deep I think it hit bone. But for that... I pardon you.

[@thekidbilly1886]

Lmaooo

[@mmj7700]

I think that part of Margot's (or Erin's) saving grace was that she, like Slowik, was willing to admit and come to terms with who she really was. None of the others were at all capable of that.

[@rockmyworldmusic]

I hate that none of these recaps and explanations never deal with the fact that the chef also got his own comeuppance. The scene where he gets stabbed by the woman who had been rejecting his sexual advances and you realized that it was her idea to take everyone out is masterful also!

[@donkylefernandez4680]

You can see the gratefulness in his eyes. Saddened by time but, while still sad, revitalized in her presence, like he was finally given the permission not to die, but to live.

[@sworddomo1951]

I like that in a deleted scene, it was found that he separated from all of the negativity of his life. That a couple found him and forced him back into the limelight. He moved to a remote place in Korea in a food truck making something like pancakes. This was his return to what he found as a simple pleasure of cooking everyone ruined for him. Since she is not the same as the filth of the patrons, she was someone that helped bring that positivity that was taken after he escaped. The other fact is the chef has to give the perfect meal. Denying a to go meal would have ruined his perfect revenge meal.

[@frohawkmaster]

Also that she litterally is just there and not a part of the plan. Killing her after she made him happy would ruin the whole premise of the dish to avenge those who ruin cooking.

[@Lann._]

Source : trust me bro

[@neltsu8634]

@@Lann._ not too hard to KZbin it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ2Ymn6lm5aij8k

[@Charlie-pu9bx]

@@Lann._ you can literally find the deleted scene on KZbin. It was a taco truck in Korea.

[@adoboaddict8979]

@@Lann._ kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ2Ymn6lm5aij8k trust me bro

[@Wilbrown89]

Here's my thoughts on the movie: Slowik was very upset at the food critic and people like Margot's date for being responsible for taking the enjoyment he was felt for his craft. When Margot saw the article of him as an up and coming chef, she saw someone miserable from the expectations of perfection. Contrast that with the photo of him making burgers and she was able to put it all together. He needed to be reminded of the joy he once felt. The simple act of providing someone with food that they love. She gave that to him and in return, deserved to live. It was an even exchange. I honestly thought the concept was rather simple. I came away from the film appreciating the acting, writing, etc but thought it was rather straightforward. Perhaps even a little disappointed. That's when it hit me. The entire film was the writer's commentary on the state of cinema. It is nearly impossible to please the modern audience anymore. Having to be so critical of every idea you have or word you write has taken the fun out of the art form. When I realized this, the true genius of the movie became clear and I really appreciated it.

[@korykent5645]

That’s LITERALLY what you’re doing….

[@Wilbrown89]

@@korykent5645 that's LITERALLY my point.

[@korykent5645]

@@Wilbrown89 boo

[@Wilbrown89]

@@korykent5645 you're having a "whoosh" moment

[@alpha_9997]

It is really not hard to please us. Just make non dogshit movies. If anything, we are margo. The only reason why you see alot of negativity towards the industry is because alot of movies are cookie cutter and mass produced, but his movies clearly are not disliked

[@notaspacealien]

Is it insane that I actually cried when he smiled giving Margot her burger? The bitter jaded chef feels all too relatable even to someone like me who is not at all a professional honing a craft. But the appreciation and joy is palpable and hit me deeply

[@mikaelastefkova]

I was touched by that scene as well, this film is a lot 🙈

[@user-ov2fc5sd1e]

She's not a Margot.

[@story3877]

It makes total sense. We all want our work, whatever that is, appreciated. We all want to do what brings us joy (whatever that is, be it hobby, work, play etc). It was a beautiful moment, albeit a dark one.

[@tamauroget3950]

No 🙂I think I did too as well as laugh gleefully!

[@AC-iz7eh]

I mean, it's Ralph Fiennes after all. His performance is always top notch, I was all smiles watching that scene of him happily cooking a cheeseburger lol

[@MrMusicKid87]

I also saw it as his need to “complete the meal.” His whole performance is reliant on eta element fitting into the meal itself, and when Margot asked to take her food to go, her meal wasn’t complete, so he had to let her go. It adds to the nuance in the video that she gives back joy to him and cooking but I think that also plays a part.

[@x340x]

also it might be that she actually enjoyed the food and showed appretiation for the ingredients to not go to waste so she wanted to take it with her and finish later...remember how he said it mattered to the fish that it had to die so the guy can eat it and not even remembering what type it was even tho it was a super rare fish?

[@iamdunat0s795]

What I found intriguing is that the chef actually had American cheese in his kitchen. While they made a point of stating that the larder was fully stocked, I can't help but wonder: under what circumstances would they ever be confronted with the need for American cheese? It would have been interesting to see what the staff ate for their "last supper". Burgers on the grill? Hot dogs with chili? Nachos?

[@jomarcentermjm]

or it could be he anticipated or planned just in case if someone get a change of heart. all of them are d*** but that doesn't mean they could be changed. All of them have a way to changed, like actually admitting to their guilt. Isn't a bit weird he has giftbags prepared as well just in case if he left someone actually leave the island who knows for what reasons like containing all the info to prove he is the one who committed the crime. The gift bags prove there a plan B if he allowed one or more of them to actually leave.

[@senpafl4405]

Late 2021 I visited Dubai with my family, we were able to save up a little more money and went to some or less elegant places. Japanese fusion kitchen for example. The places where they actually offer 100€ steaks. And I decided for once in my life to take that opportunity. I was disappointed. The steak was a solid 8/10, a good steak but definitely not a 100€ steak, because for that, I want the best steak of my life and I certainly didn't get it. I got the best steak in my life at Ikinari Steak in Japan, a 500g Rib-Eye including side dishes and wine for 3500¥ (30€ at that time). And with every place we went my disappointment grew, expensive everywhere but nowhere was I served the experience I was basically promised when people talk about Dubai. What's my moral of the story? There are a lot of pretentious people out there that spend too much money on food that doesn't even taste better than the food you get served at your local restaurant/food places. It's really only about the names and swagger. Because without, these people would realize how much their life is truly worth. And I am convinced, the most delicious food served in that movie was that bloody cheeseburger.

[@jondaan9194]

try some japanese wagyu a5. cook by yourself and you will be satisfied. also try yourself wagyu a 5 smash chesseburger

[@marimoerostraw]

It's basically about bragging rights I think, "I go to such-and-such expensive/exclusive place, I'm part of an upper clique/better than the common pleb" basically enjoying showing the world where they went, instead of going for the actual food then again this status-signaling motivates most of the population on so many aspects- expensive brand clothing, luxury cars that they don't even need or make use of the features they paid for (is every Lamborghini driver making use of/have a need for their high horsepower in their daily life, or even capable of without causing an accident?) etc

[@BA.77777]

I find this hinges on a similar dynamic as the ratatouille vs food critic moment in Ratatouille... taking the critic back to long-gone times when life was simpler. Pure gold in Ratatouille and pretty damn good in The Menu... Fiennes really sells it.

[@markpierce4416]

You could see the joy in his eyes, hear it in his voice, even his body language/ movements are different

[@SquidwardLSDSquirtingOctopussy]

This movie feels like the rated R 18+ version of Ratatouille. lol Ratatouille actually pays homage to french chef Bernard Louiseau who committed suicide because of the pressure he had to endure to maintain his 3 michelin stars. And the end of the Menu is a suicide pack as well. And then the flashback scene of the critic, only that it's reversed & the flashback occurs within the chef & not the customer/critic. One of the best movies I've seen in a while.

[@tVt2000]

Eight minutes to explain a fucking cheeseburger, brilliant.

[@isaiahthomas6744]

The cheeseburger is the opposite of highbrow culinary art, and I mean that in a good way. It’s fairly cheap, easily accessible to cook, and above all it accomplishes the goal of actually satisfying your hunger sometimes even exceeding it. Margot taking it to-go puts a nice bow on the whole concept.

[@bf5209]

Damn. He didn’t just let her take the rest to go. He gave her a new one to go. That was actually touching. 😅

[@theonefrancis696]

Actually, in the very last scene, you can see she takes out the half chewed burger lol

[@rubemartur8239]

The movie is referenced at Fujimoto's last manga, called Chainsaw man, chapters 123-124. Also, he references many movies. It got animation recently, called with same name, Chainsaw man, referenced by the fans as "CSM". Many movies references from just the opening of the series. You will never see a mangaka showing so much love to western movies as he does.

[@TheHandsomeHam]

As someone with severe PTSD, who is no longer able to work, literally every single thing made sense. No one understands how much a career can be tied to somebody’s identity when it is their art form that they love the most to have it taken away from the very people that are judging them is another form of hell

[@rottensquid]

Nicely done! After a year of truly excellent films, this one seemed almost an embarrassment of riches. The more one looks at it, the more layers it reveals. Here's one example. An article read the guests as representatives of the seven deadly sins. The finance bros and their boss obviously represent greed, the old billionaire, lust, Tyler, gluttony. The article suggested that the critic represented envy, while the actor was pride. But I think it's possible to read those two the other way around. Chef Slowik's mother represents sloth, while Slowik himself is clearly defined as wrath. I think this reading offers a nice clarity to the characters and what motivates their desire to be at the chef's table. This fits beautifully with another reading that my friends and I came away with after our viewing was a brutal and insightful indictment of late-stage capitalism as a whole. Slowik see the system of giving and taking as fundamentally broken beyond repair. The takers' demands have no limit, because they're not feeding hunger, but these altogether darker compulsions listed above. The seven deadly sins can be interpreted as appetites. But they're the appetites of our darker natures, that nurture our emptiness rather than filling us up. Thus, this dark satire of late-stage capitalism depicts capital as the status of cuisine, the game of it, rather than the actual food itself. So when Margot (or Erin) asks to actually be fed a fair meal for a fair price, it proves to Slowik that somewhere in the world, the simple, healthy commerce of goods for services can still exist. Even if the capitalist machine has broken his spirit beyond repair, he can die with hope for a world where labor done with love is compensated with respect. In the end, that's all the vast majority of us want.

[@TimManuelMiranda]

Hm, if chef Julian is a Christ-like figure that dies for our capitalistic sins, I think it makes sense that Margot (given both her name and profession) is somewhat of a Mary Magdalene.

[@caronstout354]

The simplest explanation is usually the best...a 5-star chef, finally gets fed up with the intense pressure of pleasing people who can't be pleased, decides with his loyal staff/followers to go out in a blaze of glory along with some of the customers that drove him to his final "menu".

[@rottensquid]

@@caronstout354 Right, of course. All those other layers are sort of optional extras, totally unnecessary, but fun to think about.

[@rottensquid]

@@TimManuelMiranda I think Chef is the opposite of a Christ-like figure. Christ was definitely capable of anger, as when he chased the merchants out of the temple (the deeper meaning of that particular act seems lost on most modern Christians, alas.) But Christ's anger was just anger, not wrath. Wrath isn't mere anger, it's hatred. Anger wants people to do better, for themselves and one another. But Wrath wishes harm on them, wishes pain and death on them. It takes pleasure in their suffering. Wrath is a sin because, unlike simple anger, it poisons the soul. So I don't think Chef Slowik was dying for anyone's sins but his own. His plan wasn't to save anyone's soul, but to punish them. That's not Christ-like at all (another thing that many modern Christians seem unclear on). And he knew that, which is why he didn't spare himself. I think the true horror of the film, like capitalism itself, is that Christ, (or for us non-religious folk, the grace that Christ represents,) is nowhere to be seen. There is no forgiveness here, no possibility of redemption. Even in Slowik's final moments, when he gets one last taste of joy in making something delicious for the enjoyment of someone else, there's no redemption for him. He's fallen too far. Or perhaps he knows that if he deserves redemption, the rest do as well, and he's too lost in wrath to forgive. That's why the film is as tragedy as well as a horror. Christ represents redemption, and this film is about damnation.

[@kf2405]

Wow!! Perfect analysis, I have to agree with you every step of the way. I was sure there was some link to the 7 deadly sins but I just couldn’t put it together myself. Beautifully said!

[@paulwagner5395]

I have worked in the world of Fine Dining for over 15 years, I am currently a Beverage Director and Consultant designing cocktails for Michelin awarded programs. This video was truly lovely in breaking down the themes, struggles and emotions in this film. I have to make the most elaborate, creative, and adventurous presentations and flavor combinations i can push myself to create for a clientele that will never know my name but expect this experience. My favorite thing to make for people is The Classic Daiquiri. Rum, Sugar, Lime. All things balanced delicately in perfections with Ice, and technique. Bright, Refreshing, Eloquent. there is no greater joy i've experienced than handing someone this tasty little treat and seeing the joy it brings them. I can only imagine the mind of Chef Slowick as he delivers the cheeseburger.

[@BrianSmith-bk2ii]

As someone who also designs cocktails and owns a company that does bar products, I can confirm, the Daiquiri one of the most eloquent yet simple drinks. I always test bartenders by just having them make a daiquiri for me, it's easy to make a decent one, but it takes skill to really nail it.

[@wilhelmpaulm]

Honestly Slowik is the biggest fraud in that room. He had enough power to just walk away and setup a new burger place that would make him happy, but instead he decided to terrorize and victimize other people along with idiot yet loyal chefs. be like Margot, learn to step away. You don't save an already burning house, you take your passport and get out.

[@greglevrault3348]

There’s a deleted scene that’s set on the ferry en route to the island, where the Critic tells how she rediscovered Slowik working in a Korean taco truck after disappearing from ‘the scene’; she made him famous again, which brought the crowds back, and inspired the Angel to reach out and offer Hawthorne. (The filmmakers may have thought it was too much information, too soon)

[@shroomer3867]

@@greglevrault3348 Makes sense. Being stuck in an abusive/toxic place can make you forget the fact that you can escape from it and with the burger he was reminded what he truly enjoyed.

[@lippydalips4537]

Well said I think reading your comment was the most positive thing about having to watch this dreadful Movie to the end.

[@josemartinhalle7923]

Having worked in the "food scene" in the SF Bay area for a few years , I really appreciated the ending. How many of us just want a good burger after a fun night of drinking or with friends. I have had such a craving for a cheeseburger since I saw this movie though lol.

[@globalgeode4363]

i also find it kind of connecting that every culture has some kind of greasy comfort fast food. we all crave that sort of easy convinence and comfort even across continents.

[@ameribrahim5405]

Lol I went to McDonald's and got a quarter pounder with cheese after the movie!

[@greengoat5654]

Go to In-N-Out!

[@greengoat5654]

@@ameribrahim5405 🤮

[@ameribrahim5405]

@@greengoat5654 I know man I never said it was the best burger but it was late and the only thing open

[@blaisewinterhalter2758]

Me and my family have agreed that even if we're at the fanciest restaurant and the only thing that looks good is the burger, then that's what we'll order.

[@Mikejones4five]

She hella hacked the menu, she wasn't supposed to be there

[@dougbrown04]

I can't fathom why anyone needed this explained.

[@Zzzodiackillerrr]

Im so dumb. I thought Margot was the main character of the movie. And felt a little disappointed by the movie, despite it having a good ending. It just felt safe and abrupt. Like there shouldve been more since she was the main character. Now i realize i was wrong and it was actually Slowik, which makes the ending a beautiful tragedy.

[@hombreg1]

It's almost emotional. We, as humans, tend to focus on the destination, the fame, the grandeur. Yet, we forget what matters, those small moments of joy that we very seldomly manage to squeeze out of the comedy of life. I almost tear up thinking of finding something, anything, that makes me feel like Slowik cooking a cheeseburger.

[@danielwalk1775]

no cissy no one asked have a great day

[@il1680]

I thought this was gonna be a horror movie where the chef starts putting each guest through deadly challenges and everyone dies

[@timkisicki2125]

When you ask for a cheese burger and get a double smash with grilled onions...

[@joez6235]

I love that he served the cheesburger on a warped paper plate

[@kaspernbs]

Turns out that paper looking plate was porcelain.

[@caronstout354]

The "paper" porcelain plate is $72-$85 online at Food52...

[@joez6235]

@@caronstout354 & @kaspernbs Well I guess he couldn't help himself. Had to add that last touch of decadence. At least he didn't use the pacojet.

[@kazuma88kiryu]

This reminds me of an anime called Food Wars where the main protagonist's father said that the cuisine world resembles a storm which you can only traverse by straining yourself, chipped away bit by bit from the storm to create new cuisine, and even then the customers keep demanding new food, new experiences without caring for what the chef has gone through to made the foods they are enjoying now. Slowik has probably been battered thoroughly by the storm that he chose to do this, as a sort of revenge against the storm and the non appreciative customers. This really hits home to me in a way that the anime would be if the main protagonist somehow go through this dark path in his latter years.

[@hate6crew6death6roll]

this is nothing like food wars, i haven't seen one persons clothes burst off and 'foodgasm'...just from eating, during this whole film, in that regard i already like this film for taking food instead of what food *wars* does and turns it into a competition after competition that the protagonist will win or overcome no matter what, by the end of the arc.

[@noname768397]

@@hate6crew6death6roll well he only describe how Slowik experience resembles Joichiro experience in cooking bussiness not comparing the movie to the whole series. So calm down, they are just both a jaded chef, in top of their game but hating bitterly the game that they good at. Their main differences Joichiro got lucky the Headmaster told him to stop cooking for a while go away from the grid and go travel the world, wich in a way, making an environment to a jaded chef like Joichiro and perhaps Slowik a chance to unwind, to go back to their roots, making food for food sake, by backpacking to the whole world anonimously most of joichiro encounters is just a regular joe, who want only cheeseburger, or some tempe ramen, a breakfast food, slowly but surely this simple happines will save Joichiro or perhaps Slowik little by little one smile at a time. Slowik on the other hand didn't get this luxury and get bitter and bitter until the very end finally deciding to take revenge on this bussiness by murdering what he considers the most rotten part of this bussiness.

[@chanmarr8118]

I thought the same thing. Soma’s dad left to find himself because he kept making amazing dishes that people didn’t appreciate, but would instead say “ can’t wait to see what you do next”. No one took the time to appreciate what they were currently eating.

[@kazuma88kiryu]

@@hate6crew6death6roll haha. Well, if u are looking for the foodgasm and the bursting of clothes etc, by the end they all "burst" so hard that there is nothing left, right ?🤣

[@sacreed1]

@4:05 That's basically me, I quit working hospitality and haven't worked for almost 5 months out of crippling resentment for work. They (employer,coworker and customer) drain you everything and leave you with nothing but critique. Made me fucking hate humanity and this world. Just take and take until you're nothing but a husk of what's left of you. Moral of the story, don't become a cook.

[@amandacruz8388]

This happen to everyone in every profession. I work in government and at first I like helping people and trying to make things better, but over time you begin to resent people as you see the mess they keep making of there lives. You clean up graffiti, plant trees, and pick up trash only for the neighborhood kids to do it again and people to dump on the sidewalk and kill the tree through neglect.. They always claim it is from outside the neighborhood but then you catch them doing it and they yell at you. They demand thing then complain when they get it. Now I just hate everyone and don't care.

[@shaunah.1165]

I took it as his inspiration to cook in the 1st place. He loved what he did when he was making cheeseburgers that made people happy. Instead of the culinary world that is never satisfied and makes you always feel you have to strive for better or re-imagine and improve everything. She knew asking for him to cook that Cheesburger and then loving it was what he had lost in his life. She EARNED her life in that movie, def an interesting watch!

[@DavidMackey-ht9op]

Amazing film! A simple Cheese Burger is an absolute TRIUMPH of American Cuisine! I know the Foodie Snobs look down on us for venerating them and consuming them so often but they don't know what they're missing. Does it come with fries? Don't forget the Ketchup! The Appetizer should've be a Corn Dog with Mustard.

[@bartysp2599]

lol

[@michaelgillespie502]

You are so right, nothing compares to the perfect cheese burger!! And let’s be honest, sometimes Burger King or 5 guys hits the spot

[@CrungleFunk]

Aside from the movie being a very intriguing film, I absolutely love that the way out of a horrible death is ordering a cheeseburger. That’s a hell of a twist, right there.

[@randoprior4130]

If you ask a chef what they make themselves after a long night working, the answer is almost always simple. Not just because they are lazy or don't want to continue cooking when it's their job, but because simple cooking has its place. Sometimes we can look in our fridge and see all the ingredients we need to make something exceptional. But without someone to share it with, without someone to serve, with no outside motivation other than our own hunger it seems pointless when there is also hot dogs and mac n cheese in there. Sometimes a meal doesn't have to be as good as it could be. Sometimes a meal can be more enjoyable simply because it is what we want to make for ourselves and eat. That and the food industry is depressing as hell and after a 2 am close all you can do is crack a bottle of whiskey to wash down your frozen pizza. And that's okay too.

[@BlackSkullArmor]

The point is its just a cheeseburger. No fuss, no frills, no fancy deconstructions of meaning and what not. It's just a cheeseburger

[@hylind1912]

This movie is the anti-Ratatouille. Instead of a chef breathing new life into a critic, it's a "critic" breathing new life into the chef. Bringing the highest class cook down to his roots and basics to remind him why he ever cooked to begin with. And what's marvelous to me is that this is the first dish Slowik makes himself. Every other dish, his cooks are preparing it while he supervises. John Leguizamo's movie star character even says "I'm moving into the presenter phase of my career", which reflects the ending night of Slowik's career. And the finale dish really does cap off the idea of those who take. A s'more. A snack that literally means "some more". Emphasizing the greed, literal or otherwise, of every guest in attendance besides Margot. Brilliant.

[@kokochislibrary9541]

He had gone too far to create perfection, that he forgot the joy to serve a customer who is actually hungry. Obviously the last masterpiece he desperately wanted to create was not some fancy and complicated dishes, but a simple cheeseburger he made with love.

[@alcue6322]

She also understood his menu and found a way out without having to ruin or be a part of the menu, she has solved the game, so she lives.

[@pandaamachine]

People - remember when she got into chefs bedroom. Out of all this guys accomplishments, the one that was framed was him as a grill cook teenager over his cheeseburgers. In that picture he was smiling and the only other time he smiles is making a cheeseburger for her that night. Despite his success, the joy of cooking has lost joy but he was able to revisit the simple, humble, and real joy of cooking when making a $9.95. Burger

[@nicolina1026]

She brought back his joy by bringing him back to when he was employee of the month flipping burgers. His entire face as she orders and as he cooks it expresses it perfectly. The first time he looks happy or like he loves what he does, rather than a ragingly obsessed cult leader.

[@n3tw0rk_n3k0]

For me it's the fact that he actually cooked it himself. All the other plates were made by the other sous chef/assistants. This is the only plate at least in the movie that he makes himself.

[@thehippie3610]

This movie was honestly fantastic. The fact it inspires so much talk about what people think it meant, the smile at the end, the bond they had. It's fantastic. A sign of amazing writing and superb acting

[@christophergomez8830]

As a Chef the simplest dish after a night of "specials" and modified orders reminds you what it means to be chef .

[@dalaweez]

The whole time I was watching this film I thought of the food and was mostly bored to death, but then when I saw the part where he was making the cheeseburger, I couldn't keep myself from thinking, YES! Yes yes, put the onions on TOP of the already flipped burger and flip it again so those onions are smothered in it's very, own. juices. BRILLIANT! My Life Can Go On Now!