It’s been a hot minute since The Menu first hit theaters in 2022, but thanks to Netflix, it’s back in everyone’s brain like that one annoying song you can’t stop humming. And of course, the internet has done what the internet does best: spiral into endless debates about the ending.
Luckily, Ralph Fiennes—AKA the scariest chef since Gordon Ramsay on a bad day—has decided to clear things up.
The Menu: A Fine Dining Experience or a Michelin-Starred Murder Party?
For those who missed it (or need a refresher), The Menu follows Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), a couple who embark on what they think is a swanky, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at a remote, ultra-exclusive restaurant. Little do they know, their meal comes with a side of terror, existential dread, and, uh… human s’mores.
Chef Slowik (Fiennes) isn’t just a culinary genius—he’s also got a flair for theatrics, revenge, and creatively murdering rich people. Think Hell’s Kitchen meets Saw, but with fancier plating.
Spoilers Ahead! (But Honestly, If You’re Reading This, You Probably Already Knew That)
So here’s the deal: Chef Slowik has had it with entitled foodies, snooty critics, and anyone who dares to ask, “Can I get this gluten-free?” He carefully selects a group of diners he believes have ruined the culinary world and decides that the evening’s final course will be their last—literally.
However, there’s a small glitch in his plan: Margot wasn’t supposed to be there. Turns out, Tyler (her absolute clown of a date) had originally booked the experience with his ex, but rather than waste the reservation, he hired an escort—Margot—to join him. Which, you know, is the kind of decision that screams “red flag,” but here we are.
As the evening descends into pure chaos and the guests realize they’re about to become artisanal desserts, Margot pulls a power move. Instead of panicking, she taps into Chef Slowik’s one weakness: nostalgia. She orders a simple cheeseburger—none of that deconstructed, foam-infused nonsense—and reminds him of a time when cooking actually made him happy.
The result? He lets her go. Because that is the power of a good cheeseburger.
Margot hops on a boat, cheeseburger in hand, and sails away as the restaurant—and everyone inside—becomes the world’s most exclusive bonfire. The movie ends with her taking a bite, watching the flames, and giving off major That’s enough internet for today energy.
But wait! Some fans went full detective mode and started speculating that the cheeseburger might have been poisoned. (Because obviously, a murderous chef would totally be like, I’m gonna let you go… but first, let me sneak a little surprise into this brioche bun.)
And Now, Ralph Fiennes Ends the Debate Once and for All
After much theorizing, questioning, and dramatic internet discourse, Fiennes himself has spoken:
“She survived! She’s alive and kicking,” he told SPIN 1038 radio while in Dublin.
Margot is officially not dead, the cheeseburger was not a trap, and we can all rest easy knowing that she made it back to civilization… probably never setting foot in a fancy restaurant again.
Honestly? Fair.
@officialspin1038 We have confirmation! 🍽️ SPIN caught up with #RalphFiennes at the opening of the Dublin International Film Festival, and got to the bottom of the elusive ending to #TheMenu (2022) For more see spin1038.com #irish #film #News #AnyaTaylorJoy ♬ original sound – SPIN 1038