Anya Taylor-Joy’s $79 Million Horror Film Achieves Global Success on Netflix After Two-Year Wait

Anya Taylor-Joy continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances, particularly through her involvement in the darkly comedic horror film, The Menu. Released in 2022, this movie is now gaining traction on Netflix, showcasing Taylor-Joy’s evolution as an actress. Her initial breakthrough came in 2015 when she portrayed Thomasin in Robert Eggers’ acclaimed horror film, The Witch. Since then, she has delivered remarkable performances in films such as M. Night Shyamalan’s Split and Glass, as well as Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho.

In addition to her horror film accolades, Taylor-Joy has also excelled in other genres. Her roles in Emma, The Northman, the upcoming Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and the animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie have further cemented her versatility as an actress. Moreover, her performances on television, including her Golden Globe-winning role as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit, have showcased her talent across various mediums. Looking ahead, Taylor-Joy is set to star as the sniper Drasa in the highly anticipated 2025 sci-fi horror film, The Gorge.

A 2022 Dark Comedy Resonating with New Audiences

The Menu, directed by Mark Mylod, stars Taylor-Joy alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, Paul Adelstein, and John Leguizamo. The plot follows Margot, played by Taylor-Joy, who is invited by food enthusiast Tyler (Hoult) to dine at a prestigious restaurant led by the enigmatic Chef Julian Slowik (Fiennes).As the evening unfolds, Margot becomes entangled in Slowik’s dark and twisted scheme for revenge. The film garnered a worldwide gross of $79.6 million against a modest $30 million budget, marking a significant success both critically and financially.

According to Netflix, the fascination surrounding The Menu is resurging, as evidenced by its performance in the streaming charts. Within its first week of reappearance, the film attracted an impressive 2.4 million views, securing the 8th spot in the Global Top 10 between The Secret Life of Pets and Scream VI for the week of January 27 through February 2. Notably, in the US market, the film peaked at an impressive second place on the weekly chart.

Audiences Crave a Cathartic Narrative

Chef Julian Slowik’s radical actions in The Menu stem from a profound sense of betrayal and loss of passion for his craft, leading to a surprisingly relatable portrayal of a villain. The film interlaces themes of disillusionment and societal critique, making it particularly relevant as viewers grapple with similar sentiments in today’s world. The film’s conclusion, which balances optimism and despair, continues to resonate powerfully, even years post-release.

This resonance has transformed The Menu into a cathartic experience for many, especially among those in the service industry and beyond. Given current challenges like rising living costs and an increasing class divide, viewers may find a connection with Slowik and Margot, often feeling a sense of vindication for the fate that befalls the other guests. As uncertainties loom, it is evident that The Menu retains its emotional impact and relevance, captivating audiences over two years after its initial premiere.

Source: Netflix

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