The 2022 Golden Globe-nominated film “The Menu” is a black comedy/horror that takes a look at foodie culture and the world of exclusive restaurants orchestrated for the privileged few by chefs. Despite all the twists and turns, the film actually reveals its ending with the first course in the titular meal, the amuse-bouche (spoilers ahead!).

The amuse-bouche of chef Julian Slowik’s (Ralph Fiennes) $1,250 menu consists of 16 tiny melon balls crowned with a charred disk about the size of a DVD, with its inner collar covered with a snowy-looking dairy reduction. The guests obviously don't realize that this foreshadows the menu’s brutal denouement.

Later, during the evening’s dessert course, each guest is forcefully crowned with a chocolate cap and a collar of marshmallows, then set ablaze. The disturbing tableau brings to mind the amuse-bouche, with its milky white snow and charred lace-topped melon balls; as the hellish meal reaches its brutal end, it’s just desserts for all.