An atmospheric dining experience

Colin Stetson is a seasoned musician as well as composer. The 47 year old saxophonist from Montreal has composed several film soundtracks along with releasing his own music. He has played for bands like Arcade Fire, Bon Iver and Animal Collective. In 2018 he and Rob Kleiner wrote the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed horror movie, Hereditary. Since then, he has written soundtracks for horror movies such as The Color out of Space (2020), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) and now The Menu (2022).

The Menu released through Searchlight Pictures is in the same vein of psychological horror films as films like Mother! (2017), Get Out (2017), Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019) or The Lighthouse (2019). These films all rely on creating a specific aesthetic for the film, which requires an appropriate score to accompany it. The Menu Original Motion Picture Soundtrack does this perfectly, and was consequently nominated for the Hollywood Music in Media Award: Best Original Score in a Horror Film.

The score starts with the orchestral track “All Aboard,” which features light and melodic string instruments. Out of context, the track is beautiful, but while watching the film, its airyness feels a bit jarring. The score initially keeps the viewers in the dark, but slowly becomes more and more eerie. “The Boat” keeps with this theme, the pizzicato from the strings creates a slight air of tension, but otherwise feels non-threatening. “A Revolution in Cuisine” is dramatic and extravagant. A stringed instrument wails arpeggios under an ocean of operatic voices. The track is grand and beautiful.

Track six: “The Mess,” is where it starts to feel more like a horror movie soundtrack. Deep belts from a cello sound like sirens, and the other parts of the composition use harsh bowing techniques to make some grating sounds. The pizzicato is still present, but it is played over an uncomfortable drone. The track speeds up the tempo about a minute in, inducing anxiety for the listener. The strings use spiccato, ramping up the tension, until it fades into plucking, more harsh sounds and all out dissonance.

The ninth track, “Fallen Angel,” uses mainly the same string/choral composition as “A Revolution in Cuisine,” but this time is much more dense with sound. The track is as beautiful as it is haunting. The climax of the track is a cacophony of percussive sounds, arpeggios and a very notable choral presence. It inspires dread while sounding incredibly alluring.

“The Purifying Flame” is the highlight of the score. The string arrangements feel atmospheric and wave-like in the first movement of the track. Then it becomes more toned down, focusing more on the voices from the choir. Instead of trying to sound intimidating, the track feels more ascendant. It sounds like the slow and peaceful acceptance of a horrible fate.

The Menu Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a masterclass in atmospheric composition. Colin Stetson was able to craft something that not only aids the formal qualities in the film The Menu, but can also be enjoyed as a standalone piece.