The Red Light Rules: The Menu
"The Menu is not only one of my favorite horror films, it’s also some of my fav sex worker representation! Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, is a FSSW accompanying her client to a fancy (and twisted) private restaurant. She outsmarts all the rich clientele and bonds with the head chef whose entire thing is seeking revenge on upscale dining (and the ultra-rich) because they’ve ruined the most important part of restaurants: actually good, simple food eaten amongst friends. I love a final girl who is also a sex worker!"
– Raquel Savage
"I did not know what to expect when I first watched The Menu. I was surprised to see SWer representation at all! And the story itself was AMAZING. I loved that she bonded over her SW identity with the other workers rather than it being something that made her a target (as it is in a lot of other movies). Moral of the story: Sex Work is Work."
– Mel
The Menu scored a 3/4 on The Red Light Rules™ that assesses portrayals of sex work in film.
- Does the film show an understanding of choice, circumstance, and/or coercion? yes
- Does the SWer interact with another person in a positive manner unrelated to SW? yes
- Does the SWer have a storyline, hobby, or interest outside of SW?
- Does the film have a happy and/or non-traumatic ending for the SWer? yes
