Although chef Julian offers his guests plenty of chances to leave Hawthorne and the remote island, they eventually accept their fate after discovering he has information on them that they don't want to be made public. He knows that each diner's No. 1 priority is their reputation, and they would rather face death than deal with the consequences of their shady actions.

Following the film's release, director Mark Mylod spoke with Den of Geek and further explained why none of the elitist guests actively tried to leave the island. He stated, "from Chef Slowik's point of view, they're not getting their comeuppance, they're getting liberation, they're getting rebirth."

The director continued, "The absolute futility of escape coupled with the journey they've been on, that whisper in the air of Slowik's words over that evening, over the dinner, the combination of those two elements is just taking them to a place of absolute naked submission."

The Menu is now streaming on HBO Max.

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call, text, or message the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dial or text 988, call 1-800-273-8255, or chat via their website.