Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who, during the French Revolution, cryptically warned, “When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.” To coincide with last week’s review of The Menu, I have a look at some of the best ‘Eat The Rich’ movies. Those movies that satirically dig at the class conflict using their own greed, selfishness, power to destroy all in their paths . Maybe even letting us know privilege is a calling card to how horrible a person (s) they maybe. As ever this list isn’t a complete one and is only a taster of what’s out there…

Ready Or Not (2019)

The dream Cinderella wedding with a catch. A young woman thinks she has found the dream man and she’s eager to please his family. A wealthy family who made a fortune on creating games. If you want to be part of ‘the family’ you need to play a game, chose that game and survive the night. If you do you will become part of that family. Fans of The Menu will like this, as the rich want to be different all characters brought to a place to celebrate and turns into something completely different . Everyone justs survive.

The Exterminating Angel (1962)

Luis Buñuel’s surrealist film inspired The Menu according director Mark Mylord. All about a group of wealthy friends who gather for an opulent dinner. As the night progresses the servants start to unexpectedly disappear leaving the guests to fend for themselves. Even more they are unable to leave the room they are in. An allegorical film about the ruling class which leaves them isolated and angry

Triangle Of Sadness (2022)

Ruben Ostlund’s Palme D’or winning film is absurd and highlights the super rich can do anything they want. A luxury cruise ship sinks and survivors head to a deserted island, welthy and working class. Nothing is held back especially when the most resourceful person amongst them is the ship’s cleaner.

Knives Out (2019)

After destroying Star Wars, Rian Johnson steps into the whodunnit murder mystery. Cinephiles seem to enjoy the old school mystery and Glass Onion the film’s follow up seems to continue. Daniel Craig is detective Benoit Blanc. Brought in by the eccentric and wealthy Thrombey family to figure who could their father/grandfather. Ana De Armas is a working class nurse who is a constant target from the family’s.

Hustlers (2019)

Based on a true story which stars Jennifer Lopez in a solid film about a group of strippers. All take advantage of their clients whom many just happen t work on Wall Street. Lopez plays Ramona a woman who seems to embody what Jean-Jacques Rousseau said.

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)

Yorgos Lanthimos arthouse drama is not an easy watch. Unsettling at times, a story of a wealthy surgeon (Colin Farrell) whose life is turned upside with the arrival of Barry Keoghan into his family’s fold. Revenge is a medicine best served cold.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

This time a film of youngsters living off privilege. Coming together to party have fun turning into a murder mystery. Also a night of toxicity as they trade insults in a night of survival, some humour and it seems the end of the world when the WiFi goes down or there’s no juice in their mobiles. It’s Armageddon for them, rest of humanity we survive. [Read My Review]

Notables: Parasite, The Purge, Snowpiercer , The Hunt, La Ceramonie (1995 Isabelle Huppert film), Eat The Rich (1987 Comic Strip Presents), US