In reading the script for The Menu, I am struck by the relevance of what producer Larry Gordon told me 30+ years ago: "Every ten pages or so, something's gotta go whammo."

I call it: The Whammo Theory.

For the first half of the script, the whammos are more psychological in nature. Strange interactions. Veiled threats. Once Jeremy shoots himself in the head and publicly commits suicide, the whammos are primarily physical in nature (i.e., people die).

I didn't think of this until I reached the end of the script, but it would be interesting to track the story structure related to the various courses of the meal.

Final note: The plot definitely builds toward a conclusive ending. I suspect the writers knew all along how they wanted the ending to play out. Amidst all the carnage, Margot's seeming escape from the island provides a necessary counter to all the violence transpiring on the island. Then again, the boat engines stop working. We are left to ponder a question: Will Margo have to go back to the island due to her helpless boat?