I watched the movie.

I watched the movie. That confirmed my initial instinct: This is a satire. It’s a really funny movie akin to the aforementioned Paradise with a couple of dashes of David Lynchian absurdity (think Twin Peaks).

To me, the central theme is vapidity. Apart from Margot, each of the diners puts on airs and is self-absorbed, but there’s nothing of substance there. Just like the food the Chef creates. As Margot notes:

MARGOT

I said I don’t like your food. And

I would like to send it back.

MARGOT

You’ve taken the joy out of eating.

Every dish we’ve had tonight was

some intellectual exercise rather

than something you just want to sit

and enjoy.

There’s no actual substance to the Chef’s food. His culinary creations are in effect nothing burgers. In fact – ironically – the only food with substance he makes is a cheeseburger which Margot orders.

Margot feels like she is down to earth, grounded, real. The rest of the diners are frauds. The Chef is a fraud. His food is fraudulent. In the end, the movie seems to suggest that wealthy people have no substance. They are vapid.