The film Delicious, which premiered at Berlinale less than a month ago, marks the directorial debut of actress Nele Mueller-Stöfen. Scheduled for Netflix release early this March, the movie delves deep
into the tensions between wealth and the struggles of the working class, echoing the recently popular "eat the rich" genre. Critics have noted its thematic ambition, focusing on the character dynamics within
a seemingly perfect family.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque south of France, the story revolves around the German family led by tech entrepreneur Esther (played by Valerie Pachner) and her husband John (Fahri Yardim).
They take their two children, Philipp (Caspar Hoffmann) and Alba (Naila Schuberth), on what they hope will be a relaxing vacation at Esther’s parents' villa. Yet, the family's perceived paradise quickly shifts as they become embroiled in local unrest sparked by rising prices. While they anticipate leisure and luxury, they encounter rather stark contrasts of society.
Much of the mounting tension involves the character of Theodora (Carla Díaz), who initially enters their lives through misfortune. After John accidentally hits her with the car, the family takes her in to avoid scandal, only to have her become
a more permanent presence when she offers to work as their maid. Theodora’s arrival stirs familial secrets and insecurities, exposing the underlying dissatisfaction within their glamorous lifestyle.
Critics describe Delicious as straddling the fine line between household drama and thriller, with frequent comparisons to acclaimed films like Parasite and The Glass Onion. The plot thickens as Theodora, who ostensibly provides assistance, begins to manipulate members of the family, creating conflicts and exacerbations, forcing them to confront their own shortcomings.
Some reviewers highlight Mueller-Stöfen's direction, stating it captures both the calm before the storm and the insidious chaos simmering beneath the surface. Cinematographer Frank Griebe delivers eerie yet beautiful visuals, perfectly juxtaposing the illusion of peace with the chaos of reality, especially as family tensions come to light.
Despite its promising setup, the film has been critiqued for its predictability. The climax presents what many have called a banal twist related to cannibalism, where it is revealed Theodora and her group are not merely criminals but have nefarious plans to feast on the family.
The surprising turn of events raises eyebrows, as some viewers may see it as too outlandish, conflicting with the earlier, more grounded elements of domestic chaos. The film gradually morphs from light satire to horror, leaving audiences questioning the intention behind such drastic tonal shifts. While the initial narrative seems rooted in established themes of class conflict, the unexpected horror elements may challenge viewer expectations, raising debates on originality and execution.
Valerie Pachner elaborated on her role as Esther, portraying her as emotionally detached, disconnected from her own feelings and desires. This portrayal deepens the viewer’s involvement, compelling them to reflect on the emotional landscapes often masked by wealth.
Commenting on the undercurrents of the film, critics have noted how Mueller-Stöfen presents the working class not as uniform allies but as fragmented individuals grappling with their own survival strategies. The dynamics between the family and Theodora reflect the broader social commentaries on class differences and the often invisible friction lurking beneath the surface.
Despite the film’s flaws, the performances have garnered commendation. Critics acknowledge the strong portrayals, particularly those of the child actors, including Naila Schuberth, whose character embodies innocence caught within the moral decay surrounding her.
With its release on Netflix on March 7, 2025, the film has been sparking discussions online, reflecting on its themes and execution. While it may not fully satisfy all audiences, Delicious remains emblematic of contemporary cinema's persistent interrogation of social disparities and the unsettling truths masked by privilege.
Overall, Delicious seems trapped between fulfilling genre expectations and providing deep social critique, leaving many viewers scratching their heads over its ultimate message. The film’s ambition shines through at points, but its inability to maintain focus may hinder its reception among diverse audiences.
Reviewing the film on March 10, 2025, the consensus highlights mixed feelings around the final twist and the thematic coherence, questioning whether any meal could truly live up to its title.