Now Reading: Delicious Movie Review: Netflix Slow-Burn Thriller That Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste
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Delicious Movie Review: Netflix Slow-Burn Thriller That Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste
Delicious Movie Review: Netflix Slow-Burn Thriller That Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste
Have you ever watched a movie that builds up tension for two hours, only to leave you with a rushed, unsatisfying ending? Unlike TV shows that can resolve cliffhangers in future seasons, movies rarely get sequels—so when a finale fizzles, it stings. This week, I dove into Netflix’s latest release, Delicious (2025), a German slow-burn thriller that premiered at Berlinale’s Panorama section. Directed by debut filmmaker Neele Müller, the movie promises suspense but ultimately serves up more frustration than fulfillment. Let’s unpack this Delicious movie review and see why it might leave you craving a better-written story.
Table of Contents
What Is Delicious About?
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of southern France, Delicious follows the wealthy Schneider family during a luxurious vacation at a medieval estate. Ester Schneider (Valerie Pachner), a high-powered corporate executive, struggles to balance her stressful career with family life. Her husband, John (Fariadi), is a disgraced scientist embroiled in a plagiarism scandal, while their two privileged teenagers navigate a world where vulnerability is a weakness.
The plot pivots when Theodora (Claudia Diaz), a young hotel employee fired after an awkward encounter with John, infiltrates the family as their new housekeeper. What begins as a parasitic relationship quickly morphs into an “eat the rich” revenge scheme. Theodora and her co-workers target the Schneiders, aiming to expose their moral decay. While the premise teases tension, the execution feels stale, relying on predictable tropes and underdeveloped characters.
A Slow Burn Without Heat
The hallmark of a great slow-burn thriller is its ability to simmer with unease, gradually tightening the screws until the audience is on edge. Unfortunately, Delicious struggles to ignite. The cinematography shines—think sprawling shots of vineyards and Gothic architecture—but the story lacks the emotional depth needed to sustain its runtime. Scenes drag, and the dialogue often feels robotic, particularly from Fariadi and Pachner, whose performances lack chemistry. When John and Ester argue, their exchanges sound like script readings rather than raw, marital strife.
The film’s attempts to critique wealth inequality fall flat, too. The “us vs. them” narrative is tired, and Theodora’s motivations are thinly sketched. Why does she target the Schneiders? The script offers little beyond surface-level grievances. Even the score, which desperately tries to inject suspense, feels mismatched, amplifying moments that don’t warrant tension.
The Ending of Delicious: A Predictable Letdown
Spoiler Alert! The third act culminates in a chaotic confrontation where Theodora’s group exposes the family’s secrets. However, the “twists” are telegraphed early, robbing the finale of impact. John’s plagiarism scandal resurfaces, Ester’s corporate malfeasance is revealed, and the children’s perfect facades crumble. But none of these revelations feel earned. Instead of a gripping climax, the film ties up loose ends with rushed, moralistic monologues. The final scene—a wide shot of the abandoned estate—hints at poetic reflection but lands as hollow.
If you’re hoping for closure, prepare for disappointment. The ending raises more questions than it answers, leaving viewers wondering, “Was that it?”
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Delicious had the ingredients for a compelling thriller: a scenic locale, a relevant social theme, and a talented cast. Yet, poor execution—wooden acting, a lackluster script, and zero suspense—leaves it feeling half-baked. While the cinematography offers eye candy, it’s not enough to salvage the experience.
If you’re curious, stream it on Netflix for the visuals alone. But if you crave a gripping slow-burn, revisit The White Lotus or Prisoners instead.
This Delicious movie review might not leave you hungry for more, but it’s a cautionary tale about squandered potential. Let me know if the film’s ending frustrates you as much as it did me!
Faq – Delicious Movie Review
Is Delicious Worth Watching?
Yes, but temper your expectations. The film’s 102-minute runtime feels longer, and its 16+ rating seems overly cautious—there’s little here to justify the mature label.
Where Was Delicious Filmed?
The movie was shot primarily in Provence, France, leveraging the region’s medieval villages and lavender fields to contrast the family’s internal chaos with serene visuals. The location adds texture, but it’s a shame the story doesn’t match the setting’s richness.
What happens at the end of Delicious?
The family’s scandals are exposed, but the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying.
What is the movie Delicious about?
A wealthy family’s vacation unravels as a vengeful hotel employee exposes their secrets.
