It’s Libby’s (Romane Denis) first day on the job at high-end fashion store CCC. Priding itself on being fair trade and ethical, the reality is the staff are treated like slaves, but with a smile and fake togetherness. Anyone who has worked retail will probably see this as a nightmare on its own. Add to it the fact that the store is in lockdown for the night while the new range of jeans are put out for the big Monday Madness reveal. The SS range of jeans have a special quality – they mould to your body and make you look your best. They also have a mind of their own and are going to kill everybody.
We’ve had dresses with a mind of their own in Peter Strickland’s In Fabric, now co-writers Patricia Gomez and Elza Kephart (the latter directing) bring us murderous pants. Presented as a horror comedy, there’s a strong message here too, which shifts the tone in the final act. It works best as a satire of big business hypocrisy and soulless, career-driven bosses. The fun aspect of the homicidal jeans loses its edge once the reason for their sentience is unveiled. Come for the crowd-pleasing gore but stay for the thoughtful message about child labour and ethics.