Vincent (Fabrice Eboué, who also directed and co-wrote) takes pride in his work as a butcher, but their small business is struggling, particularly when they come under attack from militant vegans. While driving one day, he runs over one of the activists who vandalised their shop. His true crime-loving wife, Sophie (Marina Foïs), suggests cutting the corpse up and disposing of it in various locations. As the victim is on his chopping block, a stray ear falls at the feet of his pet dog, who promptly devours it, wanting more. The following day, Sophie accidentally serves some of the dead vegan as pork, and it becomes a hit in the village, everyone wants more. Could this be the thing that turn’s their luck around?
Eboué’s film is a sumptuous exercise in bad taste and that works to its advantage. The irreverent humour, never played goofily, is as welcome as a tasty morsel swimming in gravy. From the opening scene of Vincent massaging his meat – literally – we’re thrown into a serious carnivore world. The irony that vegan meat is addictive and succulent is amusing enough, but there are plenty more situations and commentary to provide the laughs. The film doesn’t shy away from showing gore but again, the humour is always present and hits the spot.
There’s also some fun rivalry between Vincent and Sophie and their friends, fellow butchers who use more factory-farmed produce but are doing rather well. Vincent’s passion for looking after his meat is admirable, even when his ‘supplier’ changes. At the heart of the story, however, is the lack of spark in Vincent and Sophie’s marriage and we find that a couple that slays together, stays together.
Some Like it Rare is a non-meat eater’s idea of extreme horror, and if you’re upset by the sight of meat being prepared, you should avoid it at all costs. For everyone else, this is a delicious treat.
Some Like it Rare is released on digital outlets from Signature Entertainment on March 21st.