[Fantasia ’22] ‘Incredible but True’ review: Quentin Dupieux continues creative storytelling

Incredible but True (Incroyable mais vrai) is another showcase for the creative Quentin Dupieux. The movie is about a married couple who buy a new home with an unusual feature in the basement. While Alain seems nonchalant about the whole thing, his wife Marie is captivated about it. What follows is a touching a ridiculous story about relationships, what it is to be a man, and being rotten on the inside.

The latest release from Dupieux mixes an outrageous premise with grounded themes. The characters are caught up in outrageous situations, but this does not prevent the audience from becoming engrossed in their stories. Marie’s obsession is one that has been used for many cautionary tales, while the couple’s friend Gerard is a toxic alpha male who needs the basics (guns, cars, and a working penis) to be happy.

Incredible but True is a surprisingly emotional tale. The jokes keep coming, and the logistics of it do not always make sense, but there is a lot of heart. Dealing with the insecurities that come with growing older, the film speaks to something the audience knows intimately. There is a sense of longing and regret. At best, characters accept what life has given them and deal with it.

It is also a touching love story. The relationship between Marie and Alain is a subtle one, with small comments and glances used to show how much the couple love each other. This all leads to a powerful, but inevitable ending. Like the rest of Incredible but True, it is subdued and a little weird. But it is also emotionally impacting and meaningful.

Incredible but True is screening at the Fantasia Festival