Some Like it Rare is a unique comedy-horror from France that can almost be seen as an anti-message movie. Cinema has always been a way to address current issues. Many times, film has tackled the issues that others have been able to talk about. Still, it is hard not to argue that maybe things have gone too far. From the new Hocus Pocus sequel to entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems like every new release has something to say. Does this make them any worse or unwatchable? Not at all, but there is a time and place for everything. There are many times when what is important commentary ends up feeling like it was shoehorned in.
Vincent Pascal (director Fabrice Eboue) and his wife Sophie (Marina Fois, Year of the Shark) own a struggling butcher shop. After accidentally running over a vegan, their business sees an increase in customers. The reason? They have recently starting selling a new meat that no one can get enough of. Vincent and Sophie must now make sure the new product stays in stock in order to keep their store afloat.
It is a premise that has been visited before, but Some Like it Rare takes things in a different direction. At its heart, it is a story about a married couple that have grown apart. Both are frustrated, but want different things. Sophie is ready to move on with her life, while Vincent is not so sure that is the best idea. The film explores what the couple is going through. Their newfound success and their attempts to sustain are the driving force, but it is the characters that matter most.
The film is split in two distinct parts. At first, Sophie pushes Vincent to make sure their new product remains available. This involves finding locations and stalking prey. Vincent is not quite as eager, leading to some funny mishaps. These scenes flesh out both characters. While it is clear that Sophie wants the butcher shop to do well, there is also the excitement involved in what they are doing. She sees it as a means to save the marriage. Or is it all just lie in order to get more meat?
It is a question that remains throughout Some Like it Rare. Where does Sophie’s greed/vicious streak end and her love for Vincent begin? Even after Vincent becomes a more wiling accomplice, there is still a tension between the two. Sophie is sometimes the devil on Vincent’s shoulder, and sometimes just a straight up devil. She is a well written character that stays true to her motives – whatever they may be – the entire time.
The storytelling feeds into the use of social commentary in the movie. Making fun of vegans in comedies is not a new thing. It has been done in plenty of films for an easy laugh. Some Like it Rare takes things a step further by not only having a laugh at vegans, but questioning the whole idea of personal choice. There are some humorous moments, but just as often, these scenes provoke thought. There is lots of talk about respecting the choices of others, but this is often just lip service. (To be fair, there is an obvious disregard for the lives of vegans, also.)
Some Like it Rare is filled with laugh out loud funny moments. The jokes can get very dark, but they are never used solely for shock value. Everything services the overall story about a failing marriage and the idea of having control of your own life. The movie succeeds by leaning into is more gruesome content and never taking itself too seriously while still focusing on the Pascals.
Some Like it Rare is available On Demand October 14
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