Some Like It Rare is a dark comedy that will have vegans squirming in their seats, but sometimes pushes the envelope too far.
A vegan’s worst nightmare, Some Like It Rare is a dark comedy that dives into the faults of the meat industry, but never takes itself too seriously. The two leads, Fabrice Éboué (who plays Vincent Pascal) and Marina Foïs (who plays Sophie Pascal) deliver the lines in the script and play these characters so eerily perfect. They are the main reason this movie is as good as it is.
The film follows a butcher shop that is in debt and in danger of closing. But when a vegan is accidentally killed, the Pascals turn him into meat to hide the evidence. When they realize this new flavor of meat is delicious, and enough to help restore the shop to its former glory, they go on a killing spree. Sometimes grotesque, often hilarious, and always a bit disturbing, Some Like It Rare is a well done dark comedy that will have vegans squirming in their seats.
What Works With Some Like It Rare
As stated above, it is the two lead actors that help make this movie what it is. Éboué and Foïs have great chemistry, and it is easy to believe that their relationship is on the rocks because of the stress of their business going under. The script is mediocre at times, but it is their delivery that takes it up a notch.
Their dry and dark humor comes through the screen when necessary, and perfectly breaks up the disturbing moments viewers are forced to watch. It is hard not to root for Vincent, who just wants to do whatever he can to save his marriage and his business — and viewers will love to hate Sophie, as she pushes and manipulates him into doing the wrong thing.
While there are certainly some bloody and gory moments, nothing of that nature ever truly crosses the line. The blood looks fake enough to not be extremely disgusting, but real enough to keep audiences in the moment. That said, some of the meat eating scenes might make stomachs turn, even though we know they aren’t really eating human flesh.
The story itself is interesting. Sophie has a fascination with serial killers right from the start, and the way the stories of others are weaved in through television programing is brilliant. It adds another level to Some Like It Rare that is both humorous and ridiculous.
What Doesn’t Work With Some Like It Rare
There are some things in this movie that make it difficult to watch though, and we aren’t even talking about the killing and eating people part. There are several racist comments and scenes, which aren’t meant to be taken seriously, and feel like they are there to make you not like certain people. But when the n word is uttered early on, it can be a bit difficult to back these decisions.
Even though the comedic relief hits often, there are multiple times where those watching won’t even muster a chuckle. Still, it is the two lead actors that bring it home, doing everything they can with the movie to make it work.
Overall Thoughts
Some Like It Rare offers a cryptic look into the meat industry forcing viewers to look closely — really closely — at the things they put into their bodies. The dark comedy works, but we can’t help but feel they push some things a little bit too far. Still, the the leads make this one more than worth checking out.
Rating: 3 out of 5
NEXT: Violent Night Review (2022 Movie)
About Some Like It Rare
Butchers Vincent and Sophie’s business is going under and their relationship is on the rocks. But their lives are changed forever when Vincent accidentally kills a vegan activist vandalizing their store. To get rid of the corpse, he butchers the body and Sophie accidentally sells the meat.
Never has their product been more successful with their customers to the extent that they just might be tempted to kill again…
Some Like It Rare played during Fantastic Fest 2022. The film will open exclusively at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas in New York City and Los Angeles on October 7 and on demand October 14.
