Mortelle raclette

The film Mortelle Raclette, directed by François Descraques, succeeds in skilfully marrying two seemingly incompatible genres: horror and absurdist comedy. Right from the title, the tone is set: here we are, embarking on an adventure where a snowstorm, an isolated chalet and an adult film shoot become the ingredients for a totally offbeat cinematic feast. But beware: beneath the apparent lightness lies a genuine reflection on genre cinema and its codes, punctuated by mischievous nods to cult works.

The story centers on an eccentric heir to the adult film industry who decides to revolutionize the industry by producing an eco-responsible film. The already absurd concept takes an even more extravagant turn when the team finds itself stranded in a Savoyard chalet by a snowstorm, with no connection to the outside world. As if that weren't enough, a former alpine hunter, freed from a glacier where he had been imprisoned since 1888, bursts into their daily lives. A phobic of nudity - the last straw in this context - he causes panic among the occupants. Far from being a simple pretext for comic situations, this plot ingeniously explores human relationships in an oppressive context.

François Descraques, known for his previous film Le Visiteur du Futur, excels here in hijacking the codes of horror films and closed-door settings. The snowy chalet, a classic setting for the genre, becomes a character in its own right. Every nook and cranny, every room, is packed with visual clues that enrich the narrative while immersing the viewer in an atmosphere that is both disquieting and hilarious. The contrast between the icy atmosphere outside and the oppressive warmth of the interactions inside the chalet is skilfully orchestrated, recalling masterpieces such as The Shining or Evil Dead. François Descraques doesn't just borrow these codes: he subverts and modernizes them, while adding his own touch of absurdist humor.

The cast plays a key role in this success. Faustine Koziel, Jessé Rémond Lacroix and Bérangère McNeese aptly embody characters as eccentric as they are endearing. Their group dynamics reflect a palpable complicity, reinforced by chiseled dialogue and acting in perfect harmony with the film's tone. Special mention must go to the performance of the Alpine hunter, who manages to blend menace and ridicule with impressive balance. The character quickly becomes the linchpin of the film's most memorable moments, oscillating between terror and absurdity.

What truly sets Mortelle Raclette apart from many contemporary horror comedies is its ability to juggle its influences. François Descraques openly draws inspiration from the classics of the genre, from Evil Dead for its zany gore moments to Twin Peaks for its strange, unsettling atmosphere. Each reference is carefully integrated, without ever weighing down the narrative. On the contrary, they enrich the experience for the viewer, who takes pleasure in spotting these winks throughout the film. These borrowings are not mere homages: they serve the film's purpose by reinforcing its hybrid identity.

As for the music, it plays a fundamental role in the film's immersion. Alternating between retro sounds and atmospheric compositions, the soundtrack perfectly accompanies the action. It manages to reinforce the humor while intensifying the moments of tension, creating a musical duality that perfectly reflects the essence of the film. The use of overtly kitsch themes adds an extra layer of second degree, inviting the viewer never to take the whole thing too seriously.

The set, although mostly shot in the Paris region, manages to recreate the illusion of an isolated Savoyard chalet thanks to a clever blend of practical and digital effects. Particular attention is paid to detail in the design of the locations, making each scene visually captivating. The decision to set the action in a snowy setting reinforces the idea of claustrophobia, a theme dear to horror cinema, while offering unexpected comic opportunities, such as a hilarious chase in the snow.

Beyond its comic aspect, Mortelle Raclette subtly tackles more serious themes, such as social pressure, fear of failure and power relationships. Far from being moralistic, the film uses these themes to enrich its characters, giving them unexpected depth. This is one of Descraques' strengths: his ability to marry the absurd with universal human issues.

Mortelle Raclette is much more than a simple genre film. It's a declaration of love to cinema, to absurdist storytelling and to viewers who dare to venture off the beaten track. François Descraques delivers an original and resolutely offbeat work that will undoubtedly find its place among the modern classics of independent cinema. A treat to be savored, of course, with a good raclette and only on Canal+. On December 25, 2024, subscribers will be able to feast on this film and a good meal.

Mortelle Raclette
Directed by François Descraques
Produced by Eric Laroche, Raphaël Rocher, Arielle Saracco
Written by François Condamin, Bertrand Delaire, Arielle Saracco
Starring Faustine Koziel, Jessé Rémond Lacroix, Bérangère Mc Neese, Antoine Gouy, Esteban Vial, Leon David Salazar, Irina Muluile, Dorcas Coppin, Thibault Farnoux , Fred Testot , Bertrand Usclat
Music by Jimmy Tillier
Cinematography : Matthieu Misiraca
Edited by Dorian Tabone
Production companies : Empreinte digitale, Polenta
Distributed by Canal + (France)
Release date : December 25, 2024 (France)
Running time : 64 minutes

Seen December 8, 2024 at Max Linder Panorama

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