For DashFUN editor Daniel it is always something very special when a new film by director Quentin Dupieux is coming up. On the one hand, the musician, filmmaker and surrealist also known as Mr. Oizo stands for original, insane film fare that burns itself into the memory with quirky ideas. On the other hand, it always feels like an eternity before we finally get to see his unique stories in Germany – as the fantasy comedy “Mandibules” about a giant fly and two lovable idiots shows.
The film celebrated its German premiere at the Fantasy Filmfest in September 2020. Those who couldn’t get a ticket for one of the few performances went away empty-handed – because “Mandibules” was not granted an official theatrical release. Two years later – in the meantime, two more Dupieux films, “Smoking Causes Coughing” (Cannes) and “Incredible But True” (Berlinale), had already premiered – but now it’s finally finding its way into local retailers: “Mandibules” appears under the German title “A fly rarely comes alone“ Finally on DVD & Blu-ray:
» “A fly rarely comes alone” at Amazon*
Koch Media is giving the bizarre insider tip a collector’s edition including DVD and Blu-ray, which comes in a media book and therefore goes perfectly with the Dupieux highlights “Rubber” and “Reality”, which have also been published in the popular special packaging. “A fly seldom comes alone” is not only worthwhile for Mediabook friends, but above all for fans of unique, quirky characters and adventures. This is exactly how the Canadian has established himself at the most renowned film festivals in the world in recent years.
Actually, Jean-Gab (David Marsais) and Manu (Grégoire Ludig) should only pick up and deliver a suitcase – the two chaotic people get 500 euros for that. But as is the case with supposedly simple orders in films, pretty much everything that can go wrong goes wrong. It all starts with Manu having to steal a car first and chooses the most unfavorable car possible. Because in its trunk there is a huge, oversized fly!
Instead of pursuing their €500 mission, the duo decide to train the insect behemoth to use it for future bank robberies. However, this project becomes a very complicated task when they are picked up by Cecile (India Hair) and her gang. To make matters worse, Manu confuses her with an earlier flame from school days – uand the chaos takes its course…
While “A Fly Rarely Comes Alone” arouses curiosity primarily with the eponymous insect (which is christened Dominique in the course of the film), the greatest strength in the end is probably the main actor duo. Because the “borderline dumb crook duo between Beavis & Butthead and Bill & Ted”, as DashFUN chief critic Christoph Petersen describes the two in our official review, provides the biggest and most crazy gag fireworks that you can get in 77 minutes.
And fans of Adèle Exarchopoulos will also get their money’s worth, if they see the “Blue is a warm color” star in a completely different, literally hilarious role than in the famous art house hit. This is mostly angry and not at all politically correct, but that’s exactly why it always makes for laughs – before a bad conscience follows.
*The link to the Amazon offer is a so-called affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, we will receive a commission.
