Reviews: Mandibles (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy
Subgenres:
Where does Mandibles (2020) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
Directed by Quentin Dupieux, Mandibles is a bizarre, offbeat comedy that blends absurdist humor with an unconventional buddy story. The film follows two dim-witted best friends, Manu (Grégoire Ludig) and Jean-Gab (David Marsais), who unexpectedly find a gigantic fly in the trunk of a stolen car. Instead of being horrified, they see an opportunity to train it like a pet and use it for money-making schemes.
Mandibles (2020) – A Surreal and Absurdist Comedy with a Giant Fly Twist
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film doesn’t aim for deep thematic exploration, but it subtly touches on friendship, idiocy, and the randomness of life’s surprises. Manu and Jean-Gab are utterly clueless but endearing, making their misadventures as funny as they are surreal.
The story doesn’t follow a traditional structure, instead unfolding as a series of absurd encounters. While some viewers may find the lack of direction frustrating, others will enjoy its laid-back, improvisational charm.
Acting and Cinematography
The cast fully embraces the film’s absurdity, with Grégoire Ludig and David Marsais delivering excellent comedic performances. Their idiotic, deadpan interactions make their characters likable despite their lack of intelligence.
- Adèle Exarchopoulos (Agnes) steals scenes with her over-the-top, loud, and hilarious character. Her aggressive mannerisms and speech quirks add a layer of unpredictability to the film.
- The giant fly, created using practical effects, is surprisingly expressive and lifelike, adding an extra dose of ridiculousness to the plot.
The cinematography complements the film’s offbeat tone, with sun-drenched landscapes and dreamlike, almost hypnotic framing. The film’s relaxed pacing mirrors the aimlessness of its protagonists, making it feel like a weird, meandering road trip.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Quentin Dupieux is known for his unconventional, surreal filmmaking, and Mandibles is no exception. He doesn’t concern himself with logic or structure, instead focusing on comedic timing, randomness, and deadpan absurdity.
Strengths:
- Absurd and Unique Premise – The idea of two idiots training a giant fly for profit is so bizarre that it works.
- Hilarious Performances – The comedic chemistry between Ludig and Marsais is effortless, and Adèle Exarchopoulos is a standout.
- Practical Effects for the Fly – Instead of CGI, the film uses a tangible, physical fly, making the absurdity feel even more real.
- Beautiful Cinematography – The French Riviera setting enhances the film’s strange but chill aesthetic.
Weaknesses:
- Thin Plot – The film is more of a series of odd events rather than a structured story, which might not appeal to everyone.
- No Real Stakes – Since the characters are so laid-back, the film lacks tension, making it feel directionless at times.
- Too Nonsensical for Some Viewers – Those who prefer traditional narratives might find it frustratingly pointless.
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
Mandibles is a hilarious, absurd comedy that thrives on its weirdness. Quentin Dupieux embraces surreal humor, giving audiences a laid-back, unpredictable ride with a giant fly at its center. While its loose plot and dumb characters won’t be for everyone, fans of deadpan absurdity and French indie comedy will have a blast.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Mandibles Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.46/10
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- MetaCritic: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.1/10
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