On Body and Soul 2018

In the midst of their mundane routines at the abattoir, two employees, Endre (the CFO) and Mária (the newly hired quality inspector), unknowingly share a recurring dream. In this surreal scenario, they find themselves transformed into a pair of deer roaming freely through the forest, their minds weaving a tapestry of symbolism that would soon become intertwined with their waking lives.

Mária’s arrival at the abattoir is met with an air of unease, her autistic nature and uncompromising standards for meat quality rendering her unpopular among colleagues. Endre, however, attempts to bridge the gap, only to be rebuffed by Mária’s brusque demeanor, which is further exacerbated when she makes a pointed comment about his left arm, mistakenly believing it to be the reason behind his affinity for cafeteria food. That night, as Mária replays their conversation in her mind, she begins to question her own behavior and the consequences of her words.

Meanwhile, the introduction of Sanyi, a new butcher with an air of cockiness and a lack of empathy for the animals he works with, sets Endre’s alarm bells ringing. When mating powder is stolen from the inventory, suspicion falls on Sanyi, but Endre and his friend Jenő are more inclined to point fingers at each other. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when a psychologist is brought in to administer personality tests, probing the workers about their sexual history, physical development, and most recently recurring dreams.

As the inquiry unfolds, it becomes clear that Endre and Mária have indeed been experiencing the same dream, one that speaks to the deep-seated desires and fears of those who inhabit the abattoir’s world. Though initially skeptical, they grow closer as they confront the mysteries of their shared vision, their bond strengthened by a newfound sense of empathy. Meanwhile, Jenő’s own secrets are revealed when it is discovered that he is the true culprit behind the stolen mating powder; Endre chooses to keep this knowledge hidden, deeming it unnecessary to involve the authorities.

As the investigation draws to a close, Endre and Mária find themselves sleeping in the same room one fateful night. However, their attempts at intimacy are thwarted when Mária’s defenses prove too great, leaving Endre feeling confused and offended. This incident has a profound effect on Mária, who begins to open herself up to new experiences and sensations – from the romantic melodies of popular music to the voyeuristic thrill of watching couples in the park. As she embarks on this journey of self-discovery, her connection with Endre deepens, their bond forged in the fire of shared secrets and desires.

As the fragile petals of their romance begin to wilt, Endre’s doubts and fears conspire against Mária, leading him to abruptly sever ties with her. His attempt at fleeting solace with another woman ends in bitter disappointment, a hollow victory that only exacerbates his existential unease. Meanwhile, Mária’s despair has reached a perilous tipping point, her anguish manifesting as a quiet desperation that culminates in a desperate act of self-destruction – the deliberate slitting of her wrist in the bathtub’s sterile silence. But just as the darkness closes in, Endre’s call interrupts the downward spiral, his halting confession of love piercing the veil of Mária’s despondency and rekindling a flame that refuses to be extinguished. As they tend to the physical wounds of their tumultuous past, they find themselves reunited in each other’s arms, their love now tempered by the bitter taste of regret and the cruel capriciousness of fate. And yet, as they awaken from their torrid night of passion, a disquieting awareness dawns on them – that their dreams have been reduced to mere fantasy, leaving only the harsh light of reality to illuminate their uncertain future.