On Body and Soul 2018

Endre, the CFO of an abattoir, and Mária, the new quality inspector, both experience a recurring dream in which they are a pair of deer roaming freely in the forest. However, unbeknownst to them, it is a shared dream that reflects their inner thoughts.

Upon joining the team, Mária immediately faces hostility due to her autistic tendencies and her strict evaluation of the meat quality. Despite Endre’s attempts to reach out, their interaction becomes uncomfortable when Mária makes a rude remark about his lame left arm, which she believes influences his cafeteria food preferences. That night, she replays the encounter in her mind, reflecting on her responses and mistakes. Meanwhile, the abattoir employs a brash new butcher, Sanyi, whom Endre finds repugnant due to his arrogant attitude and lack of empathy towards the animals.

As tension mounts, the abattoir faces an investigation after mating powder mysteriously vanishes from the inventory. Both Endre and his friend Jenő suspect Sanyi’s involvement. To unearth the truth, a psychologist is brought on to conduct personality assessments of the staff, probing into their sexual histories and their dreams from the previous night. During this process, both Endre and Mária report the same strange dream, leading the psychologist to believe they are playing a prank. However, this revelation brings them closer together, fostering a deeper connection as they come to understand their shared experiences. Despite Mária’s quirky behavior occasionally pushing Endre away, they eventually cultivate a strong bond. Endre also uncovers that Jenő was the true thief of the mating powder but opts not to inform authorities due to the absence of identifiable victims, later extending an apology to Sanyi for casting suspicion upon him.

One night, Endre and Mária decide to sleep in the same room but are unable to find rest. Although Mária harbors feelings for him, she becomes overwhelmed and shuts down when Endre attempts to initiate physical contact after a card game, leaving him perplexed and hurt. This incident prompts a transformation in Mária, who begins to explore new sensations, including listening to romantic music, watching adult films, and observing couples in parks.

On the other hand, Endre grows disillusioned with their relationship and ultimately ends things, seeking companionship elsewhere but feeling unsatisfied afterward. Despondent, Mária contemplates suicide in the bathtub, calmly cutting her wrist. The act is interrupted by a call from Endre. In a brief, awkward conversation, he confesses his love for her, which Mária echoes. Once her wound is treated, she visits Endre’s home, and they share a night of intimacy. The following morning, they awaken to the realization that neither experienced a dream last night, marking a poignant turn in their complex relationship.