Director: William Grunnill
Starring: Andy Edwards, Dave Brown, Martin McAleese, Liam Boss, Bethany Murray and Rachel Pennington.
Meat is a striking metaphorical representation of social power and impunity.
Written and directed by William Grunnill his story is set in a restaurant being visited by a VIP customer, The MP, and it starts deceitfully simply, though we can sense the tension.
As this important customer gets his condescending service, a shocking truth is revealed when he gives the chef his commendations after having just a stake and some red wine.
The self absorbed and arrogant MP is powerfully portrayed by Andy Edwards, who gives a a strong, absorbing performance.
Where this piece could be much stronger is in the technical aspects, including framing of the shots, but this does not detract from the powerful narrative to any significant extent.
The bloodcurdling reveal of the end is particularly striking in the current context of a misogynistic backlash and the manosphere’s increasing reach.
It feels like an urgent as well as deeply evocative piece.