In Jakob Lass’ second feature film LOVE STEAKS two opposites collide: the shy, clumsy Clemens, a massage therapist, and the quick-tempered Alpha female Lara, a chef. Both work in a beachside spa hotel, one with scented oils and the other in steam from the kitchen. Both handle meat, Lara in its raw form and Clemens in the form of other people. Lara holds her own in the kitchen with her male colleagues by making good use of her blond hair, her cheeky jokes, drinking contests and her insolence. Clemens stumbles through life but somehow stays on his feet, though he is not truly steady. Franz Rogowski is impressive as Clemens, whose clumsiness and bashfulness is so endearing that his female clients are constantly making unwanted sexual advances towards him. Lana Cooper plays Lara with self-destructive vivacity that intensifies to the point of obsession, be it of alcohol, freaking out, or of Clemens’ penis. The film shows two individuals who couldn’t be more different but are drawn to each other like magnets. They give into their undeniable chemistry and make a bet with each other: Lara will give up alcohol and Clemens will let go of his fears.

Jakob Lass paints a picture of two individuals lost in the insubstantiality of their everyday lives, and seeking stability in their unexpected love. In a documentary-like fashion the two worlds of the protagonists are disclosed, sometimes caricatured, and at other times presented in an unintentionally comical way. The comedy derives mainly from the everyday life situations: the craziness of new love, getting caught during a daytime tryst, the madness at work, and the spontaneous dialogue: All of the supporting roles are played by hotel employees. The puns are spot on, as is the grandiose role of Mr. Winter, who shines as the hotel receptionist. “Are you coming?” Lara asks Clemens. “Where to?” “Ah, we’ll see.”

Lili Hering

Translation: Carla McDougall