‘Disgusting’ horror flick becomes first Dutch film to receive rare ban

A Dutch horror film branded ‘grim’ and ‘punishing’ has become the first to receive a rare ban.

Meat Kills (Vleesdag), directed by Martijn Smits, follows an animal rights activist group who get far more than they bargain for when they attempt to sabotage a pig farm.

An official synopsis reads: ‘When animal rights activist Mirthe and her group sabotage a pig farm, the farmer’s family strikes back. What follows is an unstoppable chain reaction of violence and revenge.’

As it becomes available to stream in the US via Screambox, Meat Kills has become the first Dutch horror film to receive an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association.

This rating bans anyone under the age of 18 from watching the film, and is very rarely dished out.

Terrifier 3 received an NC-17 rating in France ahead of its release last year, thanks to its graphic violence and gore.

According to the MPA website, only 93 films have an NC-17 rating in the US.

Meat Kills had its premiere at Fantastic Fest earlier this year, receiving several rave reviews from critics.

In their review, Dread Central wrote: ‘While its disgusting setpieces and breakneck pace will bring viewers in, Meat Kills succeeds thanks to devilish performances and a story that isn’t afraid to kill its darlings in the nastiest ways possible.’

Macabre Daily said: ‘Horror films come in all shapes and sizes. Some use blood, guts, and fear to titillate and push the boundaries of their viewers’ comfort zone. Others use it to tell a meaningful, sometimes even very thoughtful, story. Some of the best, like Meat Kills, which had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, do both.’

Moviejawn added: ‘Moral ambiguity, viscera that will make you squirm, and a grim cool-toned palette all come together for a film that brings the audience back to some of the best millennial horrors.’

Meanwhile, Horror Buzz wrote: ‘Meat Kills is a punishing film that doesn’t skimp on the horror, revenge, and bloodshed. This film serves up one gruesome dish. Gore hounds, take note and keep an eye out for this one. It’s lean and mean.’

Speaking to Filmhounds Magazine, director Smits explained why he and his crew are trying to create a US adaptation of Meat Kills.

‘We’re actively trying to make a US remake, so hopefully that will move forward,’ he began.

‘I really believe that if we can do an English-language remake, it will click with an even larger audience. And, of course, hopefully it can kickstart something else for me.

‘I’ve been making movies in the Netherlands for almost 15 years now, and I always look at the horizon. I want to make an English-language movie, and that’s pretty hard to do in the Netherlands.’

He added: ‘Meat Kills has something to say, it’s really worth doing in English to reach a wider audience.’

Meat Kills is available to stream in the US via Screambox. It does not yet have a UK release date

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