The short film on which "Down to the Bone" was based Snake Feed is a glimpse into the lives of Irene and Rick, two people struggling with life-long addiction and marginal employment. The film follows a day in their lives at a time when Rick is dealing in the small-time pill trade and Irene is intent on rebuilding her life. In the course of the story, Rick betrays Irene's trust, which causes her to take action on behalf of herself and her children. The setting, a small town in upstate New York, is woven into the film through the inclusion of details of daily life.