Movie Review: Raw (2016)
Synopsis
"Raw," directed by Julia Ducournau, is a chilling and engrossing exploration of identity, transformation, and the primal instincts that lie beneath the surface of civilized behaviour. The film follows Justine, a young vegetarian, who enrols in a veterinary school, a hyper-competitive and intensely challenging environment. As a part of a hazing ritual, she is forced to eat raw meat, igniting an insatiable hunger for flesh that awakens a darker side of her personality.
As she grapples with her newfound cravings, Justine’s transformation escalates, leading her into a world of wild debauchery and violence. The film intricately weaves the themes of body horror and emotional turmoil, challenging the line between human and beast. Justine’s strained relationship with her older sister, Alexia, further complicates her struggle, as Alexia embodies both the seductive allure and the terrifying potential of this unrestrained savagery.
Set against a backdrop of university life, "Raw" combines elements of horror, dark comedy, and coming-of-age drama, all while maintaining an evocative aesthetic that captivates and repulses in equal measure. The film’s visceral imagery and potent themes make it not just a body horror tale, but a profound commentary on the nature of desire, identity, and familial bonds.
List of Actors and Their Characters
- Garance Marillier as Justine
- Ella Rumpf as Alexia
- Vincent Lindon as Jean-Pierre (their father)
- Bastien Bouillon as Adrien
- Joana Preiss as Mademoiselle.
- Rabah Naït Oufella as Charles
Review
At its core, "Raw" is about awakening. It’s a journey of self-discovery layered with disturbing visuals and unnerving transformations. Ducournau embedded these themes within a narrative that is anything but conventional. From the outset, Justine is portrayed as an innocent, albeit naïve, adolescent entering a stark new reality. The audience is invited to experience alongside her the shocking initiation into the brutality of her peers and the harsh realities of independence and adulthood.
Garance Marillier’s performance as Justine is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies a delicate balance of vulnerability and burgeoning ferocity, allowing viewers to sympathise with her plight even as she descends into chaos. Her initial resistance to her instincts makes her transformation that much more impactful. As the story unfolds, her struggle against her predatory urges becomes a dizzying spiral into a more horrific identity, highlighting the film’s theme of duality — the everyday girl vs. the ravenous beast.
Ella Rumpf’s portrayal of Alexia serves as a stark contrast to Justine’s innocence. As the hard-edged sister, she encapsulates the seductive, yet ferocious attitude that comes with embracing one’s primal instincts. She is both a mentor and a tormentor to Justine, guiding her further down the path of debauchery while also embodying the darker aspects of their family heritage. Their relationship adds an intense layer of complexity to the narrative, a sibling dynamic sharply hurt by rivalry and the inherent need for approval. One of the most striking elements of "Raw" is how it intertwines horror with these personal relationships, creating a discomfort that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film’s visuals and cinematography play a tremendous role in enhancing the emotional weight of the story. Ducournau employs a striking colour palette and takes great care in her framing to underscore the tension and chaos of Justine’s journey. The feast of raw flesh and bloody encounters are juxtaposed against the stark, clinical setting of the veterinary school, making every meal and every bite seem like a condemnation of the norms she once adhered to. The camera work probes Justine’s transformation, reflecting her internal struggle while mirroring the aesthetic beauty of revulsion. It’s as if the film is challenging viewers to confront what is of no longer appeal; it is both captivating and grotesque.
Moreover, the score complements the film’s overall eerie mood, creating an auditory experience that heightens the senses. The haunting melodies contrast against shocking visuals, leaving audiences on edge; it never allows a moment of comfort. Rather than sporadic jump scares, "Raw" invites a consistent sense of dread—a reminder that Justine’s metamorphosis is not an isolated incident but rather a deeply rooted aspect of her psyche.
What makes "Raw" so compelling is its refusal to offer neat resolutions or moral absolutes. The narrative challenges viewers to dissect what it means to be human, particularly in a world that often masks its primal aspects behind social constraints. Justine’s journey into cannibalism serves as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the desperate need to fit into an unforgiving world. It reflects on our own desires, fears, and the lengths we would go to grasp for acceptance — proving the most monstrous aspects often lie not in acts of savagery but in our willingness to conceal our true nature.
Furthermore, "Raw" blurs the line between outrage and enjoyment, eliciting both repulsion and fascination from its audience. The shock value is undeniable, but Ducournau cleverly utilises it as a vehicle for deeper messages about our instincts, the societal definition of ‘normal’, and the familial duties that bind us. Additionally, it doesn’t shy away from presenting graphic content that may disturb sensitive viewers, but this will inevitably become the hallmark of its identity within the horror genre.
Despite its compelling narrative and aesthetic qualities, "Raw" is not a film for everyone; its extremity and unexplained allure may alienate some. However, for those willing to delve into its stark depths, the film is an exploration of the shadows that linger behind our desires and the extremes we may go to in the name of survival.
Ultimately, "Raw" emerges not only as a tale of one girl’s evolution into horror but also as a broader reflection on the human condition. Ducournau’s masterful storytelling challenges audiences to confront their own horror, a confrontation that can be difficult, but ultimately rewarding.
Conclusion
In summary, "Raw" is a visceral and thought-provoking experience that defies categorisation, engaging audiences with its blend of horror, comedy, and profound metaphors. It raises unsettling questions about identity, desire, and the often blurred boundaries between civilization and savagery. With outstanding performances, striking visuals, and a haunting score, Ducournau’s debut feature resonates on various levels, making it a cult classic in the making.
Overall, I would score "Raw" an 8.5 out of 10. It is a film that is as disturbing as it is enlightening, a true testament to the complexities of self-discovery wrapped in a horror narrative that lingers in the mind long after viewing.
