Raw- Review

This film is incredibly confrontational in such a strange manner and has enough power within itself to make you feel even stranger. This French foreign film came from the twisted mind of Julia Ducournau and seems to project a reverse vegetarian lifestyle. Meaning that instead of vegetarians rejecting meat for whatever reasons they choose, they are now attracted to it in such a glorified way. I'm not sure what possessed me to watch this film, despite the fact that I had been waiting ages to see it. Prior to this viewing I was fully aware of some of the themes presented and knew that it would personally fuck me up after watching it.

The beauty of foreign films is that they don't seem to conform to what is considered 'appropriate' and censorship doesn't seem to be in their plans either. This is the reason for receiving the kinds of films we do. They just bring something completely new to the table and Raw did exactly that.

Raw brings to life the story of Justine, a strict vegetarian and aspiring veterinarian. Before her first semester at vet school can officially begin, all first years are instructed to take part in a traditional 'hazing routine' that involves eating a raw rabbit's kidney. Despite her refusal, Justine is nevertheless forced again to conform. Following this, she is sent into a destructive downward spiral with the ever present lust for meat looming over her.

The performances were actually quite brilliant and did very well in balancing each other onscreen. For her first full length feature film, Garrance Marillier did exceptionally well. Taking on the role of Justine, she conveyed to the audience a timid young woman in the midst of her sexual awakening and adjustment to life beyond her parents strict control. Throughout this film she is often subjected to some highly confrontational things and it's amazing that she was able to let this continuously flow with ease. Due to the nature of this film, I assume most people who considered this particular role would have fled immediately. It's no easy task having to portray such a terrifying beast in human form.

Ella Rumpf played Alexia, Justine's rebellious and outspoken older sister. Whilst I thought she too, did very well in her performance I was also very confused by her. She seemed a little directionless at times, making her performance just seem a little too spontaneous for what it probably should have been. There seemed to be no Modus Operandi for her actions. However, she is a key character that brings a chunk of the storyline together to add to the giant picture. Stepping away from the things I wasn't incredibly keen on with her performance, she is still a very talented actress and moulded her role very well around Justine and the other supporting characters.

Finally, Rabah Naït Oufella as the role of Adrien. Like the film's agenda, he seems to have no censorship himself and has no problem with the fact that Justine seems to always catch him in compromising positions. Throughout the film, he seems to be the only person Justine really latches onto and shares any major connection with. It's almost sweet and really cements his importance. As he becomes aware of Justine's experimentation, he allows her to consume meat without judgement, even with knowing that she is a vegetarian. The things he does for Justine and the way he treats her even in the most subtle way is probably the only pure thing about this film and offers a small space of comfort for the viewer.

The idea of this film is to shock and disgust and it successfully does so. At the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, it caused an audience of people to walk out. At least not before fainting or feeling the overwhelming urge to throw up. I can completely see why too. There was one particular moment where I had to look away briefly, but not for the reasons you'd expect. Rather than flinching and turning my nose up at the brutal cannibalistic scenes, it was in fact a scene involving our protagonist gagging on large strings of hair from her throat and a scene in which she eats a piece of raw meat from the fridge.

As a vegetarian, I thought I would be incredibly uncomfortable in sitting through this film. Yes, there were moments where I physically felt sick because of meat in general but the gore didn't really seem to phase me as much as it did with the audience in Toronto.

Having had the time to digest (mind the pun) this film, I noticed a few minor issues. For one thing, I wasn't really sure about the relevance of the vet school anymore. There wasn't really anything that described the vet school to us, what they were doing there or what the outcome of their dissections/ tests would lead to. It just seemed like a dead end or just a basic setting. I do feel there could have been more of a direction for it. And once more, just Alexia's ideation and motives. What outcome did she want? Why did she conform? What ideations was she pushing on to Justine? Aside from becoming the black sheep of the family, that's really all I got out of her.

Raw strips itself of any taboo associated with cannibalism and instead sexualises it. In such a grotesque yet oddly sexy way, we as the audience are lead down a route of disturbing imagery that ultimately leads to feelings of discomfort and potentially even fear that are used against us and turned almost into a fetish. This is definitely not a film for everyone, especially those with weak stomachs. But for those seeking a disgusting thrill, it's a psychological masterpiece.

Score: 9/10.