Raw Movie Review

Raw is French-Belgian film that garnered much attention after a preview screening at the Toronto Film festival proved too much for some patrons, requiring an ambulance to be called to the scene.

Originally titled Grave in director Julia Ducournau’s native France, the film explores young Julia’s hazing ritual at a veterinary school. Which instils in the once meek vegetarian a taste for human flesh.

Raw explores the gritty and grotesque idea of cannibalism in a curious sense, as we follow Julia through the terror of her newfound cravings. Imbued with a sense of independence and freedom that comes with starting at university, there is the dark undertone amongst the scenes of partying and drinking as our main character toys with her new desire.

Surprisingly, there is a familial connection to Julia’s cannibalism explored throughout the film. For the viewer it was a guessing game as to see how far Julia would go, under the tutelage of someone she was connected to at school.

Raw does have some very confronting scenes. Rendered via provoking cinematography that makes it obvious why such reactions at Toronto occurred. Close-ups of the blood and gore add a ‘horror’ element to the foreign thriller, but the contemporary setting of a school environment and the character of Julia as a student make the film that much more eerie when set against this everyday backdrop.

The music in Raw is also something to note. Music director, Jim Williams does a commendable job in building suspense and emphasising the creepiness of the storyline as the film progresses.

Overall, Raw is an overtly creepy and highly grotesque foreign film with an unforeseen twist ending that leaves the viewer feeling disturbed…and contemplating vegetarianism.

Rating: 4/5