Raw

Raw is a French-Belgian horror drama film that captivates audiences and defies conventional expectations of the horror genre. Striking for its ability to combine chilling scenes with deep psychological tension, it is a remarkable cinematic achievement. Julia Ducournau, the almighty persuasive Iron Lady, directed and wrote this film exceptionally well, displaying her craftsmanship in every frame, amplifying the chilling atmosphere, and delivering an unpredictable plot.

The film was initially released in 2016 and garnered interest from international audiences and critics in the circle of arthouse horror cinema. Despite its classification as a horror film, Raw refuses to fit neatly into any category. It seamlessly blends elements of drama and coming-of-age movies, exploring themes of transformation and self-discovery—all set against unnerving horror motifs with ample gore.

The plot of Raw follows Justine, a timid, staunch vegetarian, who hails from a family of veterinarians. Her life takes a drastic turn when she initiates her studies at a veterinary school - a place which is a far cry from her sheltered upbringing.

During a grueling hazing ritual, she is coerced into consuming raw rabbit kidneys. This incident italicises the rest of her narrative as the seemingly harmless act brings forth harrowing consequences and impacts her life. What follows is a spiraling journey into an unexpected and horrifying form of self-discovery. Justine’s transformation challenges her morals, her relationships, and her perception of herself.

Garance Marillier, as Justine, delivers an astonishing performance that captivates the audience from the very beginning. The actors' portrayal of the challenging journey of her character makes the narrative authentic and intriguing. Her ability to balance vulnerability and terror, permits the audience to empathize with her situation while being fearful for her, underlining the film's psychological terror.

Raw further stands out from other films in the genre due to its visual aptitude and symbolic images, which strike a balance between the beautiful and brutal. Ducournau's direction is atmospheric and visceral, utilizing both striking imagery and violent realism. The stylistic cinematography and detailed mise-en-scene contribute to the film's unsettling mood.

Besides, Ducournau also manages to humanize the horror and infuse it with a wry humor, making it as enjoyable as it is disquieting. This hints at the raw emotional core of the film, coaxing audiences to delve deeper into the narrative and investing in the fate of its protagonist. The chilling soundtrack and moody lighting further enhance the film's unsettling atmosphere.

Moreover, Raw also becomes a commentary on societal norms and expectations. Through Justine’s journey, Ducournau questions conventions and derides blind adherence to societal norms. The film challenges the viewer to think deeply about themes of identity, carnivorous desires, human instinct, gender, and sexual awakening in an intensely bold manner.

Raw also doesn’t shy away from exploring the familial dynamics and sibling rivalry between Justine and her sister Alexia. The complex relationship between the sisters lends further depth to the narrative, adding another layer of intricate detail to its highly original storyline.

Despite the film's graphic nature, Raw has received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, audacious storytelling, and Ducournau's masterful direction. It has garnered several awards at international film festivals, including the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, further testament to the film’s powerful impact and the towering talent of its creators.

Due to the explicit, mature content, the film carries a heavy R rating for its intense horror, graphic nudity, sexual content, and language. However, these elements are all intended to enhance the cinematic experience, contributing to the profound narrative that Ducournau has crafted.

In a nutshell, Raw is not merely a horror film that seeks to scare its audience through gore and violence but an elaborate cinematic narrative that delves deep into human experiences through an experimentally terrifying lens. Its visually stimulating, emotionally compelling narrative coupled with exceptional performances, particularly by Marillier, makes Raw a must-see film for adventurous cinema-lovers. More than just a fright fest, Raw can be considered a salute to unconventional filmmaking that thrives on the line of the extraordinary. It would be apt to remember that this film is likely to leave an indelible impression on its viewers, who will discover later on that they've seen a piece both grotesque and gripping.