Review of Raw (2017) by Alex H — 14 Apr 2017

RAW is an incredible debut film from writer/director Julia Ducournau where the best way I can describe it is being the most "Cronenbergian" movie David Cronenberg didn't make. I understand Raw will be a hard sell for some.

It's a foreign movie with subtitles so I know that may be a leap for some, its logic isn't always apparent as most horrors and it is just downright weird. But if you can get through these factors and/or don't see a problem with them: RAW is an incredibly bold and cinematic body horror movie that left me gobsmacked and wanting the projectionist to roll film again right after finishing.

Unflinchingly gory yet never feels exploitative, this subversion of the coming of age genre is strangely grounded with regards to it's themes of acceptance, fitting in and self-actualisation. This is helped by it's tremendous lead in the young Garance Marillier who plays "Justine" and Ella Rumpf as "Alex" her elder sister.

The cinematography is staggering, the twists and turns of plot threads are expertly handled and the direction is pitch perfect from Ducournau who keeps the human element of the film right at the forefront and doesn't concede to give us shock for the sake of shock cinema.

Having said that though, if you have a weak stomach, you might want to give this a pass... You've been warned.