Review of Raw (2017) by Legitsalt — 26 May 2018

This movie is quite something. I have received a lot of flack for my showing of this movie in the past, but I certainly don’t regret it and have since seen it several times. Personally, this is one of my favourite films. I feel it has themes and messages that are widely applicable. What is especially interesting is how the movie tackles people’s struggles with identity and the loss of it under pressure. I have often been going about my regular life when something or someone causes me to think about this film. When I showed this to my friends their reaction shocked me. Many of them found this movie to be scary, and even at points, unwatchable.

Raw is, to some, a distasteful piece of gratuitously gory foreign horror but I see it as more of a critique of several collegiate principles, the most notable of which being hazing, and a character study of a vegetarian girl forced into cannibalism by her family. With this being said, I advise avoiding this film if you cannot stomach body horror. The soundtrack is, in my opinion, the most ensnaring aspect of the film. I have since looked more into the music of Orties due to my enjoyment of their song plus "Plus putes que toutes les putes", and really enjoy its fast-paced harsh tones. Returning to the movie, it is important to note that the set pieces were also stunning, especially the ones for the several club scenes. There is this long one-take tracking shot as Justine first enters the club, which is technically and visually stunning, and really demonstrates the craftsmanship of the film. The set design and soundtrack in these scenes work to build the ongoing air of erotic sensuality. With each viewing, I seem to pick up something new about the film, and while this is partially due to it being in French, and me not speaking French, it is also partially due to the sheer quantity of content that is stuffed into the film during its runtime.

I can't talk so much regarding the line delivery since I am not practised in French, but it seemed perfectly fine to me, an American viewer. The actors' reactions and mannerisms did not always feel as authentic as they could have been, however. Despite this, I have still come back to this movie multiple times. I would recommend this movie to everyone, but apparently, not everyone enjoys this level of intensity and open flesh. If you think you might like this film, I implore you to go out and watch it.

But I don’t feel that even these are that obscene nor should they deter anyone from the film. What is especially interesting is how the movie tackles people’s struggles with identity and the loss of it under pressure. If you like horror, foreign films, or I somehow otherwise convince you, check this out.