Watch Raw

Raw is a French-Belgian horror film that explores the themes of desire, transformation, and self-discovery. It tells the story of Justine, a 16-year-old girl who comes from a family of veterinarians and is about to start her first year of veterinary school. Justine is a strict vegetarian, raised as such by her parents, who are also vegetarians. However, when she arrives at the veterinary school, she is forced to eat raw rabbit liver as part of a hazing ritual, causing her to develop an insatiable hunger for flesh. As she struggles to control her newfound craving, Justine is drawn into a world of taboo desires and dark secrets.

The film's director, Julia Ducournau, has cited cannibalism as a metaphor for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. She explores the idea that, like a cannibal, one must consume others in order to grow and evolve. Raw is a visceral and intense exploration of this idea, as Justine grapples with the physical and emotional changes that come with her hunger.

At its core, Raw is a coming-of-age story. Justine is a bright and ambitious young woman, but she is also introverted, socially awkward, and unsure of herself. Her sister, Alexia, is the opposite - outgoing, confident, and rebellious. Justine's experiences at veterinary school force her out of her shell and into a world of intense emotions and sensations. As she struggles with her hunger, she discovers parts of herself that she never knew existed. She also confronts the darker aspects of her family's history, and the secrets that they have been keeping from her.

The film is also a commentary on the power dynamics of gender and sexuality. Justine's journey is intertwined with those of her classmates, who all face their own struggles with desire and control. Ducournau explores the idea that women's bodies are often objectified and commodified, and that female desire is often demonized and repressed. Justine's hunger for flesh can be seen as a rebellion against these expectations, as she takes control of her own desires and asserts her own agency.

One of the striking features of Raw is its use of visual and auditory techniques to create a sense of unease and disorientation. The film is shot in a muted, desaturated palette that emphasizes the clinical, institutional setting of the veterinary school. The sound design is also used to great effect, with jarring noises and eerie soundscapes heightening the tension and discomfort. The film's use of gore and body horror is sparing but effective, with several scenes that are sure to leave viewers squirming in their seats.

At times, Raw can be difficult to watch, with its graphic imagery and unsettling subject matter. However, it is also a thought-provoking and deeply affecting film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Ducournau's direction is confident and assured, and the performances by Garance Marillier (Justine) and Ella Rumpf (Alexia) are both compelling and nuanced. Raw is a horror film that transcends the genre, delving deep into the psyche to explore the darkest aspects of human nature. It is a film that will leave a lasting impression on those who dare to watch it.

Raw is a 2012 action movie with a runtime of 53 minutes.