Here is the premise: Justine, a young vegetarian undergoes a carnivorous hazing ritual at vet school, an unbidden taste for raw meat begins to grow in her.
This is director Julia Ducournau’s first theatrical release, as her first shot she chooses to gross people out, shock the viewer, and delves into the world of cannibalism. I will say the story intrigued me, and like a train wreck, I could not stop watching; that being said, I really did not enjoy the movie too much. I felt like the shock overrode the story, which in itself was pretty interesting.
The acting was great, Garance Marillier does a wonderful job as Justin, and you could see the vegetarian struggling all the way through the film; enjoying the raw meat but then feeling the effects; both physical and mental. There is one scene with Justine and her sister that made me laugh, although I don’t think that was the intent, but the scene was so ridiculous it was funny.
I really cannot recommend RAW, but if you choose to see it just make sure you have a strong stomach.
Russell Lockhart