I've always been a firm believer that "you are what you eat" (yes, yes...insert the joke of your choice here...) but sometimes movies take it a little bit too far. And on that note, I'm going to check out the Limited Edition release of Raw (aka Grave) by Second Sight Films.
Justine, a rigorous vegetarian (and a rather innocent freshman), is sent to the prestigious Saint-Exupéry Veterinary school, where her sister (and outcast of the family) is already studying. Going through a variety of vicious hazing rituals and desperate to fit in, she eats some raw meat. After a severe reaction, she turns away from her until then unshakable herbivorous beliefs, gaining uncharted animalistic tendencies and craving raw meat...and why deny such a thing if it is who and what you are?
This feature is the debut of Julia Ducournau, and what a debut it is! It's quite the shocker with a story that's food for thought and shot beautifully. When this movie was premiered globally it garnered notoriety as people fainted watching this or rushed to the bathroom to relieve their stomachs of its contents, but despite this is acclaimed by critics and I have to say it's no surprise as this movie is truly amazing and quite the watch. I did like the twist at the end, which I thought I knew what it was going to be before it happened, but I didn't quite get it right!
The movie is French audio (but has English subtitles) and the extras include interviews, audio commentary, an audio essay, and featurettes. The only thing I think is missing from this movie is an English dub, it would open it to more audiences, but I do wonder how the story would go then (dubs of a story can be...interesting).
This Limited Edition Blu-Ray is housed in a rigid slipcase along with 3 art cards and a perfect-bound booklet with essays and an interview. If you order the Blu-Ray directly from Second Sight Films you also get an additional art card.
Raw is a brilliant movie. If you like international film and something that will have you thinking, you'll want to sink your teeth into this one...ok I'll stop with the puns now. I wholeheartedly recommend this, go watch it now!!
Raw is rated 18 and available from Second Sight Films now.