Raw (2017): A Deep Dive Into The Full Movie Experience

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Introduction to Raw (2017)

Are you ready to sink your teeth into the dark and disturbing world of Raw (2017)? This French-Belgian horror drama, directed by Julia Ducournau, has captivated and horrified audiences with its unique take on coming-of-age, family secrets, and the primal urges that lie within us. If you've been searching for raw movie 2017 full movie details, you've come to the right place. This article will delve deep into what makes this film a standout in the horror genre. Raw isn't just a horror film; it's a visceral experience that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the challenges of suppressing one's true nature. The film's success lies in its ability to blend gruesome imagery with a compelling narrative, making it a must-watch for horror aficionados and cinephiles alike. The director's skillful storytelling and the cast's powerful performances contribute to the film's intense and unsettling atmosphere.

The Premise of Raw: A Quick Overview

At its core, Raw tells the story of Justine, a young veterinary student and lifelong vegetarian, who experiences a disturbing and insatiable craving for meat after a hazing ritual at her new school. This newfound hunger awakens a dark side within her, leading to a series of increasingly gruesome events. This isn't your typical monster movie; it's a character-driven story that uses horror elements to explore deeper themes. The film masterfully uses body horror to depict Justine's transformation, both physically and psychologically, as she grapples with her emerging cannibalistic desires. The narrative is compelling because it doesn't just focus on the shock value of the gore, but also delves into the emotional turmoil and identity crisis Justine experiences. This intricate balance of horror and character development is what sets Raw apart from other films in the genre.

Why Raw (2017) Stands Out in the Horror Genre

Raw isn't just another horror movie; it's a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Several factors contribute to its unique appeal and critical acclaim:

  • Unique Storyline: Unlike typical horror flicks that rely on jump scares and supernatural elements, Raw offers a fresh and disturbing narrative that explores the dark side of human nature.
  • Strong Performances: Garance Marillier's portrayal of Justine is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her ability to convey the character's internal struggle and transformation is a key element of the film's success.
  • Visceral Cinematography: The film's visuals are both beautiful and unsettling, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the narrative's dark themes.
  • Thematic Depth: Raw delves into complex themes such as identity, sexuality, and the pressures of family expectations, adding layers of meaning to the horror elements.
  • Critical Acclaim: The film has garnered widespread praise for its originality and artistic merit, solidifying its place as a modern horror classic.

Where to Watch Raw (2017) Full Movie

If you're eager to experience Raw for yourself, you have several options. Here are some platforms where you might find the raw movie 2017 full movie:

  • Streaming Services: Check popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region.
  • Rental Services: You can rent or purchase the film on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies.
  • Physical Media: For collectors, the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer a high-quality viewing experience and often include bonus features.

Detailed Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead!)

Now, let's delve into the gory details of the plot. Be warned, there are major spoilers ahead!

Raw introduces us to Justine (Garance Marillier), a timid and principled young woman from a family of vegetarians. She's starting her first year at veterinary school, where her older sister, Alexia, is also a student. The school's hazing rituals are intense, and Justine is pressured into eating raw rabbit kidney, a violation of her lifelong vegetarianism. This act triggers a profound change within her, awakening a dark and insatiable hunger for meat. Justine's cravings escalate, leading to bizarre and disturbing behavior. She starts consuming more and more meat, but her hunger is never truly satisfied. Her skin develops a rash, and she experiences a growing sense of unease and alienation. As Justine's cravings intensify, she discovers a shocking secret about her sister, Alexia, who also struggles with cannibalistic urges. The sisters' relationship becomes increasingly complex as they navigate their shared darkness. The climax of the film involves a series of violent and graphic events, as Justine's transformation reaches its peak. She grapples with her identity, her desires, and the horrifying reality of what she has become. The film's ending leaves the audience with a sense of unease and ambiguity, pondering the true nature of Justine's transformation and the cyclical nature of the family's dark legacy.

Key Characters and Performances

The success of Raw is largely due to its compelling characters and the actors who bring them to life:

  • Justine (Garance Marillier): Marillier's portrayal of Justine is captivating. She perfectly captures the character's vulnerability, her descent into darkness, and her struggle with her emerging cannibalistic desires. Her performance is both nuanced and powerful, making Justine a character you can't help but feel for, even as she commits horrific acts.
  • Alexia (Ella Rumpf): Rumpf's Alexia is equally compelling. She embodies the complex nature of a character who is both seductive and dangerous. Her portrayal of Alexia's internal conflict and her twisted relationship with Justine adds depth to the narrative.
  • The Parents (Laurent Lucas and Joana Preiss): Lucas and Preiss deliver strong performances as Justine and Alexia's parents, who are revealed to have their own dark secrets. Their presence adds a layer of familial horror to the film, suggesting that Justine and Alexia's cannibalistic tendencies may be inherited.

The Director's Vision: Julia Ducournau

Julia Ducournau's direction is a key element of Raw's success. Her vision is both bold and uncompromising, creating a film that is visually stunning and emotionally impactful. Ducournau's background in literature and her interest in body horror and feminist themes are evident throughout the film. She uses the horror genre as a vehicle to explore complex social and psychological issues, making Raw more than just a gore-fest. Her attention to detail, her skillful use of cinematography, and her ability to elicit powerful performances from her cast all contribute to the film's unique and unsettling atmosphere. Ducournau's work on Raw has established her as a significant voice in contemporary horror cinema.

Themes Explored in Raw (2017)

Raw is not just a horror film; it's a thought-provoking exploration of several profound themes:

  • Coming-of-Age: The film uses Justine's transformation as a metaphor for the challenges and anxieties of adolescence. Her struggle with her emerging desires mirrors the confusion and identity crisis that many young people experience.
  • Family Secrets: The film reveals a dark family legacy, suggesting that Justine's cannibalistic urges may be inherited. This theme explores the idea that the sins of the parents can be passed down to their children.
  • Identity and Sexuality: Justine's journey is also a exploration of her sexuality. Her growing hunger for meat can be seen as a metaphor for her awakening sexual desires, which she struggles to understand and control.
  • Vegetarianism and Carnivorism: The film uses the contrast between vegetarianism and carnivorism to explore the tension between our civilized selves and our primal instincts. Justine's transformation forces her to confront the darker aspects of her nature.
  • Feminist Themes: Some critics have interpreted Raw as a feminist horror film, arguing that it subverts traditional gender roles and explores female desire and agency in a transgressive way.

Cinematography and Visual Style

The visual style of Raw is striking and unsettling. The film's cinematography, by Ruben Impens, is both beautiful and grotesque, perfectly capturing the film's dark themes. The use of color is particularly effective. The film's palette is dominated by cool blues and greens, which create a sense of unease and alienation. In contrast, the scenes of violence and gore are rendered in vivid reds, heightening their impact. The film's visual effects are also noteworthy. The practical effects, in particular, are incredibly realistic, making the film's gruesome scenes all the more disturbing. The film's visual style is not just about shock value, however. It also serves to enhance the film's thematic depth, creating a visual language that complements the narrative's exploration of identity, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature.

Critical Reception and Awards

Raw has received widespread critical acclaim since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. Critics have praised the film's originality, its performances, and its thematic depth. The film has won numerous awards, including the Sutherland Trophy at the London Film Festival and the Prix de la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival. Raw has also been praised for its feminist themes and its subversion of traditional horror tropes. Some critics have even compared it to classic horror films such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Exorcist. However, the film has also been polarizing, with some viewers finding its graphic violence and disturbing themes difficult to stomach. Despite its controversial nature, Raw has established itself as a significant work of contemporary horror cinema, and it continues to be discussed and debated by critics and audiences alike.

Comparison Table: Raw (2017) vs. Other Horror Films

To give you a clearer picture of where Raw stands in the horror landscape, here's a simple comparison table:

Feature Raw (2017) Traditional Horror Films
Story Focus Character-driven, thematic exploration Plot-driven, jump scares
Gore Level Graphic and visceral, but purposeful Often gratuitous and excessive
Themes Identity, sexuality, family secrets Supernatural elements, monsters
Visual Style Artistic, unsettling, uses color effectively Often dark and straightforward
Critical Acclaim Widely praised for originality and depth Mixed reception, often seen as formulaic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about Raw (2017):

Q: Is Raw a gory movie? A: Yes, Raw contains graphic violence and gore, but it's used purposefully to enhance the film's themes.

Q: Is Raw scary? A: Raw is more disturbing than traditionally scary. It creates a sense of unease and explores dark themes that can be unsettling.

Q: What are the main themes of Raw? A: The film explores themes of coming-of-age, family secrets, identity, sexuality, and the tension between our civilized selves and our primal instincts.

Q: Is Raw a feminist film? A: Some critics interpret Raw as a feminist horror film due to its subversion of traditional gender roles and exploration of female desire.

Q: Where can I watch Raw (2017)? A: Check streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Shudder, as well as rental platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Raw

In conclusion, Raw (2017) is a raw movie 2017 full movie experience that transcends typical horror fare. Its unique storyline, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre. Whether you're a horror aficionado or a cinephile looking for something different, Raw is a film that will leave a lasting impression. The director's skillful storytelling and the cast's powerful performances contribute to the film's intense and unsettling atmosphere, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate horror with depth. This film isn't just about the gore; it's about the human condition, the struggles we face, and the dark desires that lurk beneath the surface. So, if you're ready to sink your teeth into a film that's both horrifying and thought-provoking, Raw is waiting for you. Just be prepared for a cinematic journey that will challenge your perceptions and stay with you long after the credits roll. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for the full movie experience that is Raw (2017). You won't be disappointed—or maybe you will, in the best possible way. Enjoy the show!