Raw (2016)

Raw (2016) — Overview Raw is a visceral coming-of-age body-horror drama about Justine, a sheltered, vegetarian freshman who arrives at veterinary school and is forced out of her comfort zone by brutal initiation rituals and the influence of her rebellious older sister. When a hazing incident triggers an unexpected craving for raw meat, Justine’s polite exterior unravels into a shocking, physical transformation that propels the film from awkward comedy and family drama into tense, often gruesome horror. Watching Raw is an intense, immersive experience: the film balances moments of dark humor, uncomfortable social awkwardness, and slow-burn psychological unease with sudden, graphic shocks. The pacing alternates between quiet character-building scenes and visceral set pieces that linger on bodily detail, making the film both disturbing and oddly empathetic. Performances (especially the lead) ground the more extreme material, so viewers often find themselves rooting for Justine even as she becomes more dangerous and unpredictable. Themes include identity, sexual awakening, peer pressure, and the blurred lines between appetite and self-control. Visually and tonally, Raw leans into sensory filmmaking—close-ups, a claustrophobic campus environment, and a propulsive score—so the audience feels Justine’s alienation and growing hunger almost physically. Content note: Raw contains explicit depictions of cannibalism, blood and gore, strong sexual content, and intense psychological distress. It’s best suited for viewers who can handle graphic body horror and are interested in a provocative, emotionally charged exploration of adolescence and transformation.

Actors: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Nait Oufella

Director: Julia Ducournau

Runtime: 99 min

Genres: Drama, Horror

6.3 /10 81 /100 6.9 /10 7.1 /10