It’s not often that a horror movie can gross out its audience and receive critical acclaim at the same time, but that’s exactly what Raw, an R-rated movie about cannibalistic teens has been doing of late.
Directed by Julia Ducournau, Raw first screened to audiences during the 2016 film festival circuit. During those screenings, there were multiple reports of some folks letting the movie’s gruesome subject matter get the better of them. In the middle of the movie’s midnight screening at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall, paramedics had to be called after multiple audience members passed out.
The movie follows Justine, a young veterinary student who, as part of a hazing ritual at school, is forced to eat raw meat for the first time. What follows is a deeply disturbing journey as the taste of flesh begins to create major changes in Justine’s behavior.
After one look at Raw’s trailer, it’s easy to imagine it all being a bit too much for some moviegoers. But, Raw isn’t just a gratuitous gross-out, it’s actually a very, very good movie. While Raw will often have you feeling deeply unsettled (and queasy), it also layers in a whole lot of emotion, and even a few laughs along the way.
If you’re looking to have your iron stomach challenged in a way it’s never been challenged before, head to theaters this week to watch Raw.
Image Credit: Focus Features
