The French seem to have a fairly unique attitude when it comes to genre cinema. It’s difficult to pin down but there’s often something a little bit edgy and breathlessly experimental about their best horror films. They’re often shockingly brutal as well. The likes of Martyr, Inside, Frontier(s) and Haute tension demonstrate just how successful some of these ‘extreme’ visions can be. Raw uses a different playbook but creates one of the most iconic films of the last decade.
Justine (Garance Marillier) arrives at a prestigious veterinary school for her first semester. Alexia (Ella Rumpf), her sister, is already studying there and their mother is a former student. She’s in for a bit of a shock. Firstly, her roommate (Rabah Nait Oufella) is certainly not the girl she requested. Then, the new students are subjected to a week of hazing rituals, including being covered in blood and eating raw meat. It has a strange effect on the shy vegetarian.
Raw is a sizzlingly sexy and dazzlingly stylish cannibalistic tale which gives the viewer plenty to chew on. Julia Ducournau’s film does something rather special. It puts a new spin on a familiar concept whilst also maintaining a strong narrative focus. This wouldn’t be possible without a phenomenal central performance from Marillier. Who, along with an intelligent script and innovative cinematography ensures that Raw is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Special features:
- The Girl Can’t Help It: a new interview with Actor Garance Marillier
- Making Ends Meat: a new interview with Producer Jean des Forets
- New audio commentary by film critic Alexandra West
- Audio Commentary with Julia Ducournau and film critic Emma Westwood
- In the Name of Raw: an interview with Director Julia Ducournau
- A Family Affair: a new video essay by film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Raw À Votre Goût –featurette with Julia Ducournau & film critic Emma Westwood
- Quick Bites with Julia Ducournau & film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Genre Matters Panel Discussion
- Australian Premiere Introduction
- Australian Premiere Q&A with Julia Ducournau and Kier-La Janisse
- Alternative opening, deleted scenes, trailers
- New optional English subtitles for the hearing impaired
Limited edition contents:
- Rigid slipcase
- Perfect-bound booklet with new essays by Hannah Woodhead and Emma Westwood plus interview with Julia Ducournau by Lou Thomas
- 3 collectors’ art cards
- 4th art card exclusive to Second Sight store customers
Raw is released on limited-edition Blu-ray by Second Sight on 19 April.
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