Raw (2016)
I finally get body horror.
Presentation:
I’ve been struggling to determine the purpose of body horror for some time now. Is it to disturb and shock audiences? To provide a medium for thematic catharsis? Normally they are designed to disgust you to the point of cringe and discomfort, meaning the worse you feel, the better the film. But Ducournau has shown me the light of what this medium offers. In the same way sci-fi is the perfect vessel to investigate existential themes, body horror is perfect for coming of age trauma. I think this film works best when you have no idea what is to come so refrain from reading any synopses. I fell in love with the main actress in this film, whom has the perfect contrast of naive cuteness with her dark circumstances. I don’t understand how she isn’t a star already with her unique personality. The cinematography in this film is not as visually spectacular as Fargeat’s Revenge or The Substance, but it somehow feels better because it leans into its French offbeat weirdness. This film is also darkly hilarious.
Conclusion:
This is one the greatest thing I have watched recently, which is more personal than subjective. It’s a more experimental art house body horror compared to other popcorn body horrors with shock and awe, meaning that it will be more niche. That doesn’t mean this film doesn’t have diabolically graphic images making your stomach churn, but this is the first time I found them smart and metaphorically resonant. If you like Luca Guadagnino’s style, this should also float your boat. It’s the right balance of thematic ambiguity while also having a story you can follow, unlike Titane. This is the contemporary version of Eraserhead, but will be more misunderstood because people think it’s a plot driven film when it’s actually a symbolic one. At least until Ducornau educates audiences what this genre is really all about.
Recommendations
Body horror without The Substance.