There’s more than one way to win a film festival, and as someone who attended last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, I can assure you that Raw was one of the huge winners.
Few films had more lineup buzz, with everyone talking about the movie that made people gag and faint. That’s common folklore for a festival, and while its often exaggerated, it’s exactly the kind of story that excites horror fans. Most likely, many of you heard similar rumors trickle out of Toronto and the other festivals Raw screened at, and if you aren’t in the know, well, consider me your gossip source.
The facts about Raw are eyebrow-raising enough to make these rumors plausible. Its trailer doesn’t hide how much blood will be involved, hinting at a primal descent for its vet school protagonist. Scientific study, particularly biological ones, inevitably have a gruesome side, giving Raw all sorts of disgusting avenues to go down.
What you might not have guessed from the trailer is that Raw comes from a first time writer and director. Julia Ducoirnau has made a big splash with her feature debut, drawing praise for the film’s vision and execution. Her film was the find of many festivals, but with such an assured debut, Ducournau herself may be the real treasure.
Raw is directed by Julia Ducournau and stars Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, and Rabah Nait Oufella. It will be released in the U.S. on March 10th, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think Raw will live up to its horror stories? Let us know in the comments!
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