Performance & Direction: Raw Review
Last updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Raw (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Raw features a noteworthy lineup led by Garance Marillier . Supported by the likes of Ella Rumpf and Rabah Nait Oufella , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Raw
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Raw is a Horror, Drama film directed by Julia Ducournau. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Garance Marillier.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. In Justine's family everyone is a vet and a vegetarian. At 16, she's a gifted teen ready to take on her first year in vet school, where her older sister also studies. There, she gets no time to settle: hazing starts right away. Justine is forced to eat raw meat for the first time in her life. Unexpected consequences emerge as her true self begins to form. Director Julia Ducournau uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Garance Marillier's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Raw
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Julia Ducournau, Raw resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Garance Marillier, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Raw reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Raw?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Garance Marillier or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Raw
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Raw Budget
The estimated production budget for Raw is $3.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Raw
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Where to Watch Raw Online?
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YouTubeRaw Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Raw age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Raw is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Raw is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raw worth watching?
Raw is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Raw parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Raw identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Raw?
The total duration of Raw is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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Critic Reviews for Raw
"While filmmakers and audiences tend to gag at the thought of ‘the other C-word’ onscreen, writer/director Julia Ducournau and her fearless leading lady Garance Marillier launch themselves teeth first into their bloody and occasionally brilliant cannibal horror pic..." Read the full review here: http://screen-space.squarespace.com/reviews/2016/5/16/raw.html
Sex, drugs and rock & roll. What more could you possibly ask for in your "Fucked-Up-Coming-Of-Age" movies... Cannibalism? No dramas. _Raw_ has got you sorted. _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
**An extreme desire for blood and flesh!** Totally unexpected. I had no idea what I'm about to watch. Because usually I do small research of films I watch before the click play. I did not know it was even a French film or a horror. But it was not actually a horror in a sense. Seeing the initial set up, I thought it would be about a freshman medical student. Then things turned out strangely. Like it was decades ago when I was young, I have felt uncomfortable for those intentional film. For this, it felt all real. As the contents, I disliked them. But the film succeeded if that's what it's intended to give to its audience. It lived up to what the title meant. But on the other hand, I thought it was making fun of vegetarians. You usually won't find many vegetarians in Europe, but this film's topic was bizarre. Because you know someone who has never consumed meat in his entire life, but then when he begins this new habit, it is like completely going out of control. It's not just one, but two from the same family. Something was very clear, that one not knowing the differences. Because they were never before used to it. Justine is all set to join her sister to practice to be a veterinarian. Coming from a pure vegetarian family, she has to go through some of college traditions. From the beginning itself, it did not go well for her. It affected her health and body. A drastic change in a short period of time, forcing her to uncontrollable desire. Then on one accidental situation, it turns even worst. Ultimately, a conflict between the sisters arise. It takes them to unexpected paths and finally how it all ends were revealed with many uneasy events. > -xX] An animal that has tasted human flesh isn't safe. [Xx- I have seen many films like this, but this one was a stand-alone from all of them. I'm not saying it is a masterpiece, but they have got all things right just as they wanted. Obviously this is for grownups, though not all of them can watch without feeling disgust. Some of article, reviews says, people left the cinema hall halfway through. A very challenging film to watch. You might think I'm exaggerating for a simple cinematic performance, but that's what I really experienced. Only when you give it a try, you might get it. A bit confusing as the story progressing. Like what kind of universe, it is set in. Because whatever happens around Justine, seems nobody caring. Where were the professors! So many doubts. It's just what it is. An imaginative perspective, what if kind of situation turned more uglier. But if you analyse it properly, the only issue was the cannibalism. Not that one showing a desire in consuming meat all of sudden. So, I appreciate the writing, direction and performances, but definitely it is not my cup of tea. Probably for most of you as well. So this is not for all, but selected viewers. Films can be anything, only we have to assert whether we liked it or not. The maker knew what they were doing, the kind of subject they have undertaken for their film. Often a film like this hits the screen, and makes some noise among the film critics and film goers. I don't know on what merit one should decide to watch it. Because it is not for entertainment, nor an art, nor a message film. But I still think it is worth a watch. Just be aware of what you are going to watch. _6/10_
I have wanted to see this movie for a while, and it did not disappoint. Beautifully shot. Not for the timid. My wife had a hard time with a couple of scenes. Granted, it is a bit of a "gross for gross sake", but I loved every minute of it.
“Justine” (Garance Marillier) is a fairly robust young vegetarian who has just started attending veterinary school when she is hazed into eating some raw rabbit liver by her popular elder sister “Alex” (Ella Rumpf) and then unsurprisingly feels sick! That’s just the start of her problems though as it turns out her new roomie in the entirely functional gay lad “Adrien” (Rabat Nait Oufella) and their first week is going to see them undergo loads of frat-style challenges at the hands of their “elders”. She develops a nasty looking rash for which she gets some ointment but the rash appears to be symptomatic of something way more worrying. She is developing a taste for meat - and it’s cooking appears to be entirely optional. It’s beyond a craving, and - well let’s just say she doesn’t need a supermarket to procure her victuals. What’s happening to her, and is she the only one at this school who wants to eat the patients? Marillier is on top form here as this gore-fest becomes more entertainingly grisly. Her character becomes more and more desperate to feed then ashamed of just what she’s doing and she’s slowly going mad! It’s presented with it’s tongue in it’s cheek with some fairly graphic gruesomeness but also with plenty of sexually-charged humour, especially from the confident Oufella who’s “Adrien” probably doesn’t realise how precarious life with his new room-mate is about to become. It’s not especially scary, it more funny than frightening, and it’s an enjoyable take on the college horror genre that’s largely devoid of special effects and endless swearing and is just good fun.
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