Raw Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of Raw.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Raw is a Horror, Drama film directed by Julia Ducournau, written by Julia Ducournau. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Garance Marillier as Justine.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Stringent vegetarian Justine encounters a decadent, merciless, and dangerously seductive world during her first week at veterinary school. Desperate to fit in, she strays from her principles and eats raw meat for the first time. She soon experiences terrible and unexpected consequences as her true self begins to emerge. 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 of Raw, hinting at the terror to come. Julia Ducournau establishes the rules of this world before introducing Garance Marillier as Justine to its dangers.
- 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 Garance Marillier to confront the source of horror directly. Julia Ducournau's resolution provides adequate resolution.