"I Spit on Your Grave, Rape Culture!"

      “I Spit on Your Grave” is the perfect example of the malignant cancer known as “rape culture” growing in the U.S. This film shines a clean light into the dingy corner infested with the horrors humans may produce. The movie portrays an author being raped by four men at the same time. This young woman is degraded, beaten, and left for dead. She trades her typewriter for a knife, and torments her abusers not just physically, but mentally, as well. 

This famous 1978 film is a staple in the horror community for many reasons. Heart wrenching when thinking of how close to reality this story lies; while some countries strive for gender equality by implementing laws to stir away from sexual assault, the U.S. legislation still applies the same old saying, “boys will be boys.” With light punishment being implemented on men of a certain race or social class, is it a wonder why the rape scene in this film scares people so much? I mean, it happens in real life, and the full weight of the justice system will not be placed on the actual criminal. This film resonates with our society today, just as it did when first released. 

            Our protagonist manages to pull herself together, and goes after the men who mutilated her human spirit, and takes justice into her own hands. There’s a moment in the story where the lead character walks into a church, kneels before an altar, and asks for forgiveness, for she is about to sin.

It’s understandable why this film would cause such shock when first released; the rape scene is long, uncensored, and stomach-turning. The film was banned in Norway, Ireland, and Iceland. It’s interesting how much of an outrage this film caused upon its release, and actions were immediately called for, like censorship. Why is it that a film with a brutal rape scene seems to spark more outrage than actual rape in the U.S?

            In 2016 there was nowhere you couldn’t help to hear about the Brock Turner case, where the Stanford student was accused of rape, and proven guilty via DNA proof, yet was given a light sentence. The case was criticized as judicial bias in favor of male and class privilege. The likelihood of rape taking place in a first world country sadly staggers- with knowledge of this beforehand, it’s no wonder this film engulfs us in terror and pity. The entire cast did an amazing job at enacting such horror. This scary classic embodies the worst of human malice. As the film progresses, we’re able to see more into the rapists lives, and meet them as regular people. The lead character terrorizes the rapists’ reality, handling psychological terror in a perfect manner. 

The subtlety in which our lead character handles her anger in the second half of the film seems really ballsy, as in, she gets too close to the rapists, close enough to kill her at any moment. “I Spit on Your Grave” is an epic film that remains memorable for various reasons like, it’s close relevance to a core problem in our society, the film’s extreme graphics, and traditional story of revenge. If you have not seen it yet what are you waiting for? Join us in the traumatization of “I Spit on Your Grave!”

"Mother!" is a Powerful Allegory about Man, God, and Earth's Relationship

“Mother!” was endowed with symbolism referring the bible, narrates the complicated relationship between God, Man, and Earth through time, but leaves plenty of unanswered questions. The film’s enriched with heavy subtext hinting at humanity’s monopolization of land and disregard for consequences on the planet. 

The actual storyline feels vague, and seems to come short at times. This subtext-heavy film highlights the gore humans are capable of, providing the horror scene with an enjoyable experience. 

            “Mother” is equipped with references to the bible. Early in the film, a gentlemen shows up asking for refuge, the following day his wife joins him, and later on a scar’s shown on his right side, making reference to Eve being made from Adam’s rib. The film later introduces two brothers getting into a brothel, excellent reference to Cain and Abel. 

The lead character’s a famous author who’s grown a cult-like following, and while his wife forces herself to put up with them, more keep coming. The film does a great job at simulating what Mother Earth would say to God about humanity. 

             It’s impressive how well the film correlates the relationship between the human race and our planet over time. As the story progresses, more uninvited visitors join the lead characters in their home. The uninvited guests keep ignoring any type of house etiquette, and as Jennifer Lawrence’s character yells and pleads to respect her home, they simply ignore her. 

There are prime examples throughout the movie where human’s abuse of the planet leave long lasting effects. While the symbolism is to be praised, the actual storyline comes a bit short, making us forget the characters as people, but simply see them as puns in an allegory. The story behind the two main characters seems to go unanswered, “what are they?”

             “Mother” does an incredible job at showing how Mother Earth would react to the destruction, and overpopulation being caused by humans. This film isn’t for everyone, but as a powerful allegory, deserves a chance.