Grave Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Grave (also known as Raw) is a 2016 French-Belgian horror film directed by Julia Ducournau. The ending reveals that Justine, a young veterinary student, fully embraces her cannibalistic urges after a series of traumatic and transformative experiences. The film concludes with her sister, Alexia, being hit by a car, and Justine consuming a piece of her flesh, symbolizing her acceptance of her true nature. The ambiguous final shot leaves viewers questioning whether Justine's cannibalism is a genetic trait or a result of her environment.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Grave is a culmination of Justine's psychological and physical transformation from a naive, vegetarian student into a self-aware cannibal. Throughout the film, Justine is subjected to brutal hazing rituals at her veterinary school, including being forced to eat raw rabbit kidney, which triggers her latent craving for human flesh. Her sister, Alexia, who initially seems to be guiding her, is revealed to be a seasoned cannibal herself, further complicating Justine's descent. The climax occurs when Justine and Alexia engage in a violent, almost erotic struggle, culminating in Alexia being struck by a car. In the final moments, Justine hesitates but ultimately gives in to her urges, taking a bite of Alexia's severed limb. This act solidifies her acceptance of her identity, blurring the lines between horror and liberation.
Symbolism and Themes
The ending is rich with symbolism, particularly in how it ties into the film's exploration of bodily autonomy, sisterhood, and primal instincts. Justine's journey mirrors a coming-of-age narrative, but one that is grotesquely twisted by her cannibalistic urges. Her final act of eating Alexia's flesh can be interpreted as both a rejection of societal norms and an embrace of her inherent nature. The film suggests that cannibalism here is not just a literal act but a metaphor for the consuming nature of familial bonds and personal identity. The closing shot-a lingering, ambiguous look at Justine-leaves the audience wondering whether this was always her destiny or if it was shaped by her sister's influence.
Unresolved Questions
- Is cannibalism genetic or learned?
- The film hints that it might be hereditary, given Alexia's behavior and their parents' strange reactions.
- Alternatively, it could be a psychological response to trauma and pressure.
- What was the significance of the parents' behavior?
- Their discomfort when Justine asks about her childhood suggests they knew about her potential urges.
- The mother's bandaged arm implies she may have also struggled with cannibalism.
- Will Justine continue to kill, or was this a one-time act?
- The ending implies she has fully embraced her nature, suggesting she will continue.
- However, her earlier reluctance leaves room for doubt.
Personal Opinion
Grave is a masterfully unsettling film that uses body horror to explore deeper themes of identity and desire. The ending is both shocking and inevitable, a perfect encapsulation of Justine's internal struggle. While some may find the conclusion abrupt, I appreciate its ambiguity-it refuses to offer easy answers, forcing the audience to sit with their discomfort. Julia Ducournau's direction is fearless, and the performances, especially from Garance Marillier as Justine, are raw (no pun intended) and visceral. The film's ending lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its power.
Final Thoughts
Grave is more than just a horror movie; it's a visceral exploration of self-discovery through grotesque means. The ending doesn't provide closure but instead leaves the audience with a haunting question: Are we defined by our choices, or are some aspects of our identity inescapable? Whether you interpret Justine's final act as tragic or liberating, the film's impact is undeniable. It's a challenging, thought-provoking piece that redefines what horror can achieve.