Rakka
Rakka (2017) is a military science fiction short film directed by Neill Blomkamp, known for his gritty, dystopian aesthetic. Set in Texas in 2020, the film plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by the Klum, a technologically superior reptilian alien race. The Klum are systematically terraforming the planet to suit their environment, destroying human civilization, and enslaving or brutally experimenting on the surviving human population.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains pervasive and graphic violence, including explicit depictions of alien brutality, human suffering, and combat. Body horror is a prominent element.
The Klum aliens perform 'grotesque medical experiments' on human captives, including vivisection and using humans as 'incubators' for their young. The Eiffel Tower is shown covered in 'dying humanity' and 'human skin and flesh,' with visuals of decaying human remains. A human politician is mind-controlled by aliens after a visible brain operation, with 'blood dripping down his face.' An alien uses telekinesis to disorient a human soldier, who is subsequently mind-controlled and 'forced to kill him' by his comrades.
Profanity
HighThe film includes harsh and strong language, with at least one confirmed use of a major expletive.
Reviews describe the film as containing 'harsh language' and 'nasty language.' In one scene, the resistance leader, Jasper, explicitly orders a soldier to 'cut its fucking head off' when dealing with a downed alien.
Scary & Intense Content
HighRakka is consistently described as dark, intense, disturbing, and nightmare-inducing, featuring pervasive body horror, extreme threats to human survival, and psychological terror.
The film is characterized as an 'extremely dark, disturbing, gritty, gory, and unsanitary spectacle,' providing 'dystopian nightmare fuel.' The 'body horror' of alien experiments, including humans used as 'incubators' and Amir's bio-mechanical implants, is a central disturbing visual. The pervasive threat of the Klum's telepathic mind control, capable of turning humans against each other, creates a constant state of psychological terror and suspense.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWhile not depicting traditional witchcraft or occult practices by humans, the film introduces 'angel-like beings' as potential saviors and explores a 'higher species' concept from the alien perspective, suggesting supernatural or divine elements within its sci-fi framework.
An 'angel-like being' materializes from thin air and is described by the narrator as one of mankind's 'saviours.' Director Neill Blomkamp explained that the Klum believe a 'higher species' is 'God,' and they were 'rejected by their God, and humans haven't,' driving their experimentation on humans to understand this spiritual connection.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film's premise is rooted in human rebellion against alien oppressors. While much of this is portrayed as necessary for survival, one character, Nosh, exhibits extreme and morally ambiguous behavior, showing a disregard for human life for tactical gain.
Nosh, a bomb-maker, is depicted as a 'pyromaniac' with 'murderous glee' who 'thrived in this environment.' He demands that the resistance provide sick or suicidal humans as 'bait' for his ambushes, a demand to which the resistance leader, Jasper, reluctantly agrees out of desperation. The entire human resistance against the alien occupation is an act of rebellion, though it is framed as a desperate fight for survival rather than wanton disrespect.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowComprehensive searches for LGBTQ+ themes, characters, or representation in 'Rakka (2017)' and related creator information yielded no relevant results. The film does not feature any explicit or implied LGBTQ+ content or discussions of gender identity.
No instances of LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or themes were identified in the film's plot, character descriptions, or related reviews.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowNo romantic relationships, sexual content, or nudity are depicted or implied in 'Rakka (2017)'. The film focuses entirely on the brutal alien occupation and human resistance.
There is an absence of any scenes or dialogue related to romance, intimacy, or sexual themes throughout the short film.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking, or any form of substance abuse in the short film.
The narrative and character actions do not involve the consumption or abuse of any substances.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicitly anti-Christian themes. Instead, it explores speculative spiritual concepts, introducing 'angel-like beings' as potential saviors and an alien species' interpretation of a 'higher species' as 'God' that has a unique connection to humanity, without mocking or criticizing Christian beliefs.
The narrative includes 'angel-like beings' that some within the film perceive as humanity's 'saviours.' Director Neill Blomkamp stated that the alien Klum believe a 'higher species' is 'God,' and they were 'rejected by their God, and humans haven't,' which drives their actions, offering a cosmic rather than anti-Christian spiritual perspective.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Rakka is recommended for mature audiences, specifically 18+, due to its graphic and disturbing content. The film features pervasive strong violence, gore, body horror, and harsh language, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Parental reviews and content warnings consistently highlight its intense and brutal nature.
Additional Notes
Rakka is a short film from Oats Studios, intended as an experimental project that could potentially be expanded into a feature film or series. It offers a bleak, open-ended narrative focusing on the immediate struggle for survival. The film's primary impact comes from its visceral visuals and intense atmosphere rather than intricate plot resolution.
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