Rakka
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
Violence
The 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
The film includes harsh and strong language, with at least one confirmed use of a major expletive.
Scary & Intense Content
Rakka is consistently described as dark, intense, disturbing, and nightmare-inducing, featuring pervasive body horror, extreme threats to human survival, and psychological terror.
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Witchcraft & Occult
While 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.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The 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.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
Comprehensive 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.
Romance and Sexual Content
No 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.
Substance Use
There is no depiction or mention of alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking, or any form of substance abuse in the short film.
Anti-Christian Themes
The 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 worldview presented is primarily materialistic in its depiction of a ravaged Earth and humanity's physical struggle. Yet, it also introduces a transcendent element through the 'angel-like beings' and the Klum's perception of a 'higher species' they deem 'God' who has favored humanity. This suggests a cosmic order beyond human comprehension, where humanity holds a unique, perhaps divinely ordained, significance that even the advanced aliens cannot grasp. Themes of redemption are subtle, primarily manifested in the enduring hope for humanity's future embodied by characters like Amir, who gain abilities to fight back, and the possibility of intervention from the 'saviours.' There are elements of sacrifice by resistance fighters for the collective good, though often in gruesome ways. Faith representation is not explicitly Christian but explores a broader spiritual or divine connection that gives humanity special standing in the universe, rather than portraying faith negatively. Family values are minimally depicted, overshadowed by the struggle for survival, and traditional authority structures have largely dissolved into a military resistance hierarchy.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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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