Raging Grace (2023) Movie Review

 Paris Zarcilla's film, "Raging Grace," exudes a playful boldness that immediately captures attention. The movie kicks off with a dynamic score that punctuates the narrative, signaling that comfort is not on the menu. Zarcilla deliberately crafts an experience that is invigorating and unsettling, mirroring the everyday struggles of immigrants at its core.

The film cleverly incorporates genre elements to address the anxieties inherent in the immigrant experience, adding layers that resonate through generations. One of its central themes is the monotonous cycle of immigrant lives spent in dedicated service to a colonial master. Zarcilla doesn't shy away from highlighting the sacrifices made by immigrants, who prioritize raising families over their personal aspirations.

"Raging Grace" emphasizes the repetitive nature of this immigrant experience, showcasing a poignant connection between past and present. Characters in the present learn from the mistakes and sacrifices of those in the past, paving the way for a more audacious approach in the upcoming generation.

Raging Grace (2023) Movie Review

Zarcilla breaks down his film into chapters inspired by Rudyard Kipling, a choice that becomes evident early on. However, he tends to overdo it with titles, sometimes resorting to cliches like "white man's burden," which can feel a bit too obvious and pedantic. The film struggles with relying too heavily on its strengths, much like Jon Clarke's music, which, while initially impactful, can become forgettable when used excessively.

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The film follows Joy, a Filipina single mother working multiple housekeeping jobs in London to make ends meet. Her dream is to buy a house for herself and her daughter, Grace. However, Grace's mischievous and unpredictable behavior disrupts Joy's desire for order and stability. Zarcilla uses Grace's untamed energy to create surprise and tension in the film, with Grace constantly getting into unexpected situations that keep Joy on edge.

The plot takes a turn when Joy is asked to check on a friend's acquaintance in a distant mansion. Joy, resourceful and determined, secures a job as a housekeeper for Katherine, the niece of the bedridden old man, Garrett. Joy, keeping Grace a secret, brings her along hidden in a trolley. The film unfolds as Grace's discoveries reveal hidden truths, prompting Joy to confront the consequences of colonial heritage and the empire's debt to its subjects.

In essence, Zarcilla skillfully uses Joy and Grace's relationship to explore the impact of colonialism, cleverly weaving in themes of disobedience and the cost of an empire's legacy. However, the film occasionally falters by leaning too heavily on its stylistic choices and risking a loss of depth in characterization.

Raging Grace (2023) Movie Explained

Joy discovers old letters hidden in the mansion, realizing that Garrett, the elderly man she works for, intentionally kept his Filipina nanny's letters from reaching her family. Gloria, the nanny, had given up hope and embraced Garrett's family as her own. Shocked by this revelation, Joy decides to escape with her daughter, Grace. However, the situation takes a drastic turn when police officers show up, leading to Joy's immediate detention as an illegal immigrant.

Later that night, Grace, under Garrett's influence, injects Katherine, Garrett's niece, with a sleeping drug, causing her to hallucinate. Grace demands that Garrett take her to her mother, triggering a chaotic sequence of events. In an attempt to escape, Grace accidentally traps Garrett in a case during a confrontation, leading to a fire.

Despite Garrett's attempt to pull Grace back, Katherine intervenes, and they manage to escape the burning house. The film concludes with Katherine assuring Joy about her visa status and recommending a lawyer. In the end, Joy introduces Grace to her father, who is now married.

This part of the film unfolds with unexpected twists and intense moments, adding layers of suspense and drama. The intricate plot reveals the manipulative actions of Garrett and the resilience of Joy and Grace in the face of adversity. The fire symbolizes the destruction of the oppressive environment, allowing the protagonists to move towards a hopeful resolution.