Watch Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave

The 2019 film Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the impact of the controversial 1978 rape-revenge thriller I Spit on Your Grave on its cast, crew, and audiences. Directed by Terry Zarchi, the son of the original film's writer and director Meir Zarchi, the documentary features interviews with several key figures associated with the film, including actress Camille Keaton, who played the lead role of Jennifer Hills.

The film begins with a brief overview of the original I Spit on Your Grave, which tells the story of a young woman who is brutally raped by a group of men and seeks violent revenge against her attackers. The film was highly controversial upon its release, with many critics and audiences accusing it of glorifying violence against women. Despite this, the film has since become a cult classic, with many fans praising its unflinching portrayal of sexual assault and the cathartic power of Jennifer's revenge.

Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave delves deep into the making of the film and its aftermath, with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage revealing the challenges and controversies that the cast and crew faced during production. Keaton, who was relatively unknown at the time, discusses her experience playing Jennifer and the intense emotional toll that the role took on her. She also talks about the backlash she faced from feminist groups and critics who accused her of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women.

Meir Zarchi, who wrote and directed the original film, also shares his perspective on the film's legacy and the controversy surrounding it. He discusses his inspiration for the story, which came from a real-life encounter he had with a woman who had been raped, and his belief that the film's violent revenge fantasy was a necessary corrective to the prevailing attitudes towards sexual assault in society. He also reflects on the criticism that the film received and the impact that it had on his career.

Other key figures in the film, including producer Joe DeLia and cinematographer Nouri Haviv, discuss their experiences with the film and its reception. Haviv, in particular, provides fascinating insights into the visual style of the film and the creative choices that he made in order to convey the brutality of the violence without becoming exploitative.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers also explore the broader cultural context of I Spit on Your Grave and its impact on the horror genre. They trace the evolution of the rape-revenge subgenre from its origins in exploitation films of the 1970s to its current status as a contested and often divisive element of horror cinema. They also examine the ways in which the film has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the years, with many feminist critics and scholars arguing that it can be read as a feminist text rather than a misogynistic one.

Ultimately, Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave is a fascinating and nuanced exploration of a controversial and often misunderstood film. It offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of the horror genre and a thoughtful reflection on the ways in which our understanding of sexual violence has evolved over time. Whether you're a fan of the original film or simply interested in the history of horror cinema, this documentary is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.