Doors and Pre-show: 7 PM
Movie: 7:30 PM

For the first-ever Vic Film Club screening, I was always going to pick The Raid. It's a film that demands to be seen on the big screen, with a can of beer in hand and an audience fully locked in to every ruthless blow. For that reason, it had to be at The Vic, because the crowd is always in step with the movie. I don't know when the last time people in Victoria had an opportunity to see The Raid was, but I'm excited to make this happen. I've also ensured that if you've seen the film before, it'll be like watching it for the first time...

In 2024, director Gareth Evans oversaw a 4K restoration of the film, which also included a completely new colour grading that vastly improves its look and makes everything stand out even more. It's the same film, just way better looking than ever before, with much clearer visuals, so it's kind of like you're watching it for the first time. That's the version you'll see in May, unless something goes horribly awry in the process.

It's going to be an action-packed night, beginning at 7 PM with a pre-show featuring curated trailers for international action movies from the past 15 years. So even if you've seen The Raid, you might find out about something you've never even heard of just by showing up a little early and securing your seat. Then brace yourself for 100 minutes of absolute carnage.