Few Olympic stories have managed to stay in our minds long after their occurrence. And this is where Rachael Gunn’s story comes into the picture. Also known as Raygun, the Australian break-dancer went on to become one of the biggest viral sensations of the 2024 Paris Olympics after her unconventional performance that earned zero points and became the butt of many jokes and memes. Through Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly, the makers revisit the whole event. We are shown Raygun’s Olympic routine to better understand her and her sport. The kangaroo-style movements, floor work, and the unconventional choreography are what make up the core of the plot. What started off as looking absurd became something more complicated: the performance by an athlete who knew she could not compete with the world’s best and decided that the show must go on. She went on to express herself in a different way than what was expected out of her.
Now, some of you, while watching Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly, might ask if Rachael Gunn’s decision to do this was worth it or not. I believe that is something that might differ from person to person. But what also forms the core of the documentary is an important reminder: behind every viral clip is a person who has to live with the consequence long after the meme has faded away. Gunn’s route to Paris was not just a publicity stunt or an accident, as many conspiracy theories suggested. Rather, there is a grind behind it. She spent years competing and did have legitimate achievements such as the 2023 WDSF Oceania Breaking Championship. This is where the documentary is important. The makers clear up many rumours and facts around her and show us how a harmless joke can impact the subject of the same.
What works best for Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly is the fact that Gunn comes here herself. She is candid, self-aware, and also happily laughs at pointers of her own story. Doing this ensures that she doesn’t come across as a victim herself. She is purely what she is, and that is such a wonderful thing to see. The internet can say whatever they wish to on her, but this documentary shows us who she really is.
The pacing of the plot is brisk. The makers ensure not to rush with anything. Gunn’s story belongs to her, and with smooth pacing, we are shown everything that we need to know about Gunn. Her routine, her ethics, the impact the memes have had on her, and everything in between. This is exactly what you need when one wishes to know in depth about the subject of the documentary. If you are someone who knew about this case, I suggest you watch Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly to see and know the unknown side of Rachael Gunn. The plot is informative, and for sure you will learn something new about her and the sport she is involved in.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times