Raw Materials is a coming-of-age drama. Sixteen years old Malik, a fashion prodigy struggles to understand his sexuality because his homophobic community automatically labels him gay. Malik has but one friend Tara, as his daily life often includes abuse from his hyper masculine father Derrick, community way wards, and a pedophiliac Christian woman, Mrs. Johnson. Malik visits the home of Mrs. Johnson who tries to seduce him. Malik storms out but before he could barely catch a breath, he’s beaten by the community gang leader. On reaching home, his father beats Malik for not only losing his money but for his interest in “female things.” Malik decides to throw fashion away for good, until Tara convinces him to finish her dress for her birthday party.