Do you think she was raped?

In the movie Laura's rape is questioned. But we really never get a conclusive answer (which is the intent of the film). But this film does raise the issue of sIut-shaming and blaming the victim. We can see that is not justifiable for rape. We can see how embarrassing it is for the victim- to have the crime discussing in excruciating detail and to be analyzed and objectified.

Do you think she was raped?

Laura's personality is something to consider. She is portrayed as flirtatious. However we know that she came out of an abusive marriage and possible went into another one. She clearly has some mental health issues. I am just trying to take out the notion that she was "asking for it." Yes, she got drunk and hopped into a car with Barney. Might she have intended to have sex with Barney? Maybe. Because she was drunk, unhappy with her marriage? Maybe.

Note her use of language. She says that in both attacks, Barney let her know what was about to be raped/attacked.

When she came back to her husband, was he vilifying her for being out with a man (as if it were usual) or did he (or did he not) believe she was raped? She It's clear that she and her husband are not in the happiest relationship.

I think the movie purposefully portrays the actuality of the rape as vague because it makes us wonder if Frederick was justified or not (even though the whole point of the trial was not to portray the murder as "revenge.") Who knows how much of what Laura and Frederick say is the truth. Maybe Frederick gave her that black eye instead of Barney. That is implied in the movie. She didn't break down and cry when she talked about her rape. She seemed to take it quite well.

The way I see it, it was rape. I think it was one of those situations that quickly turns from exciting to horrible. Maybe when Barney tore off her panties, it was still "consensual." Did Barney actually say "I am going to rape you"? Probably not, but Laura might have said this to make her story seem more believable. But I think Barney did get forceful- she didn't want to make the situation worse. Rape is not always black and white. There is not some key moment or checklist that makes you think, "she deserved it."