Beast (2017)
(2017)In this psychological thriller, a young woman finds herself pulled between the control of her oppressive family and the allure of a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape them. But when he comes under suspicion for a series of brutal murders, she defends him at all costs and learns what she is capable of.
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Directed by Michael Pearce (feature debut)
Starring Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Geraldine James, Trystan Gravelle, Charley Palmer Rothwell, Hattie Gotobed, Emily Taaffe, Shannon Tarbet
Written by Michael Pearce
Flicks Review
BY Tony Stamp Flicks Writer
Beast is ostensibly a serial killer movie. But much like Amy Adams’ HBO series Sharp Objects, that aspect of the story plays out in the background, allowing director Michael Pearce to hone in on his main character and find out what makes her tick.... More
Moll is a lonely young woman with a dark secret. A compelling lead, if a little familiar, and it’s to the film’s credit that following her proves more compelling than the murder mystery. The fairy tale allusions are there if you want them, but the meat of the drama comes from watching Moll interact with her family (lead by a reliably acidic Geraldine James) and her new lover Pascal.
He’s the character with a huge question mark over him, Johnny Flynn playing the mystery man somewhere between dangerous and charming. Again, not the most original character, but these archetypes are evergreen for a reason.
He’s a rugged, man of the land type, and the film feels that way too. It’s not afraid to be murky, or portray the island community of Jersey as bleakly as possible. As the movie progresses it’s less clear if Moll is unhinged or if she’s the natural product of her surroundings.
There are some twists and turns near the end, but Beast is primarily a character study, and that’s ultimately what hamstrings it slightly. As interesting as Moll is, she’s in need of more story. The movie treads a fine line, periodically causing the audience to shift its alliances, but that’s not quite interesting enough to sustain itself.
It’s compelling, and admirably avoids genre trappings, but while Beast occasionally seems poised to become something truly great, it never quite gets there.Hide
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Beast (2017)
BY Daphne-Carvalho superstar
This was an interesting movie. I can usually guess the endings, I couldn't in this one. Don't worry, no spoilers. The story meandered along with glimpses into the personalities of the characters, snippets of what had happened in the past which may or may not explain behaviours in the present. It's bleak, dark and melancholy. Definitly worth a watch.
BY Keri-Trim nobody
Beast is a beautifully shot film with an amazing performance from both its leads. It's not the 'thriller' it's made out to be (not a bad thing) – it's an intense journey through relationships with a few jumpy moments. You'll have to draw your own conclusions – when you've watched, I recommend reading through the reddit thread!
BY Amanda-Bateman lister
The main two protagonists are brilliant, drawing you in to their intense web. Some great supporting characters in particular the horrifically awful mother. Multiple twists and turns. I don't want to say too much about the plot in case I spoil it. Just go see it
BY Kiwi1971 lister
A great little thriller.
A gritty love story between a troubled young girl and a mysterious island local with a secret past, set against a background of serial murder, secrets and mistrust.
I enjoyed this story and was pleasantly surprised that it don't pan out the way I thought it would.
Kept me guessing all the way through.
A nice change from the usual big budget effects driven films I have been watching lately.
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The Press Reviews
Jessie Buckley is a force of nature in the lead role of this sinewy psychological thriller. Full Review
Puts an eerily windswept island location to fine use and features an excellent lead performance from Jessie Buckley, whose open, intelligent face transmits thought and feeling with piercing clarity. Full Review
Upgrading a sleeping-with-the-enemy premise familiar from countless B-thrillers with a faintly mythic aura and cool psychosexual shading, "Beast" also sustains a fresh, frank feminine perspective through Jessie Buckley's remarkable lead performance. Full Review
Pearce, in his feature directing debut, proves himself a solid craftsman, with a gift for giving even derivative story elements a nerve-jangling tweak. Full Review
Aided and abetted by Benjamin Kracun's alluringly sensual cinematography, Mr. Pearce has created a feverish fairy tale riven with dark horrors and forbidden desires. Full Review
A strong debut from director Michael Pearce, with a gripping performance by newcomer Jessie Buckley. So much more than just another serial-killer movie. Full Review
Grisly and gorgeous in almost equal measure. Full Review
The ending, when it comes, will polarise viewers, but there's no doubting that in the preceding near two-hours we've witnessed a compelling journey and a star in the making. Full Review
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