Beast (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.
- Director:
- Michael Pearce (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Michael Pearce
- Cast:
- Jessie BuckleyJohnny FlynnGeraldine JamesTrystan GravelleCharley Palmer RothwellHattie GotobedEmily TaaffeShannon Tarbet
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Tony Stamp
flicksWho is the Beast?
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.
Still processing it, tbh
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!
Tense atmospheric drama
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...
Midsomer Murders loses the plot - SPOILERS!
Starts off well with some interesting pointers of things to come but never really delivers on any of them. Family acts a bit dark and dysfunctional - what darkness lies beneath, I wonder? None - mum's just a domineering cow. We start off liking Moll but turns out she's hiding a (not especially) dark secret that causes her to protect and later forgive a...
Cinematically beautiful and chilling
It was absolutely beautifully shot, at times combining the freedom of the ocean with the claustrophobia of drowning. The acting was great throughout the cast, so many subtleties that had you questioning, wondering, trying to figure out. A movie that keeps you wondering long after you have left the cinema and well worth the watch. While it felt like it...
Variety
pressUpgrading 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.
The New York Times
pressAided and abetted by Benjamin Kracun's alluringly sensual cinematography, Mr. Pearce has created a feverish fairy tale riven with dark horrors and forbidden desires.
The Guardian
pressPuts 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.
Stuff
pressThe 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.
Screen Daily
pressJessie Buckley is a force of nature in the lead role of this sinewy psychological thriller.
Los Angeles Times
pressPearce, in his feature directing debut, proves himself a solid craftsman, with a gift for giving even derivative story elements a nerve-jangling tweak.
Empire Magazine
pressA strong debut from director Michael Pearce, with a gripping performance by newcomer Jessie Buckley. So much more than just another serial-killer movie.
Flicks, Tony Stamp
flicksVariety
pressUpgrading 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.
The New York Times
pressAided and abetted by Benjamin Kracun's alluringly sensual cinematography, Mr. Pearce has created a feverish fairy tale riven with dark horrors and forbidden desires.
The Guardian
pressPuts 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.
Stuff
pressThe 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.
Screen Daily
pressJessie Buckley is a force of nature in the lead role of this sinewy psychological thriller.
Los Angeles Times
pressPearce, in his feature directing debut, proves himself a solid craftsman, with a gift for giving even derivative story elements a nerve-jangling tweak.
Empire Magazine
pressA strong debut from director Michael Pearce, with a gripping performance by newcomer Jessie Buckley. So much more than just another serial-killer movie.
Who is the Beast?
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.
Still processing it, tbh
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!
Tense atmospheric drama
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...
Midsomer Murders loses the plot - SPOILERS!
Starts off well with some interesting pointers of things to come but never really delivers on any of them. Family acts a bit dark and dysfunctional - what darkness lies beneath, I wonder? None - mum's just a domineering cow. We start off liking Moll but turns out she's hiding a (not especially) dark secret that causes her to protect and later forgive a...
Cinematically beautiful and chilling
It was absolutely beautifully shot, at times combining the freedom of the ocean with the claustrophobia of drowning. The acting was great throughout the cast, so many subtleties that had you questioning, wondering, trying to figure out. A movie that keeps you wondering long after you have left the cinema and well worth the watch. While it felt like it...
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