'Beast (2018)' is about toxic relationships, in all their forms: with your lover, your mother, your father, your siblings, your ex, your town, your past, your nature, yourself. Moll, brilliantly and subtly portrayed by Buckley, is caught in a tangled web of manipulation, mistreated by pretty much everyone in her life. The film, essentially, chronicles her growth from timid and trampled-on to uncaged and triumphant (in a counter-intuitive sort of way). She's certainly put through the wringer, pushed to her very limits and then pushed passed even those. Someone almost unrecognisable emerges from the other side. Even though the contrast is stark, it's gradual enough that it makes perfect sense. Her transformation is incredibly satisfying, constantly moving forward and often taking unexpected turns. Of course, it's sparked by the arrival of Pascal, portrayed a little (though, somewhat appropriately) flatly by Flynn. He's an enigmatic entity that undergoes a number of shifts himself, which usually relate to how we perceive him. Since we're constantly in Moll's perspective, our opinion of the guy shifts whenever her's does but, even when she trusts him the most, you're not quite sure what to make of him. This keeps you on your toes and is helped immensely by the fact that the feature isn't predictable at all. The relatively unconventional narrative shifts around in unforeseen ways and makes a number of bold moves, especially towards its end. Its surprise third act is actually a delight, even if the end of the second act initially seems like it should be the plot's culmination. The movie often leans into its more horrific aspects by presenting itself as a horror, using music and atmosphere to create some really creepy sequences. It balances this well with its more conventionally romantic moments, which are actually just as creepy in retrospection, that do a good job of conveying the connection between its two focal characters. The whole thing is exceedingly thematically-rich and layered. Not only does it make you think, it actually gets under your skin. It gets in your head and stays there; it's a rewarding experience, for sure. It's a unique, mysterious piece that's engaging throughout. 8/10
128 Reviews
Beast, as the name suggests, is a ferocious psychological indie thriller.
TheMovieDiorama1 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Also named 'Jersey Affair' in certain markets (God knows why, sounds like an American sitcom), is another indie film that not enough people are watching. I went in knowing absolutely nothing. No trailer, no reviews, no ratings...completely blind. A damn good choice if I do say so myself, should do it more often. An odd pair of lovers embark on a vigorous journey of self-discovery where a serial killer hunting young girls is looming on the island they reside in. A rather tantalising and powerful drama that encapsulates the empowering inner rage that takes control of our innocence. Further illustrating the beastly presence within us as this small community are in the midst of a horrific crime. Paranoia, self-control, authority, a psycho-semantic thriller that really left me gasping for air. The heightened nature and attitudes of all the characters is intricately portrayed. At first you may succumb to the initial innocence but then their true animosity comes through. Extremely well crafted and beautifully directed by Pearce who utilises the scenery to add emphasis on the engrossing performances. Buckley was electrifying as a 27 year old woman who is still under rule from her mother who's authoritative command enables her to break away from the family. It's somewhat uncomfortable, which really took me by surprise. The focus on the relationship rather than the crime was paramount in building essential character development. Whilst this did shift during the third act, it was maintained constructively throughout. Some scenes were riddled with ambiguity, such as the funeral, which left me intrigued rather than perplexed. I bought into the psychology of the main character. The ending was slightly underwhelming, I wish they cut the final ten minutes and left them walking into the distance. Also some scenes had horrific natural lighting which was just too dark. However, this was a captivating thriller that both mentally stimulated my mind and made me emotionally involved. Definitely check this out!
Gripping, subtle genius
uberdonkey626 December 2019
Superb acting was necessary for this subtle, gripping and intriguing drama, and it was there. Two leads were superb and you really didn't know who was the murderer, but even more importantly, the way it delved into the psychology of those that have regrets for past bad actions and feelings of lack of support and confinement is excellent.
I don't believe what is being done here has ever been done in a film before, at least not as well, in empathising with characters and behaviours we don't really understand.
Don't worry, this is not a gruesome or horrific or jumpy film. It simply keeps you wondering about the main lead relationship, and especially the female's conflicted feelings between love and trusting whether her charismatic boyfriend is a killer or not; at the same time dealing with her own inner demons and trying to get a taste of freedom and excitement denied to her by her oppressive family.
Excellent writing, excellent story, some subtle but beautiful metaphor (plucking out the single ugly hair on her chin). Nice scenary of Jersey and though a form of 'murder mystery' the depth and character development/understanding gives a far far different feeling than Bergerac.
I recommend this film to adults (children won't understand depth of self questioning characters go through) and those that like an intriguing and realistic and slightly disturbing story. I hope it was a contender for film of the year.
I don't believe what is being done here has ever been done in a film before, at least not as well, in empathising with characters and behaviours we don't really understand.
Don't worry, this is not a gruesome or horrific or jumpy film. It simply keeps you wondering about the main lead relationship, and especially the female's conflicted feelings between love and trusting whether her charismatic boyfriend is a killer or not; at the same time dealing with her own inner demons and trying to get a taste of freedom and excitement denied to her by her oppressive family.
Excellent writing, excellent story, some subtle but beautiful metaphor (plucking out the single ugly hair on her chin). Nice scenary of Jersey and though a form of 'murder mystery' the depth and character development/understanding gives a far far different feeling than Bergerac.
I recommend this film to adults (children won't understand depth of self questioning characters go through) and those that like an intriguing and realistic and slightly disturbing story. I hope it was a contender for film of the year.
A pleasant surprise. Go in blind if you can.
DJKwa12 July 2018
//Revelation Film Festival Review//
A psychological drama that steadily ratchets up tension, Beast is best entered into blind. For those who need a little more persuasion, the story follows a young woman, a mysterious man and a series of unexplained killings in a small seaside town. As both their past mistakes come back to haunt them, is all as it seems?
As Michael Pearce's debut feature, Beast is an assured first effort. Just when you think you know where it's heading it makes you question your assumptions and you'll be second guessing until the very end. A pleasant surprise that's definitely worth checking out.
A psychological drama that steadily ratchets up tension, Beast is best entered into blind. For those who need a little more persuasion, the story follows a young woman, a mysterious man and a series of unexplained killings in a small seaside town. As both their past mistakes come back to haunt them, is all as it seems?
As Michael Pearce's debut feature, Beast is an assured first effort. Just when you think you know where it's heading it makes you question your assumptions and you'll be second guessing until the very end. A pleasant surprise that's definitely worth checking out.
intriguing darkness
SnoopyStyle18 February 2019
Moll is a young woman living at home in a small community. She feels stifled by her family after a tragic incident when she was thirteen. She falls for a passing stranger named Pascal Renouf with a dark side. Young girls are going missing and a serial killer is suspected on the loose.
Jessie Buckley is intriguing. Johnny Flynn is a classic bad boy. All he's missing is a motorcycle. The movie starts with Moll's birthday party. It would be informative to declare loudly Moll's age to fix the power dynamics of her character with her family. I assumed her to be younger at the beginning which makes a big difference. There is a great brooding dark atmosphere. A few of the scenes travel in the style of horrors. I assumed a shocking twist which would have Moll as the killer. That could have been a fun reveal. The ending is fine. It's darkly haunting if a little safe. Overall, this has a great tone and solid performances.
Jessie Buckley is intriguing. Johnny Flynn is a classic bad boy. All he's missing is a motorcycle. The movie starts with Moll's birthday party. It would be informative to declare loudly Moll's age to fix the power dynamics of her character with her family. I assumed her to be younger at the beginning which makes a big difference. There is a great brooding dark atmosphere. A few of the scenes travel in the style of horrors. I assumed a shocking twist which would have Moll as the killer. That could have been a fun reveal. The ending is fine. It's darkly haunting if a little safe. Overall, this has a great tone and solid performances.
Big mood, little payoff -- but a valiant directoral debut.
stormryder_thomas11 September 2018
Feature debut director Michael Pearce brings us a modern gothic romance that showcases an intimate spiral down insanity through its complex characters and eerie atmosphere. Pearce demonstrates an amateur eye with his low-budget approach to locations and static camera work yet shows potential as a new up and comer. The film has a well of thematic complexities that although are imbedded in our lead characters are sometimes too muddled and lost in their toxic relationship that anchors the plot. It's part mystery killer, part forbidden romance that attempts to balance the best of both but falls short of thought provoking enjoyment, straining the audience in the last half to stay engaged.
Beast originally debuted at last year 2017's Toronto Film Festival, finally finishing its festival circuit one year later. So, after a year of generating buzz, how does it flare up? Beast is set in Jersey, a small island town off the coast in the UK that has recently been burdened with mysterious murders and disappearances of three young girls. The story focuses on Moll (Jessie Buckley), a detached and isolated young woman who through her oppressive mother and sick father, is commonly misunderstood by her high-class family. On the evening of her family birthday party, Moll escapes to go out dancing where she meets Pascal (Johnny Flynn), a ruffled yet fascinating young man who she befriends after he saves her from a drunken creep. As their relationship develops, Moll has to fight her inner demons, family conflict and growing suspicions as Pascal becomes a prime suspect for the recent murders.
Jessie Buckley gives a strong, dynamic performance. Moments she is reserved and quiet, acting through subtle body movements and facial expressions, while others she is loud, frightening and does not hold back. The same can be said for Johnny Flynn, who plays the wit and charm of a scruffy Jersey local paired with a darker, more violent side to make his Pascal well rounded. The story's melancholy truly comes through via Buckley, but unfortunately that is all she is, a melancholic mess. As the film progresses the audience is put on a strain, as Moll lacks moments of likeability or relatability. The film chooses to show a bunch of corrupt and damaged people which doesn't leave the audience anyone to latch on to. This lack of engagement makes any ending for these characters unsatisfactory.
Pearce excels in building tension and suspense. His scenes always have a sense of dread and ambiguity. He uses well timed ambient noise and a melodic score that when it isn't obnoxiously drowning an already depressing scene, is where the film stands out, creating a palpably anxious environment that we can't escape, mirroring its claustrophobic mood. There are messages it touches on such as oppression, solace, escape and redemption, but brushes on all four instead of harnessing one well first. It's murder mystery side plot almost seems a waste as it bleeds into the background for most of the film, where it could have easily shared the foreground with the romance. Beast overall is a rich indie effort that has a lot of ideas but seemingly leaves the audience emotionally unengaged, no matter how captivating the leads were. It's a valiant debut for Michael Pearce who although has no distinct style or voice as of yet, Beast shows he has potential.
Beast originally debuted at last year 2017's Toronto Film Festival, finally finishing its festival circuit one year later. So, after a year of generating buzz, how does it flare up? Beast is set in Jersey, a small island town off the coast in the UK that has recently been burdened with mysterious murders and disappearances of three young girls. The story focuses on Moll (Jessie Buckley), a detached and isolated young woman who through her oppressive mother and sick father, is commonly misunderstood by her high-class family. On the evening of her family birthday party, Moll escapes to go out dancing where she meets Pascal (Johnny Flynn), a ruffled yet fascinating young man who she befriends after he saves her from a drunken creep. As their relationship develops, Moll has to fight her inner demons, family conflict and growing suspicions as Pascal becomes a prime suspect for the recent murders.
Jessie Buckley gives a strong, dynamic performance. Moments she is reserved and quiet, acting through subtle body movements and facial expressions, while others she is loud, frightening and does not hold back. The same can be said for Johnny Flynn, who plays the wit and charm of a scruffy Jersey local paired with a darker, more violent side to make his Pascal well rounded. The story's melancholy truly comes through via Buckley, but unfortunately that is all she is, a melancholic mess. As the film progresses the audience is put on a strain, as Moll lacks moments of likeability or relatability. The film chooses to show a bunch of corrupt and damaged people which doesn't leave the audience anyone to latch on to. This lack of engagement makes any ending for these characters unsatisfactory.
Pearce excels in building tension and suspense. His scenes always have a sense of dread and ambiguity. He uses well timed ambient noise and a melodic score that when it isn't obnoxiously drowning an already depressing scene, is where the film stands out, creating a palpably anxious environment that we can't escape, mirroring its claustrophobic mood. There are messages it touches on such as oppression, solace, escape and redemption, but brushes on all four instead of harnessing one well first. It's murder mystery side plot almost seems a waste as it bleeds into the background for most of the film, where it could have easily shared the foreground with the romance. Beast overall is a rich indie effort that has a lot of ideas but seemingly leaves the audience emotionally unengaged, no matter how captivating the leads were. It's a valiant debut for Michael Pearce who although has no distinct style or voice as of yet, Beast shows he has potential.
Wow... that was intense!
sunlounge291 December 2020
What a great movie: storytelling, sounddesign and photography was spot on to contribute to each scene. I honestly didn't expect that quality before watching it! And I haven't been that captivated by a movie for a long time!
The acting was just top notch all around! Jessie Buckley's performance in particular was breathtaking and intense! I've known her from Taboo, but I guess I will have to check out the rest of her work now!
Highly recommended if you like movies that don't follow the beaten track of predictable character development and lazy storylines!
Inconsistent Thriller
swodder12 December 2018
The film starts well and I was looking forward to an atmospheric thriller. However I never believed in the serial killer plot line and found the way that this was integrated into the main storyline to be inconsistent.
The depiction of the small town community on the island is easily the best part of the film. The mother-daughter relationship showed early promise but got side-tracked in favour of the serial killer plot to the film's detriment.
The depiction of the small town community on the island is easily the best part of the film. The mother-daughter relationship showed early promise but got side-tracked in favour of the serial killer plot to the film's detriment.
Very Intriguing Thriller
u-emoli15 February 2020
Promising debut
spencergrande630 April 2018
This movie is somehow slightly worse than the sum of its parts. There is a genuine sense of direction and theme to this film, even if it doesn't really go anywhere all that interesting. The plain story belies the surprisingly adept filmmaking and strong central performances. The two leads have really believable chemistry. The story just isn't up to snuff with the rest of the film and the beast metaphors are applied way too thickly for something so obvious.
Another Gem.
saschultz-562088 September 2018
You can always rely on the British to make great movies. There is just something about the landscapes , soundtrack and depth of it all, that makes you realize that you are watching quality.
I really enjoyed this movie. It was real and the acting was great. A dark tale of love , mistakes , judgements and the " beast " in all of us. I always gauge a movie on how long I think about it after it's over. This one had my attention. I think too many people go into the story too much and explain an opinion. I think if you lean a bit to the dark side of entertainment , take this one for a spin .
I really enjoyed this movie. It was real and the acting was great. A dark tale of love , mistakes , judgements and the " beast " in all of us. I always gauge a movie on how long I think about it after it's over. This one had my attention. I think too many people go into the story too much and explain an opinion. I think if you lean a bit to the dark side of entertainment , take this one for a spin .
A gripping yet cautionary tale.
lizxypopcornkid12 October 2020
This Film has such a disturbing tone, a tone I have never felt nor heard in any other film.
We know something is off between our two main characters, yet we don't know what.
Jessica Buckley has already won a BAFTA, and I can promise you now she will most certainly have an Oscar in the next few years or at least will be nominated for one.
She is a serious talent !
Inconsistent
lighterthanair-825695 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Great acting, beautiful scenery - makes me want to visit Jersey- but the end was inconsistent with the previous character development. I get why she went for the n'er-do-well Pascal; to escape from, or rebel from her overbearing mother. But her actions in the final scene don't fit in, or better put, don't make sense, so the scene was probably created for shock value. And she left no recourse for the innocent portuguese farmer, who will probably get killed in prison? That's not the same character we saw for the first 1.5 hours. A more cohesive ending would have made it a 6 or a 7.
Jessie Buckley is a force of nature.
TxMike4 December 2020
My first exposure to Jessie Buckley was the movie "Wild Rose", and I became an instant fan. A gifted singer also, her acting really is a force of nature, she is that good.
Here she is 20-something Moll, still living with her parents in the family home, and working as a guide with a tour bus. We gradually learn she has had some issues, at 13 was expelled from school for stabbing a classmate with scissors.
Now she is having a birthday party at home, gets agitated, and just leaves to go to a dance hall. The next morning she meets Johnny Flynn as seemingly dangerous Pascal Renouf with rifle and rabbits he poached. She eventually learns he has some past misdeeds also. Now local girls are turning up dead and some locals suspect Pascal.
But he and Moll seem perfect for each other, both troubled souls, and they fall in love, much to the disapproval of her family and friends.
This is such a well-told and well-acted movie, and as the last half hour draws to a close new things are revealed that lead up to an unexpected conclusion.
A really good movie.
Here she is 20-something Moll, still living with her parents in the family home, and working as a guide with a tour bus. We gradually learn she has had some issues, at 13 was expelled from school for stabbing a classmate with scissors.
Now she is having a birthday party at home, gets agitated, and just leaves to go to a dance hall. The next morning she meets Johnny Flynn as seemingly dangerous Pascal Renouf with rifle and rabbits he poached. She eventually learns he has some past misdeeds also. Now local girls are turning up dead and some locals suspect Pascal.
But he and Moll seem perfect for each other, both troubled souls, and they fall in love, much to the disapproval of her family and friends.
This is such a well-told and well-acted movie, and as the last half hour draws to a close new things are revealed that lead up to an unexpected conclusion.
A really good movie.
Deliberate, chilling and satisfying
nancyldraper8 October 2021
As you may know, I often discover films when I dip into the filmography of an actor that is new to me. In this case, it is that of the talented Irish actor, Jessie Buckley (and I will definitely be following her career). The writing of this film is subtle although the topic is brutal. I was often surprised where the writers took us, which involved a few false trail and pseudo-endings before the credits rolled. The casting was superb as was their performance. The tone of abandonment was chilling. The pacing is deliberate and pensive. It is totally worth finding this film. I give it a 7 (very good) out of 10. {Thrilling Crime Mystery}
Good but could have been so much better.
bonzodog-2947518 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Got off to a great start and does keep you wondering 'who done it'. But then drifts and loses itself trying to be too clever. A couple of things bothered me right from the start. Pascal intervenes when she is being assaulted but she gives Pascal an alibi when my prime suspect would be the guy trying to force himself upon her. Why didn't she explain that? Anyway, leaving that aside, oh, and apart from the fact she lays in a muddy grave all night, but next morning walks down the road in a clean dress. Oh, and the fact that the detective clearly said DNA evidence was all over them, and pointed to the Potuguese guy, (that really bugged me!) So how come Pascal says yes, when she asks if he'd done it (wish I'd had the subtitles I couldn't really hear what he said when asked, even listening on headphones!) I thought he'd said 'it's over' meaning he would split with her, but then it seems he said 'they meant nothing to me'? I had a feeling one would kill the other afterwards. Still very watchable apart from being 15 mins too long and those small points I mentioned.
A tense, alluring and brutal coming-of-age affair
hughrcarson12 September 2018
There's something a little peculiar about the Channel Island of Jersey. Unless you've visited there, its hard to properly convey its unique combination of oddity and charm, a curious blend that serves perfectly as the backdrop to Michael Pearce's atmospheric thriller, Beast.
Moll lives with her parents in their large house within a small community on the island. Her questionable past and apparent lack of real direction in life is in stark contrast to her squeaky clean sister, Polly (Shannon Tarbet), who lives a picture-perfect lifestyle with her pilot husband, much to the delight of the girls' rather judgemental mother. Whereas Polly has moved away from the shackles of the family home, Moll remains, under the protective - bordering on oppressive - watch of her mother who expects at the very least for Moll to toe the family line and help out with caring for her dementia-afflicted father.
Not entirely unreasonable requests you'd agree, though Moll's erratic nature proves to be frequently at odds with her Mother's simple demands.
A bizarre, fractious encounter on a night out, however, leads to the beginnings of a passionate fling between Moll and a mysterious local lad, Pascal. But Pascal harbours a criminal past, and with an as yet unidentified killer at large on the island, the eyes of the law are now firmly trained upon this somewhat shady Channel Islander; and through her association with him, Moll soon finds herself also under unwanted scrutiny.
Moll and Pascal are two kindred spirits, with dark pasts and inner demons. Together they share a passionate union based upon unconditional support and trust, which only serves to increasingly ostracise them from the island's polite society.
Brutal re-imaginings of Moll's own particular unsavoury past are illustrated by way of graphic dream-like sequences in which she becomes not the perpetrator, but the victim. A sort of guilt-ridden interpretation of her own enduring shame, perhaps?
Beast is a sort of tense and alluring coming-of-age affair. Whilst by strict definition it would probably be considered a murder mystery, it rarely ever feels like any sort of conventional whodunit, but more like a psychological probing and evaluation of confused minds.
Jessie Buckley is a tremendous piece of casting. All curly bobbed red hair, unworthiness and self-loathing, her sense of not belonging is palpable. Johnny Flynn's rather visceral portrayal of the wiry scruff, Pascal, is simultaneously mysterious, devious and charming, whilst Geraldine James puts in a perfectly judged performance as Moll's cold and controlling mother, Hilary.
In slight criticism, I'm left in two minds as to whether the increasingly visceral nature of Buckley's performance as the piece develops - particularly in relation to her mind's own descent into a very dark place - is artistically inspired or in fact rather overly self-indulgent. And the whole 're-invigorated, independent powerful woman in film' routine, which seems to accompany just about every film narrative at present, is perhaps losing its impact now through over-saturation.
Two small points to consider, but no matter, Michael Pearce's Beast is undeniably a most impressive debut feature, whetting the appetite, we hope, for more to come.
This and hundreds of other films are reviewed on my WaywardWolfBlog
Moll lives with her parents in their large house within a small community on the island. Her questionable past and apparent lack of real direction in life is in stark contrast to her squeaky clean sister, Polly (Shannon Tarbet), who lives a picture-perfect lifestyle with her pilot husband, much to the delight of the girls' rather judgemental mother. Whereas Polly has moved away from the shackles of the family home, Moll remains, under the protective - bordering on oppressive - watch of her mother who expects at the very least for Moll to toe the family line and help out with caring for her dementia-afflicted father.
Not entirely unreasonable requests you'd agree, though Moll's erratic nature proves to be frequently at odds with her Mother's simple demands.
A bizarre, fractious encounter on a night out, however, leads to the beginnings of a passionate fling between Moll and a mysterious local lad, Pascal. But Pascal harbours a criminal past, and with an as yet unidentified killer at large on the island, the eyes of the law are now firmly trained upon this somewhat shady Channel Islander; and through her association with him, Moll soon finds herself also under unwanted scrutiny.
Moll and Pascal are two kindred spirits, with dark pasts and inner demons. Together they share a passionate union based upon unconditional support and trust, which only serves to increasingly ostracise them from the island's polite society.
Brutal re-imaginings of Moll's own particular unsavoury past are illustrated by way of graphic dream-like sequences in which she becomes not the perpetrator, but the victim. A sort of guilt-ridden interpretation of her own enduring shame, perhaps?
Beast is a sort of tense and alluring coming-of-age affair. Whilst by strict definition it would probably be considered a murder mystery, it rarely ever feels like any sort of conventional whodunit, but more like a psychological probing and evaluation of confused minds.
Jessie Buckley is a tremendous piece of casting. All curly bobbed red hair, unworthiness and self-loathing, her sense of not belonging is palpable. Johnny Flynn's rather visceral portrayal of the wiry scruff, Pascal, is simultaneously mysterious, devious and charming, whilst Geraldine James puts in a perfectly judged performance as Moll's cold and controlling mother, Hilary.
In slight criticism, I'm left in two minds as to whether the increasingly visceral nature of Buckley's performance as the piece develops - particularly in relation to her mind's own descent into a very dark place - is artistically inspired or in fact rather overly self-indulgent. And the whole 're-invigorated, independent powerful woman in film' routine, which seems to accompany just about every film narrative at present, is perhaps losing its impact now through over-saturation.
Two small points to consider, but no matter, Michael Pearce's Beast is undeniably a most impressive debut feature, whetting the appetite, we hope, for more to come.
This and hundreds of other films are reviewed on my WaywardWolfBlog
Powerful and disturbing
jamespope30 January 2019
A really interesting and well made crime/thriller focussed on an outsider romance. Much more to it though than just a doomed affair story: intense and convincing character portrayals keep this always enagaging and unexpected. Excellent and gripping performance by the two leads, but the whole cast contributes to the mood of twisted darkness and danger throughout the film.
Spoiled by ending
philipfoxe11 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is an interesting and edgy film, with a very convincing turn by Buckley who convinces as a genuinely disturbed young woman who is alienated by her snobby controlling family. She meets the roguish and handsome Pascal who gives her excitement and freedom away from her family. The backdrop is a serial killer and Pascal is in the frame. There is an interesting but where she is convinced he is the killer and offers him forgiveness and love. It does appear he confesses just to please her but this leads to a sudden ending which feels rather like the scriptwriter walked off or they ran out of money. Shame.
Dark, moody, and as good as you think it would be.
soelir15 February 2020
I had wanted to see this for ages. I finally caught it on E4. The adverts sucked, but the film was even better than I anticipated. I knew it would be good, but figured I'd be let down. Not so. I'm looking forward to watching it again (without the ads).
Intriguing thriller/psychological drama, with stellar debut lead role from Jessie Buckley
paul-allaer28 May 2018
"Beast" (2017 release from the UK) brings the story of Moll, a woman in her mid-20s. As the movie opens, we see Moll participating in her church choir practice, led by an older lady who turns out to be her mom. Next day, it's Moll's birthday but she's not enjoying herself at the cookout party, and instead goes to the local pub where she meets a guy, and they dance and walk all night. The next morning when the guy tries to impose himself on her, Moll is rescued by another guy, named Pascal. Pascal and Moll hit it off immediately. Meanwhile, in a parallel story, the isle of Jersey is rocked once again when a 15 yr. old girl goes missing that same day of Moll's cookout party. It's the 4th girl in a row... At this point we're less than 15 minutes into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length debut film from writer-director Michael Pearce. Here he brings a plot-heavy mystery thriller/psychological drama in which we ask several questions: how did Moll end up living at her parents' house in her mid-20s, with her mom ruling the household with an iron fist? what to make of Pascal, and is he possibly connected with the disappeared girls? and what does the future hold between Moll and Pascal? The movie is set and filmed on the isle of Jersey, off the coast of northwestern France. I have never been there, and it looks to be much bigger than I had imagined it (Moll is a tourist bus tour guide, incidentally). Pearce works mostly with a cast of unknowns (the only one i recognized was Geraldine James as Moll's mom). And what to say about Jessie Buckley, the Irish actress/performer in her debut lead role as Moll. She is in virtually every frame of the movie, and she carries the movie on her shoulders, and with might, I should add. Surely we haven't seen the last of her.
"Beast" premiered at last Fall's Toronto International Film Festival, to immediate critical acclaim. The movie opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended quite nicely, somewhat to my surprise. If you are in the mood for a quality mystery thriller/psychological drama with a ferocious female lead performance, you could do a lot worse than "Beast". I readily recommend you check it out, be it in the theater, non VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length debut film from writer-director Michael Pearce. Here he brings a plot-heavy mystery thriller/psychological drama in which we ask several questions: how did Moll end up living at her parents' house in her mid-20s, with her mom ruling the household with an iron fist? what to make of Pascal, and is he possibly connected with the disappeared girls? and what does the future hold between Moll and Pascal? The movie is set and filmed on the isle of Jersey, off the coast of northwestern France. I have never been there, and it looks to be much bigger than I had imagined it (Moll is a tourist bus tour guide, incidentally). Pearce works mostly with a cast of unknowns (the only one i recognized was Geraldine James as Moll's mom). And what to say about Jessie Buckley, the Irish actress/performer in her debut lead role as Moll. She is in virtually every frame of the movie, and she carries the movie on her shoulders, and with might, I should add. Surely we haven't seen the last of her.
"Beast" premiered at last Fall's Toronto International Film Festival, to immediate critical acclaim. The movie opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Sunday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended quite nicely, somewhat to my surprise. If you are in the mood for a quality mystery thriller/psychological drama with a ferocious female lead performance, you could do a lot worse than "Beast". I readily recommend you check it out, be it in the theater, non VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.
A thrilling and inventive film
mveal30 April 2018
I enjoyed this film. Just when you think the crime genre has run out of original ideas along comes Beast with its entirely fresh take on a seemingly conventional story.
The direction of Beast was often striking, the film had a good script and the acting by all of the performers was top notch.
My attention isn't always held at the cinema, even good films have their boring bits. I'm happy to say that Beast transfixed me from beginning to end. Many of the film's scenes will stay with me for a long time.
An innovative and haunting thriller, if you like imaginative cinema I highly recommend it.
The direction of Beast was often striking, the film had a good script and the acting by all of the performers was top notch.
My attention isn't always held at the cinema, even good films have their boring bits. I'm happy to say that Beast transfixed me from beginning to end. Many of the film's scenes will stay with me for a long time.
An innovative and haunting thriller, if you like imaginative cinema I highly recommend it.
Stupid negative reviews.
rjgimdb20 August 2018
Anyone who is a fan of intelligent horror/thriller will enjoy this.
Jessie Buckley is amazing in this and I will be looking forward to her future work.
FWIW, I also loved Witch and Wake Wood which were also badly trolled.
FWIW, I also loved Witch and Wake Wood which were also badly trolled.
A slow Beast
lukeh2318 August 2018
Well I won't be getting this evening back.
After reading the reviews I expected this movie to be either disturbing , shocking or somehow something out of the ordinary, perhaps twists and turns or clever spin maybe. What I got instead, was a slow moving film with an obvious plot, that played out to its obvious ending.
It's one of those films, where you press the pause button to check how far you're in, to then see its a third of the way through and so say to yourself "oh c'mon do something, anything", yet it still continues to roll on with the same single tiered plot.
After reading the reviews I expected this movie to be either disturbing , shocking or somehow something out of the ordinary, perhaps twists and turns or clever spin maybe. What I got instead, was a slow moving film with an obvious plot, that played out to its obvious ending.
It's one of those films, where you press the pause button to check how far you're in, to then see its a third of the way through and so say to yourself "oh c'mon do something, anything", yet it still continues to roll on with the same single tiered plot.
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