August Keller

@WritesAugust

From arresting visuals to piercing dialogue, Michael Pearce’s Beast is a symphony of thrills and chills. Pearce’s vision is crystal-clear as he guides us through a web of red-hot passion and ice-cold abuse. This vision is only elevated by the spectacular performance of the lead, Jessie Buckley, who vividly embodies these two sentiments and proudly drives the film. It can be difficult for a film to remain so thoroughly mysterious but the unity of all its working parts makes Beast a firm victory.

While Beast may sometimes get bogged down in familiar plot-points, everything comes to fruition because the movie is ultimately playing a delicate game with our expectations. Greatly offsetting those familiar points are moments that turn everything upside. Displayed with expert craftsmanship (namely the scenic and cerebral cinematography), these moments create an air of true uncertainty. Authentic and raw, this twisted journey is one that will have viewers guessing until the very end. Brilliantly executed in a variety of measures, Beast is a ferocious yet gratifying ride.

Writing: 9/10

Direction: 8/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Acting: 9/10

Editing: 7/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 8/10

Production Design: 7/10

Casting: 9/10

Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 8.1/10