A Missed Opportunity for an Exciting B-Movie
Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, attempts to explore the realm of animal horror with Idris Elba at the helm. While the film incorporates B-movie aesthetics and relies on Elba’s acting prowess, it ultimately falls short in terms of inspiration and fails to captivate its audience. Harking back to the days of influential low-budget pictures, such as those produced by Roger Corman, who mentored and launched the careers of esteemed filmmakers, Beast attempts to emulate the restraint and appeal of B-movies. However, unlike its predecessors, Beast fails to strike the right balance, with its dependence on Hollywood-esque gloss limiting its authenticity.
A Simple Plot and Minimal Character Development
The plot of Beast is simple and concise, revolving around Dr. Nate Daniels (Idris Elba) and his daughters, Norah and Meredith, as they find themselves trapped in a South African reserve, pursued by a bloodthirsty lion. The film wastes no time in diving into the action, focusing on horror-filled sequences and suspenseful encounters. It begins with an intense scene where illegal hunters become the hunted, pitted against a relentless lion. This sets the stage for a thrilling narrative, as the audience expects engaging horror-action sequences and relatable characters to root for.
An Intense Encounter with the Beast
Beast delivers on its promise of heart-pounding moments. The initial confrontation between the humans and the lion is expertly shot, evoking a sense of being trapped alongside the characters. Through long takes and minimal editing, the tension builds, creating a feeling of claustrophobia and an impending sense of doom. The camera maneuvers skillfully through the vast reserve, enhancing the audience’s unease and ensuring there seems to be no escape. The film excels in creating a ferocious and muscular atmosphere, leading up to an anticipated mano-a-mano encounter between man and beast.
A Rapid Descent into Mediocrity
However, the excitement and thrill of the initial sequences quickly wane as the film progresses. The subsequent scenes lack suspense and fail to entertain as effectively as the opening confrontation. Beast is hindered by the characters’ illogical decisions, which elicit frustration rather than empathy. The reliance on tired horror tropes further detracts from the overall impact. Additionally, the film falters in its visual effects, with the lion appearing unrealistic and lacking the necessary fear-inducing presence. This issue limits the audience’s engagement, as the central antagonist fails to inspire genuine terror.
A Costly Production with Missed Potential
Despite its intention to capture the essence of a B-movie, Beast falls short of its aspirations. Costing nearly 40 million dollars, the film’s high production value inadvertently diminishes the gritty charm that often accompanies this genre. The Hollywood gloss is ever-present, giving Beast a visually crisp and expensive look, but ultimately detracting from its potential as a genre film. While Idris Elba delivers strong performances in the dramatic moments, it is not enough to salvage a feature that lacks the excitement and interest necessary for a successful thriller.
Conclusion
Beast struggles to break free from its constraints and reach its full potential as a gripping animal-horror thriller. While it initially captures the essence of a B-movie, the film loses its way, succumbing to Hollywood aesthetics and failing to maintain the gritty appeal that it promised. Audiences seeking a thrilling and suspenseful horror experience may find Beast somewhat disappointing.
Beast Movie Review
Summary
Beast wrestles to liberate itself from limitations, aiming to attain its zenith as a captivating animal-horror thriller. While initially embracing B-movie vibes, the film veers off course, surrendering to Hollywood’s gloss and forsaking the raw allure it pledged. Those in pursuit of a riveting and tense horror escapade might encounter a degree of letdown in Beast’s offering.
