Beast

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2:26

Beast

R

Released May 11, 2018

1h 47m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

144 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

In a small island community, a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of murders, she defends him at all costs.

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Critics Consensus

Beast plays like bleak poetry, unfurling its psychological thrills while guided by its captivating leads and mesmerizing, visceral visuals.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

The leads deliver affecting, nuanced performances, which gives heft to the psychological insights.

Mar 5, 2020

Full Review

Meagan Navarro

Bloody Disgusting

The tonal shift undoes what amounts to one of the more interesting origins of a serial killer in the making. A thriller without much thrills, Beast is a thought-provoking character study and sort of a dark fairy tale.

Rated: 2.5/5

Dec 5, 2018

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David Stratton

The Australian

Beast is a skilful debut from Pearce and a mostly satisfying example of suspense created out of mundane incidents and everyday events.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 14, 2018

Full Review

Charlotte Harrison

Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies

An intriguing and atmospheric gem.

Aug 6, 2021

Full Review

Milana Vujkov

Lola On Film

Silver bullet of dark erotica, fertile pathology, a sunlit and soiled mystical union of shadows and light.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 29, 2021

Full Review

David Bax

Battleship Pretension

Beast's unfiltered tactility can alternate between warm and painful. Oh, and there's plenty of cinematic rainfall to boot.

Dec 10, 2020

Full Review

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Iamwhoi M

Bleak is the word that comes to mind when describing this film. It seems like the world is just one bleak, damp, foggy place. I won't be watching this movie again. The story itself sounded interesting; but most of the action takes place inside the ain character's head. The surprise at the end is just more of the same, as the movie limps to it's conclusion.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/29/24

Full Review

Vander A

Jessie Buckley is a pretty incredible talent but even the best of actors can't overcome bad storytelling whether writing or directing and this is that case. Can't believe the 92% here. It's just not so. They must have watched a different movie. Staying with the movie hoping it will get better doesn't work. I'm really sorry I stayed till the end. It's not worth anyone's 90 minutes or more.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

09/04/24

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Mark M

There were some super powerful moments in this movie for me. When they told each other they loved each other was some of the best acting I've ever seen. Pascal had a James Dean feel to himself on screen. He needed her to be something special for him. And she was - right up until she wasn't. The ending of this movie really needed to be better and way different than how they played it out.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

Full Review

Aldis H

It's a bit slow, but that's a thing with filmmakers; most just have to have scenes that are too long–the couple dancing, playing, making love, etc. It's the visual equivalent of needless descriptive passages in books that should be omitted. It's an accepted part of film, though, and while it might be beautifully shot, it bores me to tears. The best films are the ones that hurtle forward. This one doesn't, but it serves up a tantalizing and subversive story that's worth a watch. James is ridiculous as the controlling mother, and I'll watch anything Buckley is in.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

Sarah D

Beast is exactly what I look for in a movie. Dynamic female lead, and themes of sexuality and morality. It tackles the complicated relationship with an emotionally abusive family, the desperate desire to be loved, and how we punish oneself and others. A covert thrill that satisfies.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/11/24

Full Review

Jenna S

Almost a good film. Sadly the ending let it down.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

Full Review

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Michael Pearce

Director

Jessie Buckley

Moll

Geraldine James

Hilary

Johnny Flynn

Pascal

Charley Palmer Rothwell

Leigh

Hattie Gotobed

Jade

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Beast: Trailer 1

2:26

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Synopsis

In a small island community, a troubled young woman falls for a mysterious outsider who empowers her to escape her oppressive family. When he comes under suspicion for a series of murders, she defends him at all costs.

Director: Michael Pearce
Producer: Kristian Brodie, Lauren Dark, Ivana Mackinnon
Screenwriter: Michael Pearce
Distributor: 30West, Roadside Attractions
Production Co: BFI Film Fund, Film4, Roadside Attractions, Entertainment One, British Film Institute, Les Films Séville
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Violent Content|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Horror, Romance
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): May 11, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 21, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $793.4K
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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