Beast (2018)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  Beast, as the name suggests, is a ferocious psychological indie thriller. 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!

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