Its anti-poaching messaging remains only surface level, but the performances led by Idris Elba are convincing, and it’s well crafted in its visual storytelling. But the attempts at B-movie thrills mostly succeed, and the characterization goes farther than expected in keeping you invested. The lines of morality get drawn a bit too clearly in the sand, making it clear who’s destined for death and not. Humans, once again, are ultimately responsible for the destruction here, and Beast doesn’t entirely reset the laws of nature or quench the righteous vengeance. Norah’s quick thinking saves the day a few times, and she also accurately predicts plot points that get dismissed due to her young age. Of the central characters, Jeffries’ Norah demonstrates an astuteness and cunning that her older counterparts frequently lack. It’s exacerbated by a teen daughter prone to making poor decisions befitting of a horror character that leaves you screaming in frustration. While Nate’s medical expertise comes in handy on multiple points, he’s over his head regarding surviving nature and ferocious beasts. It’s a nod to the trauma of losing mom, of course, but contributes nothing other than slowing down the pacing in parts and one lackluster attempt at a scare. What works against this is the strange use of dream sequences, employed repeatedly without adding much to the story. (from left) Nathan (Idris Elba), Martin (Sharlto Copley), Mare (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries) in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The filmmaker also keeps things visually interesting with a constant change of scenery and set pieces. He makes excellent use of the location, and the animal VFX looks great. Kormákur wrings tension out of multiple harrowing encounters, human and lion alike. Dehydration, no signal, isolation, an almost supernatural force of nature, injuries, and morally corrupt characters thwart the easy road to salvation.ĭirector Baltasar Kormákur effectively keeps the audience in the present, using tracking shots to heighten the sense of urgency.
Engle sets up a series of obstacles for the family – and family friend – to work through that breed suspense. The central conflict between dad and children sets the narrative down a predictable path, but the survival element provides the tension and surprises. Written by Ryan Engle from a story by Jaime Primak Sullivan, Beast wastes no time getting to the eco-survivalist thrills. (from left) Meredith Samuels (Iyana Halley) and Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley) in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur. They quickly find themselves stranded and hunted by the rogue lion hellbent on destroying everything in its path. The strained family looks to family friend Martin ( Sharlto Copley ), a wildlife preservationist, to guide them through South Africa and mom’s past.
Older daughter Mere harbors feelings of abandonment by dad, while sensitive Norah wants to maintain the peace. More than just a means of feeling closer to mom after her death, it’s a chance for Nate to reconnect with his daughters. Nate Samuels ( Idris Elba ) brings his two daughters, Mere ( Iyana Halley ) and Norah ( Leah Sava Jeffries ), to South Africa to visit their late mother’s childhood home. The Orca -like setup instantly sways allegiances in the lion’s favor and follows a straightforward formula, but the care put into its characters and propulsive thrills keep you engaged.ĭr. In this case, a lion prowling the African bush after poachers ruthlessly slaughtered its entire pride. Much like 1977’s Orca, Beast begins with a cruel inciting event that births an unrelenting force of revenge that unleashes its wrath upon all those who cross its path. Bloody Disgusting’s Beast review is spoiler-free.
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