Very simply, it's a sin that 'The beast must die' (or as the Spanish title would have it, 'La bestia debe morir') isn't more well known - this is an absolutely incredible film noir, handily matching the best of Hollywood or any comparable industry. Accordingly co-written between hard-working star Narciso Ibáñez Menta and director Román Viñoly Barreto, the adapted screenplay is truly outstanding - rich, dynamic, charged, and rife with robust detail in all regards. Characters are wonderfully deep and complex, and the dialogue is fantastically brilliant - sharp, and clever. Scenes are exquisitely arranged - finding the perfect balance between what to show, and what to withhold, as to build marvelous uneasy tension and suspense. And the narrative is superbly engrossing - compelling, and deftly weaving in impactful emotional beats and just enough mystery to keep us unsure of just how it will all unfold.
The cast is exceptional in bringing their characters to life. Each and every actor demonstrates great range and nuance - even the child actors - and even in parts with much less time on screen. Jorge Rattery is a truly despicable villain, one of the worst devils I've seen in a movie, and Guillermo Battaglia embodies him with immediately loathsome spite in every word and action, and even in presence alone. Linda Lawson is a troubled woman caught at an unenviable crossroads, and Laura Hidalgo inhabits the role with fabulous poise and emotional breadth. Though not seen quite as much, it's also well worth mentioning Milagros de la Vega and Beba Bidart, both bringing a certain conniving viciousness in very different ways to their respective roles as Señora Rattery and Rhoda, respectively. And then of course there's Ibáñez Menta. In realizing protagonist Felix Lane, Ibáñez Menta illustrates profound, calculated subtlety and poise, feeling everything but betraying very little. Lane is a man of very careful intelligence - and clearly, so is Ibáñez Menta; so naturally does he slide into the role that one may at times forget the portrayal and the player are not one and the same. Hats off to them all!
Great care is put into every little aspect - set design and decoration, hair, makeup, costume design, and so on. A few instances with especially strong consideration for lighting, editing, or effects are done very well. And it's all tied together with a keen eye from Viñoly Barreto in his capacity as director, with some especially great shots making use of unconventional angles, close-ups, and more. The screenplay itself and the whole cast do so much to bring the picture to fruition, but Viñoly Barreto can surely also be credited with helping to draw out such excellent performances, and ensuring 'The beast must die' turned out as the wonderfully affecting, absorbing, satisfying tale that it is.
I find it difficult to write more without going in circles or revealing plot points. It was really only by chance that I came across this; Argentinean cinema isn't exactly a common sight in the US in any way. I'm so glad I did, though - it's clear that the production was approached with substantial passion and fastidiousness from everyone involved, and their dedication paid off handsomely. Once again: I think this stands tall with the best film noir that any country's film industry to offer, and it's hard not to think that it's broadly overlooked simply on account of originating from the global south. With all this having been said, it's a terrible mistake to pass on watching 'The beast must die' if you have the chance - wherever and however you can, this is well worth your time. Very highly recommended!
