Beast

As you may know, I often discover films when I dip into the filmography of an actor that is new to me. In this case, it is that of the talented Irish actor, Jessie Buckley (and I will definitely be following her career). The writing of this film is subtle although the topic is brutal. I was often surprised where the writers took us, which involved a few false trail and pseudo-endings before the credits rolled. The casting was superb as was their performance. The tone of abandonment was chilling. The pacing is deliberate and pensive. It is totally worth finding this film. I give it a 7 (very good) out of 10. {Thrilling Crime Mystery}

What a great movie: storytelling, sounddesign and photography was spot on to contribute to each scene. I honestly didn't expect that quality before watching it! And I haven't been that captivated by a movie for a long time! The acting was just top notch all around! Jessie Buckley's performance in particular was breathtaking and intense! I've known her from Taboo, but I guess I will have to check out the rest of her work now! Highly recommended if you like movies that don't follow the beaten track of predictable character development and lazy storylines!

I enjoyed this film. Just when you think the crime genre has run out of original ideas along comes Beast with its entirely fresh take on a seemingly conventional story.

The direction of Beast was often striking, the film had a good script and the acting by all of the performers was top notch.

My attention isn't always held at the cinema, even good films have their boring bits. I'm happy to say that Beast transfixed me from beginning to end. Many of the film's scenes will stay with me for a long time.

An innovative and haunting thriller, if you like imaginative cinema I highly recommend it.

//Revelation Film Festival Review//

A psychological drama that steadily ratchets up tension, Beast is best entered into blind. For those who need a little more persuasion, the story follows a young woman, a mysterious man and a series of unexplained killings in a small seaside town. As both their past mistakes come back to haunt them, is all as it seems?

As Michael Pearce's debut feature, Beast is an assured first effort. Just when you think you know where it's heading it makes you question your assumptions and you'll be second guessing until the very end. A pleasant surprise that's definitely worth checking out.

My first exposure to Jessie Buckley was the movie "Wild Rose", and I became an instant fan. A gifted singer also, her acting really is a force of nature, she is that good.

Here she is 20-something Moll, still living with her parents in the family home, and working as a guide with a tour bus. We gradually learn she has had some issues, at 13 was expelled from school for stabbing a classmate with scissors.

Now she is having a birthday party at home, gets agitated, and just leaves to go to a dance hall. The next morning she meets Johnny Flynn as seemingly dangerous Pascal Renouf with rifle and rabbits he poached. She eventually learns he has some past misdeeds also. Now local girls are turning up dead and some locals suspect Pascal.

But he and Moll seem perfect for each other, both troubled souls, and they fall in love, much to the disapproval of her family and friends.

This is such a well-told and well-acted movie, and as the last half hour draws to a close new things are revealed that lead up to an unexpected conclusion.

A really good movie.