Beat

I heard the Director Jye Currie speak after another screening just recently in Bathurst. His passion for filmmaking is contagious. He shared his journey of becoming a director and spoke about his first film (which I believe this is it) so I made a point to watch it.

Very impressed with the craftsmanship, the picture is phenomenal. It really feels like a big budget film. What shocked me the most was the performances. I wasn't expecting so many deep emotions, I'm impressed.

I think the best part for me is knowing the root of the story and how it came about. Very motivating. Beat is a fun movie that all Australian should watch.

Beat is about a homeless man and an aspiring musician brought together by fate, with a surprising ending.

I love the idea of the story, it's a new idea to me and has the potential to be inspiring and uplifting.

However, throughout the film there is some very odd dialogue which stood out enough to spoil the flow of the movie. There are also some scenes which go on too long, and as they are at that point unexplained, they just serve to make me impatient and bored.

There is some great acting throughout by Jensen but apart from her the roles are mediocre all the way down to Dr Mordon, who's acting and dialogue are both abysmal.

If you go into this film expecting a decent B movie you won't be disappointed.

This movie shows us what can be born when someone takes a risk, when someone creates a story they believe should be told, when someone expresses to the world a part of themselves. I applaud the director for creating an original story, one of depth and clarity. At times I did feel the independent story but for a debut it's a very solid piece. The acting is world class and the cinematography complements the performance in a way that is grounding.

The music is the heart of this film. Ellie (the lead actress) expresses her inner struggles, challenges and emotions to the audience through her musical performances. We know exactly what she is feeling and where she is emotionally from this and I think it's very clever.

I gave Beat a go and I'm glad I did. The acting is amazing. Every main character felt real and believable and I was drawn in straight away. Definitely a 10 out of 10 on that front.

The music is what really stood out.. Its actually part of the story. Some of the piano scenes gave me goosebumps. You can tell a lot of thought went into it and it adds so much feeling.

The story though didn't quite hit the same level. It's not bad but it felt like it needed a bit more. Some parts didn't go deep enough. I get that it was trying to be led by the music and emotion but I just wanted a little more from the plot to really connect with it.

That said it's a great film with some beautiful moments. It's not perfect but it leaves an impression. Worth watching for the performances and the music alone.

Absolutely loved this movie.

The music that drives the story is spectacular, I found the way I connected to Ellie was very unique and not like other films, she didn't have a moment that made me fall in love with her yet I feel so connected with her (perhaps through her imperfections) I can somehow see myself in her.

I didn't quite like how the world treated the homeless man, I'm not sure how accurate that is in real life but it's a fiction and a story and for an independent film, it's spectacular.

So glad I watched this movie, a little hidden gem that should have a lot more attention!

Watch it!