Beast - A Movie Review

Do not get out of this car. The lion knows we’re in here.

Beast arrived in theaters in 2022. A father and his two daughters go on a trip to Africa. While in the Savannahs, they’re stalked by a massive dangerous lion. Trapped in a car, any escape attempt is not easy.

When I watched the trailer for Beast, it immediately reminded me of Cujo - except with a lion. Sitting in the theater watching Beast, while some people gave the screen advice, my eyes scanned every corner for the ferocious predator. Beast repeats most family drama scenarios but its technical elements merit acclaim.

Idris Elba, Leah Jeffries, and Iyana Halley did an outstanding job in their performances. Their realistic reactions to the terror were superb. Using the best of their survival instincts, they don’t make their encounter look easy.

As always, Elba is fantastic. His facial reactions to the terror conquered high abilities, notably in the scene where he lurked in dark waters away from the lion. Nate refuses to let anything happen to his daughters, putting himself in harm's way for their sake.

Right off the bat, there’s a lot of family drama when the movie starts. There were parts where I didn’t feel their family connection. Norah and Meredith are used to the finest of their abilities, but their listening skills are not the best.

In my opinion, I feel we only needed one daughter. Half the time, Norah was placed on the sidelines while Meredith helped out in the situation. The girls were still funny, like in their deliveries when they argued. All in all, they establish a positive example for siblings, protecting each other.

Also starring Sharlto Copley as Nate’s best friend, he tracked the late Steve Irwin in most of his performance. His accent was distracting. That aside, Martin is a fighter. I liked the friendship Elba and Copley created for their characters.

Beast incorporates impeccable technical achievements. Let’s start with the lion. This lion was very believable. If Beast teaches you anything, never mess with lions. The film achieved the design of the lion. It was a good idea to have the lion prowling in the background.

I want to watch this movie a second time to study the camera techniques. Baltasar Karmakur approached this movie to make it feel like you are there. Several shots are done in one long continuous take. It was very stealthy, catching the mood.

Beast is a creature film. Don’t go in expecting too much. Be prepared for nail-biting sequences and very painful wounds. I was half-closing my eyes at the end. Oh yes, and a lot of moments where you are talking to the movie screen.

The characters don’t make the best decisions in this film. And whenever they didn’t, mainly Meredith, this one audience member in my theater hollered at the screen. Literally. Characters should have been on guard more, especially when they knew they had a broken window in the car. I’m surprised one of the girls slept near this window at night.

The story becomes redundant like repeating conversations, the lion yet again prowling the car, and one of the girls making a terrible decision. It brings you into the terror though. I didn’t want to leave the car and yet I wasn’t even in it!

If you’re a fan of creature films then Beast is the film for you. I recommend that you see it in theaters before it hits streaming services. I was clenching my body anytime the lion appeared or when walking around a corner.