Name: Beautiful Beings
Genre: Drama
Released: 2022-04-22T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Birgir Dagur Bjarkason, Áskell Einar Pálmason, Viktor Benóný Benediktsson, Snorri Rafn Frímannsson, Sunna Líf Arnarsdóttir

The opening scene of Beautiful Beings is brutal: Balli, a 14-year-old boy played by Áskell Einar Pálmason, is beaten to a pulp in broad daylight while onlookers laugh. It’s a jarring introduction to Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson’s Icelandic coming-of-age drama, one that sets the tone for a film unafraid to confront its audience with raw, unflinching violence.

The film follows Balli as he is taken under the wing of Addi (Birgir Dagur Bjarkason), a teenage boy raised by a mother who believes herself to be psychic. Addi’s group of friends—Siggi (Snorri Rafn Frímannsson) and Konni (Viktor Benóný Benediktsson), nicknamed “The Animal”—are violent misfits, each coping with their own troubled home lives. Guðmundsson’s depiction of bullying and sexual abuse is confrontational, making for profoundly uncomfortable viewing at times.

What works in Beautiful Beings is the raw energy and authenticity of its performances. Pálmason delivers a standout turn as Balli, capturing the vulnerability and resilience of a boy pushed to his limits. Bjarkason is equally compelling as Addi, whose indifference slowly gives way to a sense of responsibility. The film’s style is also noteworthy, with striking visuals that capture the stark beauty of Reykjavík’s suburbs.

However, the film stumbles in its handling of violence. While the brutality feels real and visceral, it often devolves into clichéd, consequence-free action. Scenes of gang fights and random assaults pile up, losing their impact and diluting the emotional core of the story. The film’s structure also feels uneven, with subplots like Addi’s psychic dreams introduced but never fully explored.

Ultimately, Beautiful Beings is a missed opportunity. Guðmundsson coaxes strong performances from his young leads and crafts visually striking scenes, but the film’s reliance on clichéd violence and underdeveloped plotlines keeps it from reaching its full potential.