Name: The Beast
Genre: Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2021-11-04T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Loïs Jumel, Ram Tamez

The opening shot of The Beast lingers on a young girl’s face pressed against the rusted metal of La Bestia, her breath fogging up the surface as she clings to the top of the cargo train. This stark, intimate image sets the tone for Marlijn van Nuenen, Ram Tamez, and Alfredo Gerard Kuttikatt’s 2021 film—a haunting blend of sci-fi and drama that refuses to be pigeonholed into conventional storytelling.

The Beast is a slow-burning narrative that unfolds with deliberate pacing, much like their previous work. The film’s runtime, clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, mirrors the slow-burn unfolding of its stylish sci-fi drama. This deliberate approach asks the audience to take bold leaps alongside its characters, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for those who appreciate intricate storytelling.

The film stars Loïs Jumel as Lupita, a woman whose perception of reality is transformed by an injury sustained during her perilous journey on La Bestia. Jumel delivers a performance that is both poignant and enigmatic. Her ability to convey emotional depth with subtle expressions and gestures makes Lupita’s internal struggle palpable. The supporting cast, including Ram Tamez as Guayaba, adds layers of complexity to the narrative, though their screen time is limited.

The direction is a study in atmospheric tension. The cinematography shifts seamlessly between stark realism and surreal dream sequences, creating a disorienting yet mesmerizing visual experience. The use of sound design is particularly noteworthy—the film has a way of throwing us into an enhanced vision of the degrading noise of contemporary life that’s all the more engaging for being so even-handed and disconcerting.

The film’s themes are as ambitious as its visuals. The Beast explores the degradation of contemporary life, the blurred lines between past and future, and the transformative power of perception. The directors weave these themes into a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. However, the film’s ambition sometimes works against it. The slow pace and deliberate storytelling, while effective in creating an immersive atmosphere, can feel indulgent at times. The narrative structure demands a high level of engagement from the audience, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a more straightforward story.

Comparatively, The Beast stands out among recent sci-fi dramas for its unique blend of genres and themes. While films like Dune and Arrival also explore complex narratives within the sci-fi genre, the film distinguishes itself through its focus on perception and the slow-burn unfolding of its drama. The film’s visual style and sound design set it apart from more conventional sci-fi offerings, making it a standout in the genre.

The film’s target audience is clearly those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. Viewers who enjoy films that demand active engagement and reward patience will find The Beast to be a compelling experience. However, those looking for fast-paced action or straightforward narratives may find the film’s deliberate pace and complex themes challenging.

In terms of performances, Jumel is the undeniable anchor of the film. Her portrayal of Lupita is nuanced and layered, making her character’s emotional journey the heart of the narrative. Tamez, as Guayaba, brings a sense of grounded realism to his role, providing a counterpoint to Jumel’s more ethereal performance. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, adding an emotional depth to their shared scenes.

The direction is both innovative and immersive. The use of long takes and minimal dialogue creates a sense of intimacy and isolation, drawing the audience into Lupita’s fragmented world. The film’s visual style is a testament to the directors’ ability to blend realism with surrealism, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Themes of perception and reality are central to The Beast. The film explores these themes through a series of surreal sequences that blur the lines between past and future, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors Lupita’s internal struggle. The film’s exploration of contemporary life is both critical and compassionate, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human condition.

While the film’s slow pace and deliberate storytelling are strengths, they can also be seen as weaknesses. The narrative structure demands a high level of engagement from the audience, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a more straightforward story. Additionally, the film’s lengthy runtime can feel indulgent at times, with certain sequences lingering longer than necessary.

In conclusion, The Beast is a visually audacious and thematically rich film that demands attention and engagement from its audience. Loïs Jumel delivers a standout performance, and the direction is both innovative and immersive. The film’s exploration of perception and reality is intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, making it a compelling experience for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. However, the film’s slow pace and deliberate storytelling may not appeal to all viewers.

MCM Score: 7.2/10 — craft 2 / story 2 / performances 2 / originality 1.5 / genre_fit 1.

Tags: animation, Loïs Jumel, Marlijn van Nuenen, Ram Tamez, The Beast