It’s hard to talk about ‘Beast’ without mentioning how predictable it is. From the start, you can see where the story is going, and the characters primarily act as you’d expect. Still, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Director Baltasar Kormákur knows what the audience wants and delivers it honestly. In just 93 minutes, he manages to highlight big themes like family, respect for nature, and a father’s duty, all within a straightforward survival story.
The Power of Actor Idris Elba
Set in the wide-open savannahs of South Africa, ‘Beast’ tells a straightforward survival story about a father and his daughters fighting to stay alive. The intense situation alone was enough to keep me hooked.
At the heart of it all is the lead actor, Idris Elba, whose overwhelming presence commands the screen. Within the story, he masterfully portrays both the calm judgment of a doctor and the desperate father fighting to protect his daughter. This duality draws empathy and tension, making the action scenes with the CGI lion particularly intense.
The film mixes funny and dramatic moments that showcase the parent-child bond, blending Elba’s charisma with the tension of survival. This simple yet powerful approach drew many people to theaters and helped the movie succeed at the box office.
Elba’s physical acting in the action scenes makes the fights with the CGI lion feel real. In the dramatic moments with his daughters, he shows the complicated feelings of a father dealing with recent loss, all without overdoing it. It’s an excellent performance.
The Magic of Cinematography and Sound Design
Technically, Philippe Rousselot’s cinematography deserves special mention. The extended takes, reminiscent of the technique used in The Revenant to film Leonardo DiCaprio’s fight with a grizzly bear without any cuts, are employed effectively here as well.
The film captures the wild American landscape in winter, showing both its harshness and beauty. The blizzards, clear skies, and even the cold water are depicted so vividly that you almost feel like you’re there.
The camera moves smoothly from inside the vehicle to outside and back, making viewers feel like they’re part of the action. This style also helps the CGI lions look more real and less like digital effects.
The sound design is impressive, with powerful audio made for Dolby Cinema. The lion’s roar fills the theater, and the sounds of impacts make the seats shake—something you can only get in a cinema. Even if you watch at home, a good sound system will let you enjoy the intensity.
The Appeal of Characters and Survival
‘Beast’ keeps its cast small, focusing on the father, his two daughters, and their old friend Ryan. It helps show family bonds, loss, and respect for nature. Some people criticize the film for showing characters making unrealistic choices in dangerous situations, but this seems to be a way to keep the tension high in a short movie.
The film’s survival and psychological tension are similar to those in ‘Jaws’ and ‘Cube’. Both movies show people working together in tight spaces against a hidden threat. ‘Beast’ stands out by focusing more on suspense and family drama than on flashy CGI, making it a strong survival film despite its small budget.
What makes ‘Beast’ feel modern is how it uses CGI without relying on it too much. With a $36 million budget, the film focuses on suspense and drama instead of just special effects.
Africa’s Nature and Environmental Protection Message
The film also has a message about protecting the environment. It starts with poachers killing a group of lions, and the male lion’s revenge is shown as nature fighting back against people’s selfish actions.
The movie shows both the beauty of the African savanna and the damage being done to it. By doing this, it raises awareness about environmental issues while still entertaining. Idris Elba’s African heritage also adds credibility to the story.
It’s good that the film doesn’t push this message too hard, keeping the primary focus on being an exciting survival thriller.
Turning “Constraints” into a Weapon: The Potential for a Masterpiece Transcending B-Movie Boundaries
‘Beast’ is an excellent example of making the most out of a small budget, short runtime, and small cast. The film keeps things moving quickly, with no wasted scenes, and pulls viewers straight to the climax without letting up.
A Distinctive Entertainment Experience
Specific flaws are undeniable: predictable plot developments, some characters’ inexplicable actions, and frankly, the roughness of the CGI. Particularly in the latter chase sequences, the lack of visual realism felt disappointing to someone who values cinematic expression.
Still, the film’s charm makes up for its flaws. Idris Elba stands out in the lead role, showing both restraint and strong emotion as a father. The movie’s tight structure and creative sound design make it feel bigger than a typical B-movie. The use of light and color also highlights the African landscape and the challenging situation the main character faces.
Summary: A Masterpiece of Entertainment Born from Constraints
‘Beast’ is a fun movie that you can enjoy without knowing anything beforehand. Its success comes from its tight structure and charismatic actors, which really connect with audiences.
Even though it’s short, the film keeps up the tension really well. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good movie experience without a significant time commitment. It’s more than just an action thriller—it also shows how creative filmmakers can be when working with a tight budget.
