It’s odd to me that people desire to go on African safaris, where the line between man and beast is just a dude with a gun. That’s even truer after watching “Beast,” filmed and set on the South African savanna. Director Baltasar Kormákur’s film is a familiar but effective addition to the animal-attack subgenre of horror.
Parenting under pressure
Over a brisk 93 minutes (similar to the tight pacing of another good recent film, “Prey”), Ryan Engle’s screenplay gives us a chance to root for dad Nate and mildly estranged teen daughters Mere and Norah. Idris Elba perfectly plays a father who wants to prove himself and gets his chance: Nate has to project calm to his daughters but also make smart decisions when things go wrong.
“Beast” (2022)
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Writers: Ryan Engle (screenplay), Jaime Primak Sullivan (story)
Stars: Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries
Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries are believable as his brave daughters who love him despite lingering hard feelings about him splitting with their mom before her terminal cancer diagnosis. Sharlto Copley adds a South African-accented spice as Nate’s old friend – “Uncle Martin” to the girls. He’s a safari guide with a secret.
The special effects of the lions are strong, and the attack scenes effective if unsurprising. “Beast” is such a simply structured film that we’re basically invited to play along.
A few people in the audience on this $3 movie day instructed characters on what they should and shouldn’t do. They cheered when the characters do something smart – Norah gets one such awesome moment. I didn’t mind the loudmouths; it added to the experience.
Nature’s revenge
“Beast” includes light commentary about how poaching is not only cruel, but it also changes lions’ behavior. As Martin explains, lions’ behavior can be predicted – he even hugs a giant pair of lions he has known since they were cubs.
When a lion goes rogue – split from his pride by poachers – nature becomes overtly red in tooth and claw. Without anthropomorphizing the lion, “Beast” is a revenge film. The titular animal eyes humans for something other than hugs.
“Beast” is a tight crowd-pleaser with a likeable family unit. The scares are tense but not nightmare-inducing. The stakes are serious, but there’s little doubt this group will find ways out. (Conveniently, Nate is a doctor.)
“Beast” skews family friendly more than fatalistic. I’ve experienced a greater sense of direness in other animal-attack films. Which isn’t to say I’ll be asking to hug a lion on my next trip to the zoo.
I concur. The cgi is quality. A little bit on the nose with usual estranged relationships, but I can deal. A little slow getting rolling, but then off to the races. Nothing too deep here but sort of just grab your popcorn and enjoy the mayhem.