2.5 out of 5 stars
When nature turns the tide on humanity and wreaks havoc, there is usually an uptick of emotional angst in society about wild animals. Jaws increased the fear of sharks and oceans while Cujo turned the most beloved canine in the world into a potential killer. Yet, Beast takes one of the most feared animals on the planet and makes it even more ferocious, unlike a loveable story like The Lion King. Despite the apparent history of this king of beasts, humans still seem to try to do all they can to tame or at least keep this creature contained.
Director Baltasar Kormákur (Adrift, Everest) takes Jaime Primak Sullivan’s harsh South African bush adventure and forces the audience into the claustrophobic confines of a 4WD. Where Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Alba) has brought his two daughters after the recent passing of their mother and his wife. As he attempts to reconnect the family with their African heritage, the American doctor reaches out to his old friend, Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley). As a biologist and Mopani Game Reserve manager, he decides to take the Samuel family on a drive through the bushland so they can see the wildlife up close. Except they get more than they bargained for as they are confronted by a rogue male lion who only has revenge on his mind for all humans.
Regardless of the beauty of the South African landscape and the diversity of creatures showcased throughout the film, this is not a tourist promotional for the African nation. Between the poachers who instigate this majestic beast's fury to the terrifying animal's viscous nature, this might cause many to forgo a tour of this animal sanctuary. While it may appeal to all, who enjoy the simplicity of a human versus nature battle to shock them awake from the confines of their seats. Reminiscent of Cujo's prison-like atmosphere, Kormákur makes the contained setting scary enough to allow the audience to overlook some of the glaring plot issues.
One discombobulating element is seeing Idris Alba as the vulnerable father figure. Especially when every conversation he has with his on-screen daughters (Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries) is awkward. Yet, this might make it even more believable for those who have experienced the biting end of teenage angst. An encounter that can prove to be more challenging than facing a rogue lion in the Savannah. He gains convincing support from Sharlto Copley and the girls, albeit the weakness of the scripting and reality-bending situations that occur once they venture out from the safety of the SUV.
Beast is a straightforward suspense thriller that does exactly what it promises, even though the CGI and screenplay do little to support the action. Idris Alba does his best to carry the film and conquer the savage beast, but this story has less bite and may lead to excessive groans of disbelief for all.
The word becomes film
Russ Matthews' new book is a modern-day parable that introduces a radically easy way of talking about God’s story
If you order the book today you will also receive a complementary study guide that is only available with the purchase of the book (Print or ebook)
Reel Dialogue: A father’s love
What would you do for the sake of your family? At the center of Beast is a visceral depiction of a father's sacrificial love for his family. There is even an illusion of connection to the lion as a creature who is merely trying to see justice done in losing his pride. Idris Alba’s character does all he can to protect his family and puts his body on the line for their salvation.
This familiar storyline begs the question of how far a father would go for the sake of his family. At the heart of the Bible is an example of a Father's love for his children that culminates in the cross of Christ. Take the time to read one of the Gospels to understand what true sacrifice really means.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“ - 1 John 3:1
