In the picturesque Spanish countryside, a spirited couple, Antoine (Denis Ménochet) and Olga (Marina Foïs), decided to embark on a thrilling adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Their hearts yearned for the sweet serenity of nature and the joy of cultivating their own farm. With a gleam in their eyes and determination in their souls, they sowed seeds of passion, nurturing a vibrant garden that flourished under their loving care. However, their idyllic haven soon faced a formidable challenge when a greedy corporation sought to harness the wind’s power, threatening to transform their peaceful sanctuary and the neighboring lands into industrial wind farms. Undeterred, Antoine and Olga valiantly rallied their community, determined to preserve the rustic beauty and preserve their way of life. Despite the increasingly hostile atmosphere, they stood resolute, a beacon of hope amidst the tempest, unwavering in their quest to protect the land they held dear.
In the world of The Beasts, an uncommon yet captivating scenario unfolds, drawing viewers deep into the lives of Antoine and Olga. With every breath they take, they are met with a torrent of hostility from those around them, making it painfully relatable for anyone who has faced unjust persecution. The fact that Antoine and Olga hail from France only adds fuel to the fire, as their Spanish neighbors vehemently resent any French influence on their land. From the outset, bitter exchanges poison the air, and Antoine becomes the target of a barrage of derogatory comments laced with menacing undertones. In a gripping tale of fear and desperation, Antoine finds himself seeking help from the very police who seem indifferent due to the history between his neighbors and his family. Fearing for his and his wife’s safety, he takes matters into his own hands, meticulously documenting every interaction with his hostile neighbors, hoping to build a solid case against them. But his bold move only serves to enrage them further, escalating the tension to a terrifying crescendo that culminates in an unexpected twist.
As the story unfolds, the focus subtly shifts to Olga, who, like Antoine, is determined to unveil her neighbors’ guilt. However, she approaches the situation with a calm determination, replacing the oppressive dread with a haunting melancholy. Director Rodrigo Sorogoyen artfully crafts this transition, allowing the viewer to forge a deep connection with both Antoine and Olga, essential for the film’s success. The underlying fear remains an integral part of The Beasts, even as the lead character changes and the tone evolves. Sorogoyen masterfully keeps the audience captivated, deftly navigating through slow-building moments by maintaining an ever-present threat of bloodshed. With every encounter, violence lingers, leaving the audience on edge and engrossed in the unfolding events.
Sorogoyen’s team skillfully crafts an uncomfortable atmosphere throughout the film, where viewers are left anxious and uncertain of what Xan (Luis Zahera) and his cohorts are capable of. The suspense keeps us hooked, and when the story shifts to Olga, the knowledge of Xan’s capabilities amplifies the fear for the lead characters.
BEASTS. Courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment
While The Beasts is an enthralling and gripping experience, some audiences might find themselves slightly discouraged by its lengthy 2 hours and 18 minutes playtime. Sorogoyen takes his time meticulously setting up the story, situations, and relationships, which, for some viewers, could lead to moments of fatigue. In a fast-paced world, where attention spans can be short, this deliberate pacing may test the patience of those seeking instant gratification. However, it’s important to note that Sorogoyen’s decision to unfold the narrative gradually is a deliberate artistic choice. The extended runtime allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in the characters’ lives, emotions, and struggles. It builds a strong emotional rapport with Antoine and Olga, heightening the impact of the looming threat and intensifying the fear that permeates the film.
While some may initially hesitate due to the runtime, The Beasts rewards those who invest their time and attention. The gradual unfolding of the story pays off in creating a profound sense of unease and anticipation, making the eventual crescendo all the more powerful. Ultimately, The Beasts stands as a testament to Sorogoyen’s skill in crafting an unsettling and atmospheric thriller that lingers and will have you continually thinking about it and haunted well after the film’s credits run. Though the playtime may give pause to some, those who stay the course are treated to a haunting and emotionally charged cinematic experience that showcases the director’s prowess in creating tension and fear.
The Beasts will open in theaters in New York on July 28, 2023 courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment. The film will expand into additional markets in the following weeks.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoR5_TVASXU]
The Beasts stands as a testament to Sorogoyen's skill in crafting an unsettling and atmospheric thriller that lingers and will have you continually thinking about it and haunted well after the film's credits run.
Codie Allen is a passionate trans and queer film critic and entertainment writer based in Orlando, FL. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, Dorian Awards member, and CACF member, they also contribute to The Curb and InSession Film. When they’re not writing about films, you can find them sipping way too much tea and listening to Taylor Swift.
