The film opens with a woman (Léa Seydoux) acting in a room surrounded by nothing but a large green screen. Instructions are given, and the actress is informed where key objects are. Lastly, the actress is advised about the location of ‘The Beast’ so she can react. From here, we cut back to see the same woman at another time and in another place. Now in 1910, Gabrielle (also Léa Seydoux) is looking for her husband. She sees a familiar man from afar, Louis (George MacKay), and the two draw near and engage in conversation. While they are strangers to one another, they seem to have a somewhat familiar chemistry, and the pair feels that they may have met once in Rome at a party that took place years ago. From here, the film shifts considerably, moving viewers to another time and place: the present.
In the present day, the year is 2044, and artificial intelligence entirely controls the world. Currently, emotions are classed as a significant threat. Few humans appear to be roaming the earth, and the impact of artificial intelligence is that most people are walking around almost like purposeless, empty vessels. We once again follow Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux), who, after having a mysterious meeting, boldly chooses to change and alter her current DNA. Thanks to current technology, Gabrielle can use a machine that will absorb her in the many lives from the past, which, in return, she hopes, will rid her of any strong feelings and give her a more perfect and peaceful life. It’s a plan that seems foolproof until she keeps meeting a mysterious stranger named Louis (each time played by George MacKay). Each time they are together, the pair continue to deny their strong connection to one another. As Gabrielle visits various moments in time trying to clean her DNA, she is continually afraid that ‘The Beast’ could, at any moment, destroy everything around her.
The Beast (2023) is best described as a sci-fi film along with substantial ingredients of both drama and romance and was directed by Bertrand Bonello, whose past work includes House of Tolerance (2011) and Nocturama (2016). I must be sincere: I had zero clue what was happening while watching the film’s opening. The dialogue also didn’t indicate much to help me understand it any better. As many other reviewers have stated, the dialogue feels like something from a David Lynch film such as Mulholland Drive (2011), and I fully agree. Like the story, the dialogue always felt like a huge mystery to process and understand. The film requires enormous patience and focus but is rewarding in its final moments and conclusion.
While the sci-fi aspects consist of simple ideas, they are highly effective. The costuming and designs as we witness Gabrielle at various time periods are wonderful. Léa Seydoux gives an excellent performance, and her character in each situation is believable and exciting, so much so that even if I didn’t always understand the storyline, I had plenty of curiosity to see how Gabrielle would end up. George MacKay also gives a strong performance here, but his character has been written to be more mysterious and unknown. This meant that some viewers might find his character a step down from Gabrielle. The sound design and mixing are most impressive and will often be used to play tricks and immerse audiences into another place or unexpected situation for our leads.
Overall, it’s no secret that artificial intelligence is here to stay in our world. I love and adored this exploration of what our world could look like soon. The sci-fi aspects, while simple, are reasonably practical and excellent. Those who enjoy a good mystery and romance drama will also enjoy this film. Still, a word of warning: focus and patience are required as not everything is straightforward and simple to begin with. The journey to the finish line is long, and the runtime is most certainly felt. The leading performances, particularly from Léa Seydoux, are entirely believable, stunning and powerful. The costume design was also impressive, and the sound mixing here is nothing but perfect. In the end, I enjoyed this film quite a bit, but I can’t deny it; depending on the viewer, it can be baffling to try and fully process and grasp. To enjoy The Beast, you don’t ask questions; watch, be patient, and wait for all the finer details to unfold and be revealed in the unforgettable ending.
8.0/10
29th May 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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