“The Beast” (2024) Movie Review: A Cinematic Odyssey Through Time and Emotion
The Beast (2024), directed by Bertrand Bonello and starring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, is an ambitious sci-fi romance that spans multiple timelines while exploring the complex relationship between technology, emotion, and humanity. Loosely inspired by Henry James’ novella The Beast in the Jungle, the film offers a blend of genres, weaving together elements of sci-fi, horror, and psychological drama.
Plot Overview
The film unfolds across three distinct timelines: the Belle Époque in 1910, present-day 2014, and a dystopian 2044. In each era, the protagonists Gabrielle (Seydoux) and Louis (MacKay) repeatedly encounter one another in lives tinged with a haunting sense of dread. The narrative threads are loosely connected by the theme of an impending catastrophe that Gabrielle feels will one day annihilate her. This eternal sense of foreboding casts a shadow over the love story, adding an existential weight to their repeated meetings.
In the 2044 timeline, Gabrielle lives in a future dominated by artificial intelligence, where she considers undergoing a “purification” process to cleanse her DNA of emotional trauma inherited from past lives. This futuristic world, chillingly plausible, reflects societal reliance on AI, with 67% of the population unemployed due to the eradication of human-led decision-making. The film explores how technology has stripped individuals of empathy and emotional complexity, raising questions about the consequences of erasing pain and memory.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, The Beast tackles profound questions about identity, love, and the human condition. The narrative’s non-linear structure and recurring motifs of clairvoyants, birds, and dolls enhance the film’s surreal atmosphere, drawing comparisons to the works of David Lynch. In each timeline, the emotional undercurrents are laced with anxiety, paranoia, and a looming sense of disaster.
The futuristic storyline in 2044 is particularly haunting, reflecting the dangers of a society driven by technological advancement at the expense of emotional depth. Bonello masterfully contrasts the sterile, AI-controlled world with the vibrant yet doomed emotional landscape of the past, making a poignant statement on the nature of human suffering and artistic creation. As Gabrielle questions whether purging emotional pain is worth the sacrifice of the creativity and beauty that arise from it, the film challenges audiences to consider the value of their own emotional experiences.
Performances
Léa Seydoux delivers a standout performance as Gabrielle, conveying a vast range of emotions with remarkable subtlety. Her portrayal captures the deep-seated fear and vulnerability of a woman haunted by both her past and future, while MacKay’s Louis is equally compelling, embodying a tragic figure consumed by the inevitability of loss. The chemistry between the two leads helps ground the film’s abstract concepts, making their emotional journey relatable despite the film’s complex narrative structure.
Visuals and Direction
Visually, The Beast is a stunning achievement. Bonello’s use of color and light creates a dreamlike atmosphere, particularly in the 1910 timeline, which captures the opulence of the Belle Époque. The 2044 sequences, in contrast, are cold and clinical, reflecting the emotional sterility of the AI-dominated world. The film’s visual language is rich with symbolism, heightening the sense of unease that permeates the narrative.
Bonello’s direction is bold, and while the film’s non-linear storytelling may prove challenging for some viewers, it rewards those who engage with its intricacies. The film’s exploration of time, memory, and technology is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant, and its unique blend of genres makes it a standout in contemporary sci-fi cinema.
Conclusion
The Beast is a deeply thought-provoking film that defies easy categorization. Its meditation on the intersection of technology and human emotion feels particularly relevant in today’s world, where AI is increasingly shaping our daily lives. With powerful performances, striking visuals, and a narrative that lingers long after the credits roll, The Beast offers a cinematic experience unlike any other.
While it may not appeal to everyone due to its experimental nature, fans of ambitious, cerebral sci-fi will find much to admire in Bonello’s latest work. For those seeking a visually stunning and intellectually engaging film, The Beast is a must-watch in 2024.
