Or perhaps, it was more than I could’ve anticipated. This French-English sci-fi romance, helmed by Bertrand Bonello, takes Henry James’ The Beast in the Jungle and spins it into something surreal, unsettling, and, dare I say, hypnotic. I’m still wrapping my head around it – but trust me, that’s a good thing.
Léa Seydoux and George MacKay anchor the film, and the chemistry between them is so raw, so poignant, it’s impossible to look away. But don’t expect a conventional love story. Oh no, this one’s wrapped in a riddle of reincarnation, AI paranoia, and existential dread. Sounds like a lot? It is. But let’s unpack it together.
A Love Story Written in the Stars… and Data
Set across three timelines – 1910, 2014, and 2044 – The Beast follows Gabrielle (Seydoux) and Louis (MacKay), two souls repeatedly drawn together by fate and fear. In each era, they’re different people navigating distinct threats, but one constant remains: a looming sense of catastrophe. Gabrielle undergoes a futuristic procedure to “purify” her emotions by erasing past traumas, but the process unlocks a timeless bond that feels more like a curse than salvation.
The film oscillates between a Belle Époque Parisian flood, present-day societal unease, and a sterile, AI-dominated future. It’s as though Bonello dares us to wonder: Are we ever truly free of our pasts?
Bonello’s Vision: Daring and Disorienting
Bertrand Bonello (Nocturama, Saint Laurent) doesn’t do straightforward. His direction here is languid and dreamlike, teasing out tension with every deliberate frame. The fragmented narrative demands your attention — blink and you might miss a crucial thread. Yet, that very disjointedness mirrors the film’s exploration of identity and destiny. You’re not meant to feel comfortable.
The cinematography — especially in the 2044 sequences — presents a cold, almost antiseptic vision of the future. Juxtaposed with the opulence of 1910 Paris, it’s a visual feast that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Performances: Seydoux Steals the Show (Again)
Léa Seydoux shines in a role that demands vulnerability and steely resolve. Whether she's drenched in the floods of Paris or confronting emotion-erasing technology, Seydoux embodies Gabrielle’s fragility and ferocity with equal grace. George MacKay (1917, Captain Fantastic) is no slouch either, flexing a range that spans from tender to terrifying, particularly in the 2014 sequence where he channels incel rage with unnerving believability.
It’s no surprise Seydoux took home the Best Actress award at the Valladolid International Film Festival for this. She’s absolutely magnetic.
Cinematic Craftsmanship: Haunting and Hypnotic
The score — brooding and operatic — heightens the atmosphere, while the costume and set designs for the period sequences are sumptuous. But it’s the editing that truly sets the tone: slow fades, elliptical cuts, and a looping structure that echoes the cyclical nature of Gabrielle and Louis’ relationship.
In the futuristic timeline, the sterile visuals amplify the themes of isolation and technological dread. It’s eerie how close it feels to our own AI-dominated musings, isn’t it?
Audience Reactions: USA vs. UK
Here’s where things get interesting. UK audiences, especially fans of arthouse cinema, embraced The Beast for its daring structure and thematic ambition. Critics praised its layered storytelling and philosophical musings on fate and free will. Over in the US, the response was more polarised. While cinephiles relished its intellectual heft, general audiences found its pacing and cryptic narrative challenging — some even walked out during festival screenings!
On IMDb, the film holds a 6.5/10 as of April 2025, reflecting this divide. It’s one of those films that provokes strong opinions — love it or loathe it, you won’t forget it.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you’re after something linear and easy to digest, The Beast might test your patience. But if you’re in the mood for a cinematic experience that pushes boundaries, toys with your perceptions, and leaves you questioning the nature of love and fear — well, this one’s for you. I found myself mesmerised, frustrated, and oddly moved.
Pros:
- Léa Seydoux’s powerhouse performance
- Visually stunning across timelines
- Thought-provoking themes
Cons:
- Pacing can feel glacial
- Non-linear storytelling may alienate some viewers
