As a long-time horror movie aficionado with a deep appreciation for both classic and contemporary genre offerings, I found “The Beast Within” to be a visually stunning yet narrativelessly wanting addition to the werewolf subgenre. Having grown up in the rolling hills of rural England, I could appreciate the atmospheric beauty of Harewood Woods and Castle, which lent an air of timelessness to this supernatural tale. However, the story itself left me feeling undernourished.
In “The Beast Within,” the beauty of the setting leaves a greater impact than the monster itself. Director Alexander J. Farrell’s debut narrative film is elegantly produced with a modest budget and primarily filmed in the ancient Harewood Woods and Castle in West Yorkshire. The structures, which date back to the 14th century, add a sense of timelessness to this supernatural story. Cinematographer Daniel Katz’s captivating shots of the picturesque surroundings further enhance the atmosphere. However, the tale of a family living in fear due to a classic horror-movie curse feels underdeveloped and lacks depth, resulting in an effectively executed genre piece but one that fails to leave a lasting impression.
In the beginning, there’s a short introduction implying a long-standing familial ailment. The vague present day (somewhere within the last 50 years) introduces our main characters who reside in a rural area and engage in farming and livestock rearing, similar to their ancestors. Among them is ten-year-old Willow (Caoillinn Springall), a somewhat frail and asthmatic girl without any siblings or playmates. Surrounded by an aristocratic yet dilapidated community, she is cared for lovingly by her mother Imogen (Ashleigh Cummings) and maternal grandfather Waylon (James Cosmo).
The family finds Noah, played by Kit Harington from “Game of Thrones,” a bit challenging. When he’s around, he’s forceful and unpredictable, creating tension with the strong-willed grandpa. However, he often disappears for long stretches, and when he returns, it’s in an disheveled state – naked, dirty, and injured, as if he’s lost touch with civilization. In truth, that’s exactly what has happened to him.
As a seasoned small-town sheriff with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of strange occurrences. But nothing quite compares to the bizarre behavior exhibited by old man Jenkins, the self-proclaimed “king of the woods.” His skittish daughter, Imogen, has tried to keep him in check, but every full moon, he succumbs to his gory appetites and terrorizes the local farm animals.
“The movie titled ‘The Beast Within’ – distinct from Philippe Mora’s 1982 film with the same name and its campy transformation theme – was meticulously planned in terms of design. This includes the elaborate decorations, such as antler chandeliers, by Russell De Rozario in production design, and the traditional folk melodies interspersed throughout Nathan Klein and Jack Halama’s compelling original score. The cinematography by Katz beautifully captures the breathtaking ‘enchanted forest’ scenery of mist-covered dark woods, reminiscent of a classic Grimm fairy tale.”
Although the film’s rhythm and acting are commendable, the script by director Taylor Ellison and Greer lacks depth to generate significant suspense or emotional connection. The portrayal of family relationships seems forced, with Willow displaying an unnatural suspicion towards her father from the beginning, complete with jump scare-filled nightmares. Harington’s bold, often naked performance may be more fitting for a less complex werewolf film where actors like Lon Chaney Jr. or Oliver Reed only had to embody fear rather than multidimensional characters.
“The film ‘Beast’ aspires to be recognized as a deep domestic psychological drama, but it falls short in creating the necessary depth and intricacy. While there are signs pointing towards a critique of toxic masculinity within patriarchal societies, this theme is not fully explored until late in the movie, leaving audiences questioning its authenticity. Additionally, the symbolism of Willow’s interaction with dolls and action figures hints at her potential control over larger situations, but the meaning behind this remains unclear.”
As a movie enthusiast and horror aficionado, I’ve got to admit that “The Beast Within” by Farrell showcases some impressive acting and stunning visuals, taking the genre to new heights. However, what truly sets apart an exceptional horror film from an ordinary one eludes this production. The groundbreaking concepts required for a meaningful and thought-provoking experience are lacking. Instead, we’re left with a visually appealing yet forgettable entry in the expansive werewolf cinema canon. While the film manages to engage me on a superficial level, it fails to leave a lasting impression – neither by offering a fresh perspective nor adhering to classic horror tropes.
Well Go US is releasing “The Beast Within” on U.S. screens July 26.
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2024-07-26 03:46