source: Beast

Superb acting was necessary for this subtle, gripping and intriguing drama, and it was there. Two leads were superb and you really didn't know who was the murderer, but even more importantly, the way it delved into the psychology of those that have regrets for past bad actions and feelings of lack of support and confinement is excellent. I don't believe what is being done here has ever been done in a film before, at least not as well, in empathising with characters and behaviours we don't really understand. Don't worry, this is not a gruesome or horrific or jumpy film. It simply keeps you wondering about the main lead relationship, and especially the female's conflicted feelings between love and trusting whether her charismatic boyfriend is a killer or not; at the same time dealing with her own inner demons and trying to get a taste of freedom and excitement denied to her by her oppressive family. Excellent writing, excellent story, some subtle but beautiful metaphor (plucking out the single ugly hair on her chin). Nice scenary of Jersey and though a form of 'murder mystery' the depth and character development/understanding gives a far far different feeling than Bergerac. I recommend this film to adults (children won't understand depth of self questioning characters go through) and those that like an intriguing and realistic and slightly disturbing story. I hope it was a contender for film of the year.

I came in with very high expectations given all the positive buzz about this film. I went away very disappointed. I guess they were going for "moody" and "atmospheric" but it was just boring and sloppily paced. It is beautifully shot though, and for that alone I would recommend it to budding dps/film school types, but do not believe the hype.

A nice thriller filled with tension, passion and violence. Not a fast paced film but not slow, moves subtly in the way a good thriller does.

A rancid, black-hearted take-no-prisoners British (specifically, Jersey!) neo-noir about a young woman and her new boyfriend who may be a mass murderer. It picks up most of its verve in the last several minutes, but before that this features a career-making performance by Jessie Buckley (Johnnie Flynn isnt so bad either), and it actually has a gothic streak underneath all its modern-day Britishness. My wife commented that this had in tone some similarity to last year's Lady Macbeth and I could see that up to a point. The question remains: who is the beast? In the scope of noir films, it's not as uncommon, and Im not sure if every one would still be so on edge after 14 years from Moll'd "incident," but it has such strong execution and has such a distinct place it helps make it work. It's a nasty piece of character study work that, had the code not been so in place, I could have seen a variation on this being made in the 40s and 50s (as a low budget or poverty row pic of course). Not to mention a good sexual charge as well. Some of the pacing could be a little tighter is the only criticism.

//Revelation Film Festival Review// A psychological drama that steadily ratchets up tension, Beast is best entered into blind. For those who need a little more persuasion, the story follows a young woman, a mysterious man and a series of unexplained killings in a small seaside town. As both their past mistakes come back to haunt them, is all as it seems? As Michael Pearce's debut feature, Beast is an assured first effort. Just when you think you know where it's heading it makes you question your assumptions and you'll be second guessing until the very end. A pleasant surprise that's definitely worth checking out.

Went to the preview at BFI last night. Amazing movie and Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn's performances were incredible. I cannot recommend it enough. Cinematography was epic, definitely worth watching it on the big screen.

Giving this film anything above a rating of 3 stars means that the giver understands nothing about literature and films. I can see the producer actually thinking: "There's enough in this film to make some idiots appreciate it and probably even love it, let's film it". So combine a crazy mother, mysterious killer, great view, handsome guy who falls for an ugly girl and you got something for everybody, there's no need even for a script... avoid, unless you get paid to watch it.

You can always rely on the British to make great movies. There is just something about the landscapes , soundtrack and depth of it all, that makes you realize that you are watching quality. I really enjoyed this movie. It was real and the acting was great. A dark tale of love , mistakes , judgements and the " beast " in all of us. I always gauge a movie on how long I think about it after it's over. This one had my attention. I think too many people go into the story too much and explain an opinion. I think if you lean a bit to the dark side of entertainment , take this one for a spin .

What can i saw without spoiling it for other viewers but for once i stumbled on a movie at my local Cineplex that i had seen no and i mean no advance publicity of any kind. My only reason for paying to see it, was it was not "Avengers" mark 199! This brilliant wee Brit Romance/thriller/horror, is in my view one of the films of the year's best, i was hooked within 90 seconds and i was in it's grip till the shocking end! Watch, enjoy or not, at any rate, if you dare! - indulge me? This is good film making!