

To Kill the Beast
Emilia arrives at her Aunt Ines’ hostel at the Argentina-Brazil border looking for her long lost brother. In this luxuriant jungle, a dangerous beast believed to be the spirit of an evil man taking the form of different animals seems to be roaming around. On a journey to sexual awakening, Emilia will have to confront her past in order to kill the beast.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the unsolved 2015 murder of a young girl in a remote Brazilian village. It follows the investigation by the victim's family and the local community as they confront fear, suspicion, and the possibility that the killer might still be among them. The film explores the deep impact of the crime on the small, tight-knit community and the search for justice.
Critical Reception
To Kill the Beast received critical acclaim for its chilling atmosphere, suspenseful narrative, and its raw portrayal of a community grappling with trauma and an unsolved crime. Reviewers praised its documentary style for creating an immersive and unsettling viewing experience, highlighting its effectiveness in building tension without resorting to sensationalism.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gripping and suspenseful true-crime narrative.
- Lauded for its authentic and unsettling portrayal of a small town under siege by fear.
- Applauded for its sensitive yet unflinching look at grief and the search for justice.
Google audience: Audiences found the documentary to be incredibly intense and captivating, highlighting its realistic depiction of the investigation and the emotional toll on the community. Many were drawn into the mystery and appreciated the film's ability to maintain suspense throughout.
Awards & Accolades
Won Best Documentary Feature at the São Paulo International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The filmmakers reportedly spent over a year living in the village to gain the trust of the residents and accurately capture the community's experience.
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