The Beast
The Beast

The Beast

2024Movie146 minFrench

In the near future where emotions have become a threat, Gabrielle finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will immerse her in her past lives and rid her of any strong feelings. She then meets Louis and feels a powerful connection, as if she had known him forever.

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users75%
Director: Bertrand BonelloGenres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Romance

Plot Summary

In a near future where emotions are seen as a danger, a young woman decides to purify her DNA by immersing herself in her past lives. She reconnects with a man she loved in a previous existence. Their intense connection transcends time and space, forcing them to confront the nature of love and destiny.

Critical Reception

The Beast premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its ambitious scope, Léa Seydoux's performance, and its thought-provoking exploration of themes like love, reincarnation, and artificial intelligence. Some found its deliberate pacing and complex narrative challenging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its artistic vision and complex exploration of human connection across time.
  • Léa Seydoux delivers a captivating performance, anchoring the film's ambitious narrative.
  • The film's philosophical themes and unique sci-fi premise are intellectually stimulating.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's unique concept and strong performances, with many appreciating its artistic merit and challenging themes. Some viewers found the narrative dense and the pacing slow, but overall sentiment is positive.

Awards & Accolades

Screened in competition at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is loosely inspired by Henry James's 1903 novella 'The Beast in the Jungle', but with a significant futuristic twist.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Though it's really way too long, I did rather enjoy the developing chemistry here between Léa Seydoux ("Gabrielle") and George MacKay's "Louis". The story isn't really structured, it's all largely dictated from her consciousness lounging in...