Science fiction cinema is currently experiencing one of its sweetest moments. Films like Civil War or Dune: Part II, the two cinematic gems of the year, are joined by platform series such as Apple TV+, Prime Video or Netflix, which complete this beautiful sci-fi panorama. However, this causes some genre gems to go somewhat unnoticed by the average viewer.
This is precisely what is happening with The Beast, a film that combines art cinema with science fiction in a unique way. Directed by Bertrand Bonello and starring the talented Léa Seydoux and the astonishing George MacKay, the film immerses itself in a dystopian future where Artificial Intelligence dominates and human emotions are suppressed. Undoubtedly, a delight that you should not miss in theaters.
The author’s mark in the best science fiction movies
The plot of The Beast follows a woman who undergoes a DNA cleansing to eliminate any trace of emotion, which leads her to relive moments from her past lives in different eras, from 1910 to a near future in 2044.
The film is inspired by Henry James’ short novel, The Beast in the Jungle, but takes its narrative to darker and more complex territories. Bonello skillfully intertwines elements of science fiction with profound explorations of love, loneliness, and destiny. Thus, through different temporal and social contexts, the film reflects on the eternal struggle between humanity and technology, as well as on the very nature of our emotions and relationships.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Beast is its approach to masculinity and femininity in a world where emotions are threatened by technology. The film is not afraid to delve into ambiguity and complexity, challenging the viewer to reflect on universal themes while immersing themselves in an emotional and visually stunning journey. From surreal scenes to moments of pure visual poetry, The Beast offers a cinematic experience that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre.
