When a creature of unknown origins terrorizes a small village in 19th-century France, a pathologist with certain skills is invited to explain and end the horror.
Fantasy and reality blend in a great atmospheric, period horror. WWI: The atrocious yet mysterious opening sequence will get your attention. Cut to the two interweaving stories after that, the mystery increases and the foundation of what is about to happen is built on both the story and character development. The clash is established in a 100”-shot of massacre, followed by a brutal amputation and an undeniably daring burial. From then on, the inevitable hell is released through oneiric (dreamy) and realistic sequences that will make you want to avert your eyes, but you’ll feel obliged not to.
From start to finish, writer/director Sean Ellis creates an atmospheric supernatural horror, delving into superstition, religion, science and reason, but also into the deepest fears lurking inside our unconscious mind. Furthermore, Boyd Holbrook, Kelly Reilly, Alistair Petrie, Roxane Duran, and the rest of the supporting cast do an incredible job in front of the lens. The Beast of Gévaudan is something that, indeed, happened in a village in rural France, but without being 100% sure, I think it happened a century prior to the era depicted in the film. Regardless, it is an over-celebrated and potentially inflated story that culminated in an urban legend that we still speculate about today, as no sufficient evidence explains what it really was or where it came from.
Definitely a must-watch for every horror fan! Sean Ellis is the genius behind films such as Anthropoid (2016) and my two favourites, Cashback (2006) and The Broken (2008) – reviews will follow soon. These are absolute cinematic experiences for every filmgoer and mark my words: Ellis will use his brilliance to make a film soon, making everyone wonder where that came from.
Please, don’t forget to share and subscribe. If you enjoy my work and dedication to films, please feel free to support me on https://www.patreon.com/kaygazpro. Any contribution is much appreciated and valued.
Solidarity for all the innocent lives who suffer the atrocities of war!
Stay safe!
