Everything, absolutely everything, is predictable in Beast (The beast) by Baltasar Kormakur (101 Reykjavík, The Deep, Everest). In any case, for who has seen Cujo, jaws, Jurassic Park, terminator and other thrillers in which the villain (whether dog, shark, tyrannosaur or cyborg) refuses to die. It arises again and again, provoking gasps after gasps among the spectators — who know full well that an apparition is about to take place… watch out, now! And there again! First more and more enraged, then more and more battered, the adversary persists and signs the blood of others, then his own.
But let’s give Caesar his due and recognize that two elements will surprise (a little) those who frequent dark rooms.
First, the feature film lasts just over 90 minutes. A rarity in this age of the bloated superhero when it comes to length (and muscle). Beast is indeed roaringly effective, because its scenario is straight as an arrow: we go from A to Z without detour or swelling. From there to say that the story is thin, there is only one step. Let’s cross it.
Another surprise: revealed in District 9the South African Sharlto Copley has often become, on this continent, the bad guy on duty (think of Elysium and Maleficent); but here, he is the ally of men, beasts and nature. Too good to survive? Ask the question…
The enemy, then? A lion. A monster of rage and power. Of fangs and claws. Oh, and pixels and animation. The result is extremely successful. Talk to Idris Elba (Thor, The Dark Tower, mandela)! Doctor Nate Samuels, a character he embodies here with the desired intensity and charisma, will need muscles as much as brains, resourcefulness as much as heart, to protect his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava, convincing) .
The man, wracked with remorse or regret (we will understand why as the story progresses and through totally useless “dreams”), decided to go with them to the African village where his recently deceased wife was born. . A story that the girls touch on their mother’s roots.
Here they are in the bush (special mention to the photograph by Philippe Rousselot), in the company of “uncle” Martin (entrance by friend Sharlto, excellent as usual) who has always known them. He takes care of the neighboring reserve where—surprise? still not… — heartless and soulless poachers are rampant. So interchangeable. But necessary to forge an enemy steeped in fury (and to implicitly trace the ecological message).
They are not characters, they are a function. And, honestly, we don’t care. What we want to see is the beast and its adversary. The lion for whom revenge is a dish best eaten lukewarm. The man ready to sacrifice everything to save his children.
Interesting parallel to explore between these two alpha males. But Beast does not dwell on these details. It has to bite, tear, tear. In short, let it roll.