Beast Beast

Beast Beast, a film directed by Danny Madden and produced by Alec Baldwin, is a dynamic and finely nuanced exploration of identity, youthful ambition, and societal expectation in contemporary American small-town life. Released in 2020, the film showcases the talents of Shirley Chen, Will Madden, and Jose Angeles in lead roles, along with a compelling supporting cast. The film delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring their struggles and ambitions, each caught in their own circumstances yet deeply interconnected.

The narrative of Beast Beast revolves around three main characters. The first is Krista, played by the dexterous Shirley Chen, a spirited high-school theatre enthusiast who strives to make it big in the field of acting. Her character is juxtaposed with that of Nito, played by Jose Angeles, as a new kid in town who is also trying to find his sense of self amidst unfamiliar surroundings. His background being starkly different from the rest of the town's population brings an interesting complexity to the narrative. The third formidable character is Adam, portrayed by Will Madden, a neighborhood firearm enthusiast, who spends most of his time shooting videos demonstrating guns, thus exploring the controversial yet topical issue of gun control in America.

Set in the tranquil ambiance of a suburban American town, Beast Beast captures the contrast between youthful energy and societal constraint, establishing an engaging narrative arc. Danny Madden, the writer, and director, incorporates his signature style of storytelling into Beast Beast, making use of images and sounds in new and exciting ways, making the film leap off the screen. What makes Beast Beast captivating is its potent combination of invigorating performances, intelligent direction, and thoughtful narrative.

The central narrative of Beast Beast unravels compellingly, taking the audience into the depths of its characters' psyche. The character of Krista, beautifully portrayed by Shirley Chen, is the embodiment of passionate youth driven by her ambition to break free from the monotoness of her suburban life. Her journey from school plays to professional auditions provides an intriguing exploration of the trials and tribulations of pursuing one's dreams.

Jose Angeles' Nito brings a completely different dynamic into the film. As the new face in town, Nito initially struggles to fit into the typical suburban lifestyle. He unwillingly gets caught up in risky situations that test his morals and strength, pushing the narrative into deeper and darker themes. Angeles' performance brings truth and complexity to Nito's struggle, creating a character that is relatable on multiple levels.

Will Madden's portrayal of Adam adds another layer of complexity to Beast Beast. A young man ill at ease with the modern world and obsessed with firearms, Adam spends his days voraciously producing gun videos, weaving a parallel thread of social commentary about the US gun culture. The screenplay cleverly ties his obsession with the other characters' stories, resulting in compelling intersections.

Behind these individual journeys, Beast Beast beautifully encapsulates the contradictions of modern American life. It captures the contrast between the restless ambition and confined reality of youth living in an American suburb. The film also doesn't shy away from exploring the underbelly of the American fascination with firearms, bringing a new perspective to the gun-control debate.

Complementing its compelling narrative are the film's technical aspects. The cinematography in Beast Beast vividly captures the everyday life in an American town, contrasting the mundane with the extraordinary in a visually alluring manner. The film's score, setting the mood and tone of various scenes, syncs perfectly with the narrative progression.

In conclusion, Beast Beast excellently combines nuanced storytelling and committed performances, resulting in an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking film. It offers a fresh perspective on contemporary American youth, highlighting the challenges they face within an increasingly complex society. Beast Beast is an engaging examination of identity, ambition, and the struggles of small-town life in America, making it a must-watch for lovers of thoughtful and challenging cinema.