Beast No More

Beast No More is a gripping and suspenseful 2019 Australian horror thriller film directed by Aaron Warwick. The film features a talented cast including Jessica Tovey, known for her roles in Underbelly and Home and Away, Dan Ewing, recognized for his performance in Love and Monsters and Occupation, and Roy Billing, an acclaimed veteran actor with numerous credits to his name. The movie takes its audience on an engrossing journey of thrill and fear, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

In the film, Jessica Tovey portrays Mary Jane, a young biologist plagued by the tragic death of her younger brother. Mary Jane blames herself for the loss and this event whirls her life into a disheartening tempest of guilt and remorse. To cope with her sorrow and seek solitude, she decides to distance herself from her agonizing life in the city and retreat into the wilderness for a wholesome change of scenery.

The plot thickens in the remote countryside when Mary Jane stumbles upon a secluded small town gripped by an ominous mystery of disappearing children – eerily similar to her brother's incident. The town is haunted by a fearsome, unseen creature, dubbed by locals as the 'Mothman', making it an imminent threat to the community. Mary Jane's curiosity and her scientific mind urge her to unfold this lurking mystery, which becomes her primary mission. Meanwhile, Dan Ewing plays the role of a likable farmer named Brent, who is fighting his mysterious past and becomes an unlikely companion on Mary's quest.

Roy Billing, as the town's Pa, brings a poignant layer to the story with his empathetic character portrayal. The movie leaps further into its suspenseful core as Mary Jane dives deeper into the strange wilderness and the perplexing mystery surrounding it. Its scenes are frequently punctuated with dramatic suspense and the eerie atmosphere of the countryside maintains the nerve-racking question - what could be lurking within the darkness?

The script, written by Jennifer Van Gessel and Matthew J. Schelle, is a wicked mix of modern horror and science fiction. The story ticks all the essentials of a dramatic thriller - a strong female lead character, an engrossing mystery, an ancient legend, an isolated small town, an enigmatic ally with a haunted past, and an unseen terror lurking in the dark. It successfully manages to blend the intense emotions of fear, grief, guilt, hope, and determination.

The cinematography of Beast No More captures the beauty and dread of the Australian wilderness perfectly. The daytime scenes highlight the natural charm and tranquility of the forest, while the night sequences reflect the darker, more sinister side. The director, Aaron Warwick, has done a commendable job of creating an ominous atmosphere throughout the film, amplified by the haunting score and sound effects.

Beast No More explores themes of grief, guilt, survival, fear, and hope against the backdrop of a terrifying local legend and the protagonist's quest for redemption. It raises questions about human survival instincts, our capability of overcoming our deepest fears, and the lengths we can go to uncover the truth. It highlights the struggles of a woman battling her inner demons while confronting a real-life monster, creating a thrilling story of courage and resilience.

On the acting front, Jessica Tovey delivers an impressive performance, convincingly portraying a grief-stricken yet determined scientist ready to face her fears. Dan Ewing, too, brings depth to his character and successfully enhances the overall dynamic of the film. Roy Billing adds the perfect balance to the movie's intense scenarios with his wise and calming presence. Moreover, the film's supporting actors have perhaps punched above their weight, each making significant contributions to the storyline.

Beast No More thrives on its haunting suspense, nail-biting thrill, and an emotionally potent storyline. It's a film that draws viewers into its dark, suspenseful world and keeps them guessing until the very end. For those who enjoy a thriller film that is equal parts heart-wrenching and adrenaline-inducing, Beast No More is an enticing must-watch.