Beloved Beast

Beloved Beast, released in 2018, is a gripping dark-horror film that leaves viewers pondering about the gritty and often unexpected aspects of human nature and survival. Directed by Jonathan Holbrook, the movie features a stellar performance by an ensemble cast that includes Sanae Loutsis, the director himself, Joy Yaholkovsky, and Tabitha Bastien. Though a horror movie, it breaks the mold of the typical horror genre by introducing elements of mystery, suspense, and surprise at turns to keep the audience’s attention riveted to the screen.

Set in a poignant, foreboding landscape that perfectly complements the dark theme of the film, the movie is centered around the character of a young 12-year-old girl named Nina, played with an impressive earnestness by Sanae Loutsis. After losing both her parents in a brutal car accident, Nina is consigned to the care of her debauched and neglectful aunt, Erma portrayed by Joy Yaholkovsky. Left to herself amidst chaos, Nina forms an unlikely and unnerving bond with an escaped mental patient, who dons an array of eerie animal masks. Holbrook himself steps into the frame, enacting the disturbing role of the masked-man.

However, the movie transcends the elemental horror stereotype with its narrative, intricately weaving the elements of horror and suspense with the dynamics of human relationships. The unique relationship that Nina develops with the masked man and her determination to survive in her challenging circumstances form the core of the story.

This horror flick also features threads of drug trafficking, violence, and adult content, which give it an overall gritty texture, exploring the darkness inhabiting the human soul. As the story unfolds, the layers of the plot peel away, veering towards a multifaceted social commentary on life on the edge, criminals, the mental healthcare system, and child welfare, rather than just a typical horror story centered on jump scares and paranormal activity.

The movie also notably features a strong performance from Tabitha Bastien who plays the character of Amanda, adding yet another layer to the narrative. A myriad of other headstrong yet morally warped characters, like the two drug dealers who cross paths with Nina, further contribute to the movie's uneasy yet compelling ambiance.

The cinematography of the film is also worth noting, with shots that successfully capture the grim and grimy world of the characters, contributing to the overall aura of horror and suspense. The storytelling is gritty, and the tension builds up meticulously, punctuated by unexpected bursts of violence that serve to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

A true testament to its genre, Beloved Beast revels in its macabre themes and doesn't shy away from showcasing the disturbing realities that its misfits inhabit. The masked man, in particular, is a chilling presence throughout the film - his terrifying persona only accentuated by the animal masks he adorns.

At its core, the film predominantly amplifies the themes of survival and the human capability to form bonds in the unlikeliest of circumstances, even if those bonds may not be conventional or socially acceptable. Stressing on survival instincts in adverse conditions, the narrative uses the horror genre as a tool to convey a much deeper message about human nature.

Beloved Beast carries with it a runtime that's slightly longer than typical horror films. But the director- Jonathan Holbrook utilizes this duration to create a well-detailed plot with an involved background story that provides greater depth to each character. This allows the viewers of the film to understand, empathize, and predict the direction of the story, or even find themselves shocked with threatening twists.

A roller-coaster ride filled with surprises and shocking scenes, the movie is a worth-exploring piece for those who appreciate dark themes, psychological horror, and suspenseful thrillers. While it flirts with heightened violence and grim plot strands, it also maintains an undercurrent of humanity, making Beloved Beast a daring fusion of thrilling cinema that's characterized by its aggression, fear elements, and thought-provoking narrative.