Beast (2022) Review: A Wild Ride, but Not Quite a Masterpiece
If you’re in the mood for a survival thriller with a sprinkle of “man vs. nature” action, Beast starring Idris Elba might just be the movie for you. Released in 2022, this film throws Elba’s character, Dr. Nate Samuels, and his two daughters into a fight for survival against a relentless, rogue lion in the South African wilderness. Think of it as the John Wick of the animal kingdom, but with fewer pencils and more claws. While Beast delivers some tense, nail-biting moments, the overall experience lands somewhere in the middle it’s a fun, decent watch, but nothing groundbreaking.
Beast (2022) - 56%
64%
Score
Beast does a solid job setting up the intensity early on. The story kicks off with Nate and his family embarking on a safari trip, which quickly turns into a deadly game of survival when a rogue lion, vengeful and hell-bent on taking down anything that moves, starts hunting them. Idris Elba gives a strong performance as the determined father, and there’s a good balance of suspense and action. But for all the tension it builds, Beast doesn’t quite hit the “wow” factor. It’s entertaining, but it doesn’t leave you breathless by the end.
PROS
- Idris Elba’s Performance: Elba delivers as the heroic dad, adding weight to the film.
- Tense Action Scenes: When the lion is on the prowl, the film does a good job of building suspense.
- Simple and Straightforward: The plot is easy to follow, making it a laid-back watch.
- Short Runtime: At around 90 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome.
- Decent CGI for the Most Part: While not perfect, the lion looks solid in most scenes, adding to the danger.
CONS
- Predictable Storyline: You can see where this movie is heading from a mile away.
- CGI is Hit or Miss: Some shots make the lion look too fake, taking you out of the moment.
- Limited Character Development: Aside from Nate, the other characters don’t get much depth.
- No Real Surprises: The movie plays it safe with its narrative and doesn’t take any risks.
- Feels Like a One-Time Watch: It’s fun, but you’re probably not going to rewatch it anytime soon.