Beast (2022)

** – Movie Review

**Genre**: Action, Thriller, Adventure
**Director**: Baltasar Kormákur
**Starring**: Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries
**Plot Summary**:

In *Beast*, Idris Elba stars as Dr. Nate Samuels, a widowed father who takes his two daughters, Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Meredith (Iyana Halley), to a remote South African wildlife reserve. Their visit turns perilous when a bloodthirsty lion, who’s been hunting humans after being driven mad by poachers, begins stalking them. With no way out and the savage beast closing in, the family must fight for survival in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The movie blends tense survivalism with emotional family dynamics, showcasing a father’s desperate will to protect his daughters in the face of overwhelming danger. As Nate and his daughters struggle to survive, they must use their wits and limited resources to outsmart the lion, which proves to be a formidable and relentless predator.

**What Works**:
* **Idris Elba’s Performance**: Elba delivers a strong performance, balancing the emotional depth of a grieving father with the physicality required to survive against a deadly predator.
* **Tension and Thrills**: The suspense builds progressively as the family gets trapped in a relentless fight for survival. The lion’s hunting tactics keep viewers on edge.

* **Gritty Realism**: The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw, brutal dangers of the wild, adding a layer of realism to the stakes.

**What Doesn’t Work**:
* **Pacing Issues**: At times, the film struggles with pacing, slowing down the action to focus on character development, which can occasionally feel drawn-out.

* **Predictability**: While thrilling, the plot follows a familiar formula for survival movies, which might not appeal to viewers seeking more unpredictability.

**Final Verdict**:
*Beast* is an intense, heart-pounding thriller that showcases the raw power of nature and the lengths a father will go to protect his family. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of plot, Idris Elba’s commanding presence and the film’s taut atmosphere make it a captivating ride for fans of action thrillers.
**Rating**: 7/10
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