Beast Beast is a delightful coming-of-age film that hints at something simmering under the surface that keeps rising and rising until it boils over. Danny Madden's direction here is strong, staying focused on his characters and allowing them to collide with each other in natural and unexpected ways. The sound design and cinematography of this film give it an edge that keeps you hooked even in the more peaceful beginning hour of the film, which feels like a hazy memory of high school days. What really makes this film so strong, though, are its lead performances, particularly Will Madden and Shirley Chen. Will Madden's character fluctuates sympathies and motivations throughout the film and he handles it confidently. But the real star here is Shirley Chen who basically gets the third act to shine. I really think if given the right roles she could become a major talent. The political messaging of this film is a bit muddled, lacking a clarity that would have boosted this film a lot further for me. But what's here is ultimately fascinating and no less emotional as a document of social media and gun violence. It's a film searching for catharsis in a media and political landscape that cannot offer it.
Beast Beast is a delightful coming-of-age film that hints at something simmering under the surface that keeps rising and rising until it boils over. Danny Madden's direction here is strong, staying focused on his characters and allowing them to collide with each other in natural and unexpected ways. The sound design and cinematography of this film give it an edge that keeps you hooked even in the more peaceful beginning hour of the film, which feels like a hazy memory of high school days. What really makes this film so strong, though, are its lead performances, particularly Will Madden and Shirley Chen. Will Madden's character fluctuates sympathies and motivations throughout the film and he handles it confidently. But the real star here is Shirley Chen who basically gets the third act to shine. I really think if given the right roles she could become a major talent. The political messaging of this film is a bit muddled, lacking a clarity that would have boosted this film a lot further for me. But what's here is ultimately fascinating and no less emotional as a document of social media and gun violence. It's a film searching for catharsis in a media and political landscape that cannot offer it.
