Beast(2022)
Beast (2022) is a survival thriller film directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring Idris Elba in a gripping, physically intense performance. Elba plays Dr. Nate Samuels, a recently widowed father who takes his two teenage daughters on a trip to South Africa in an effort to reconnect and heal after the death of their mother. What begins as a peaceful safari quickly turns into a terrifying struggle for survival when the family is hunted by a rogue lion that has gone on a killing spree after its pride was slaughtered by poachers.
The film is set in the vast, rugged landscapes of the South African wilderness, which adds an authentic and immersive backdrop to the narrative. Upon their arrival at the Mopani Reserve, Nate and his daughters, Meredith and Norah, are greeted by an old friend, Martin Battles, a wildlife biologist who introduces them to the local terrain and its dangers. However, the group’s journey takes a dark turn as they find themselves trapped and relentlessly stalked by a massive, vengeful lion that seems to defy natural behavior.
Kormákur, known for directing adventure and survival films like Everest, brings a tight, suspenseful approach to Beast. The movie thrives on tension and pacing, running a lean 93 minutes that avoids unnecessary subplots. The camera work emphasizes the isolation and vulnerability of the characters, often using long takes and dynamic tracking shots to build suspense during encounters with the lion. The CGI used to create the lion is remarkably effective, blending seamlessly with the environment and enhancing the realism of the creature’s threat.
Idris Elba delivers a committed performance, portraying Nate as both emotionally burdened and physically capable. His character balances grief and guilt with a fierce determination to protect his daughters, making for a sympathetic and grounded protagonist. Elba’s physical confrontation with the lion in the film’s climax, though exaggerated, is both thrilling and symbolic of his character’s inner transformation.
Supporting performances from Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries as Meredith and Norah add emotional weight to the story. Their fear and resilience feel authentic, and their evolving dynamic with their father adds depth to the otherwise straightforward plot. Sharlto Copley, as Martin, brings a rugged charm and knowledge of the bush, though his character’s arc is relatively limited.
While Beast doesn't break new ground in the survival thriller genre, it succeeds in delivering exactly what it promises—edge-of-your-seat tension, family-driven emotion, and a fierce central conflict between man and nature. Its simplicity is part of its strength: the focus remains tight on a small group of characters in an increasingly desperate situation.
The film was produced on a modest budget of $36 million and earned around $59 million globally. Critics gave it generally favorable reviews, praising its tension, pacing, and Elba’s performance, though some noted the story’s predictability and reliance on familiar tropes. Still, Beast stands out as a solid entry in the genre, offering a fast-paced and engaging ride for audiences who enjoy survival action with emotional stakes
