Beau is Afraid

UK Release Date: 19 May 2023
Certification: 15
Director: Ari Aster 
Cast: Stephen McKinley Henderson, Richard Kind, Patti LuPone, Armen Nahapetian, Joaquin Phoenix, Parker Posey, Amy Ryan

Rating: 41%

                                                                                                                                                   

Review: 

Joaquin Phoenix is often touted as the greatest actor of his generation with stellar performances riddled within his filmography - Gladiator, Joker and The Master. In Beau is Afraid, Phoenix combines with director, Ari Aster to create an incredibly absurd depiction, in my eyes, of a man suffering with agoraphobia (the fear of going outside). Phoenix portrays almost every emotion available - distress, panic, sincerity, curiosity and puzzlement. The range on display from Phoenix makes a barebones character engaging. His commitment and dedication to the role is to be commended. 

Despite the audience's thoughts on Beau is Afraid as a whole, the remarkable visuals can't be understated. Over the course of the film's four-act structure, cinematographer, Pawel Pogorzelski displays a variety of awe-inspiring shots in jaw-dropping ways. In particular, the stop-motion animation is superb. On top of that, intricate set-designs increase the insanity of Beau is Afraid. Outlandish graffiti is arguably my favourite aspect of the film. 

The first two hours of Beau is Afraid are excellent. I was entertained for that entire period of the film even if I wasn't sure what was going on. I was on edge, anxious and disturbed by the events unfolding on screen. I wanted to see how events tied together, an explanation of what Beau experienced trying to figure out the film's deeper meaning. 

Unfortunately, the finale undoes all the previous interesting filmmaking and intrigue. Headache-inducing, insufferable, unwatchable. All statements that apply to end of Beau is Afraid. It is pretentious and it is self-indulgent. A certain scene involving a penis left me wanting to walk out of the cinema. After a promising start, Beau is Afraid is a film to be endured rather than enjoyed. 

I appreciate Aster's ambition and direction. A24 should be commended for allowing the filmmaker to achieve his vision providing Ari Aster with $35 million. Sadly, that's as much praise as the film deserves. Set to lose around $25 million, my only hope is that Aster continues to make original horror films (Hereditary and Midsommar) rather than dark-twisted fantasies from the depths of his mind.