Modern-Day Monster

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MOVIE REVIEW
Beautiful Friend
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Genre: Arthouse, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Truman Kewley
Writer(s): Truman Kewley
Cast: Adam Jones, Alexandrea Meyer, Ranen Navat
Where To Watch: releases on Amazon October 31, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: From the first frame, BEAUTIFUL FRIEND immerses us in Daniel's (Adam Jones) mind, which Jones portrays with an eerie authenticity. Truman Kewley's directorial feature debut pulls no punches as it navigates the dark waters of mental illness and social ostracization. The film delves into the psyche of a person grappling with isolation, turning his inner madness into a menacing obsession with control. Through Daniel's eyes, we witness the transformation of societal rejection into a sinister crusade, blurring the lines of this villain in a world that seems to have forsaken him.

Kewley sidesteps the usual thriller trappings, opting for a stark realism that intensifies the chilling narrative. The film looks at the horrors of a disturbed mind on the brink of collapse. Daniel’s mental breakdown resonates, anchored in a reality that is both recognizable and deeply unnerving. This choice magnifies the true horror of the story, as it could very well be happening next door.

The cinematography of BEAUTIFUL FRIEND plays a crucial role in the storytelling, with a meticulously crafted style that enhances the film’s oppressive atmosphere. A cold, stark palette mirrors Daniel’s detachment from reality, while the deliberate pacing drags the audience deeper into the psychological abyss. Kewley’s style is evident in the buildup of tension, creating a sense of impending doom that is both compelling and harrowing.

BEAUTIFUL FRIEND does not merely mention incel ideology as a narrative backdrop but uses it as a pivotal point of discussion. The film explores the destructive intersection of entitlement, misogyny, and violence, encouraging viewers to ponder the societal breakdowns that foster such dangerous ideologies. This is not a bid for sympathy for Daniel but rather a challenge to the audience to dissect the roots of such extreme manifestations of isolation and societal failure.

Alexandrea Meyer provides a poignant counterbalance to Daniel’s dark spiral in her role as Madison Richards, the object of his twisted affection. Her resilient portrayal adds depth to the film, grounding the exploration of trauma and survival in a reality that feels both immediate and desperate. Her character’s struggle offers a crucial moral perspective to the narrative, highlighting the human costs of Daniel’s unraveling.

One of the film’s boldest choices is its commitment to presenting the story almost entirely from Daniel’s viewpoint. This perspective is immersive and insightful but also unrelentingly dark, demanding from its audience as it does not shy away from the discomforting truths of mental illness and societal neglect.

BEAUTIFUL FRIEND refuses to sanitize or simplify the portrayal of violence and mental health. It invites—no, demands—that viewers engage with its complex questions and uncomfortable truths, leaving a lasting impact that provokes reflection. The film confronts the messiness of its themes without offering neat resolutions. It dwells on the complexities of human behavior, crafting a thought-provoking and unsettling narrative. This is a film for those who are not content to watch simply but are compelled to confront the harsh realities of the human condition.

For those able to face its grim reality, BEAUTIFUL FRIEND offers a stark examination of society's worst of the worst. Kewley’s unflinching debut is an experience and a powerful meditation on violence. This film doesn’t just tell a story—it demands a response, making it an essential watch for those ready to engage with the deeper, darker aspects of the human psyche.

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[photo courtesy of GOODWORK ENT, HEWES PICTURES]

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