MOVIE REVIEW
The Beast Within
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Alexander J. Farrell
Writer(s): Greer Taylor Ellison, Alexander J. Farrell
Cast: Kit Harington, Ashleigh Cummings, James Cosmo, Caoilinn Springall
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival, opening in select theaters nationwide on July 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In Alexander J. Farrell’s inaugural leap into narrative filmmaking, THE BEAST WITHIN serves up a hearty dose of gothic horror rooted deeply in the genre's eerie traditions. Farrell, transitioning from documentary filmmaking, crafts a gripping tale against the foreboding backdrop of an ancient English forest, where dark secrets and familial conflicts twist into a riveting storyline. From a stylistic standpoint, this film hit the nail on the head!

Willow, portrayed by Caoilinn Springall, leads a life obscured by shadows in this forest. Her journey into the heart of darkness begins when she starts to unravel the terrifying secrets of her father, Noah, whose dual life is poignantly captured by Kit Harington. His portrayal delivers a powerful juxtaposition of fatherly love and monstrous secrets, bringing an intense depth to the narrative.

Ashleigh Cummings, as Imogen, Willow’s mother, embodies the turmoil of a woman caught in a fierce battle between her protective instincts and her deepest fears. The cast’s dynamics, enriched by James Cosmo’s role as the enigmatic grandfather, elevate the film’s emotional resonance, drawing viewers deeper into the tangled web of the storyline.

Farrell employs a hauntingly beautiful gothic visual style that vividly reflects the characters’ turmoil. The dark woods and crumbling structures serve as a backdrop and a living, breathing entity within the film, mirroring the complex emotional landscapes that Willow and her family navigated. Unfortunately, the setting can never entirely pull the movie out of its pacing issues. 

THE BEAST WITHIN ventures into the realm of horror with a narrative that intertwines the myth of the werewolf with the real horrors of hidden personal and family conflicts. This approach enhances the film's relatability and amplifies its terror, making the narrative both accessible and profoundly unsettling.

Farrell’s blend of deeper themes, such as domestic conflict, within the horror framework allows a unique exploration of this story. The portrayal of the family’s home as both sanctuary and prison is a standout theme, highlighting the duality of safety and captivity and prompting viewers to question where true safety lies.

The interaction among the characters forms the backbone of the film, with each relationship adding layers to the haunting atmosphere. This character-driven approach ensures that THE BEAST WITHIN is not just a horror story but a psychological exploration of fear, protection, and the beast within every individual.

With this film, Farrell makes a bold statement in the horror genre. The film navigates the intense personal conflicts and the broader, eerie elements of traditional horror storytelling. Its ability to tackle darker human nature and legacy themes makes it an interesting watch.

THE BEAST WITHIN is an intriguing first step in Farrell’s transition from documentary to narrative filmmaking. It offers a movie that is, at times, both thought-provoking and chilling. The narrative scares but reflects deeper societal issues, making it a significant and compelling addition to the horror genre and Farrell’s filmography.

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[photo courtesy of WELL GO USA ENTERTAINMENT]

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