Han Lee

I had to really think about it. Just put it out there, I rarely put a review of a film, because opinions differ. I do not like contemporary art yet many do. Just because i do not find something entertaining, it doesn’t mean it is. However, going through many other reviews while they praise the cinematography, acting, directions, etc one thing it definitely wasnt claimed was just exactly that - entertaining. And I agree. Some spoilers ahead so be warned. The film, running at three hours, leaves you a lot to think about. Normally that would be a good thing, in a good movie. But when you are left to think about the film, to find the message and dissecting every frame of it, after already stretched out three hours, is exhausting. Despite previous two films having touched on elements of horror in much stylised way, yet remains entertaining to garner a lot of followers, ‘Beau’ fails that. Taking on the title Beau is afraid..and throughout the film his fears do manifest. But only when he does not expect. The obviousness elements never really harms him in anyway. E.g. accidental intake of medicine without water, losing keys, spider, ongoing (almost comical) violence outside, drugs, etc are elements he is aware of…and doesn’t actually get to him. Not directly at least. While this subtle twist is relatively nice, but this trope’s been done before and here it is really not impressive since what happens doesn’t really lead to anywhere. Oedipus complex again, doesn’t come as a huge impact despite its three hour long running time. Ive also seen arguments that the film is artistic and delivers whatever the director clearly wanted. And yes, I appreciate A24 for supporting such films too. However, I’d like to state that films are fundamentally entertainment. If your audiences are not entertained, then it really just becomes a circle-jerk (typically a comment i reserve for pretentious contemporary art - again my opinion) does it not? Ive had to really run through the film and think about tropes, gimmicks, messages, plots, etc. I can’t honestly fault actors at all, they did phenomenal job and their given roles. The film as a whole? It was too dull to be comedy, horror it definitely was not, too whacky to be a drama. Im starting to think maybe Aster just got lucky with his previous films, like M. Night Shayamalan was.