328. Beast; movie review
Cert 15
104 mins
Where's Bergerac when you need him?
I think I have to go back to the 80s detective series, starring John Nettles, in recalling the last time I watched a murder mystery set on Jersey.
However, I think Michael Pearce's Beast has a good deal more powerful punch than sleepier Saturday night telly.
Beast is not a Godzilla-alike causing mayhem on the Channel island but a serial killer who the impotent police are finding it impossible to trap.
It stars Jessie Buckley as Moll, and awkward, friendless 18-year-old who is dominated by her overbearing mother (Geraldine James).
However, it emerges that Moll has a wild side and that comes to the fore when she falls for a local bad lad (Johnny Flynn).
This leaves Moll with a decision - stick by her new love or believe the local gossip.
Pearce, who was brought up on Jersey, sets the island's great beauty against the ugliness of the murders and reactions to them.
But who is the Beast - is the killer, is it Moll's mother or could it even be Moll herself?
These questions were springing forth as I immersed myself in the iTunes version of Beast which I took in on a train journey to Kent.
Despite potential distractions, I was transfixed - thanks to storyline which kept me guessing and performances which are edgy and enticing.
Buckley is super in the lead role, initially appearing to be a teenager who was yet to find her way and being transformed into a woman who is very much in control.
James seems to have had an infusion of evil as a mother who dominates her every move.
Meanwhile, Flynn 's Pascal also goes through a metamorphosis from the cool rule-breaker to potential life-wrecker.
And it all builds up to a heck of an ending.
I was told a while ago to watch out for Beast, having missed it at cinemas. I am very happy to pass forward the recommendation.
Reasons to watch: A splendidly crafted thriller which keeps the audience guessing until its end
Reasons to avoid: Some tough scenes
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10
Director quote - Michael Pearce: "I wanted an investigation into this female character, and for you to be thinking, does she know? Doesn’t she? Is she blinded by love? Or is she more courageous than I am because she’s standing beside someone she loves and she sees their humanity?”
The big question - Where was Bergerac when he was really needed?
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