175. The Beasts (As Bestas); movie review

 

THE BEASTS (AS BESTAS)

Cert 15

138 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, threat, violence

Cruelty is portrayed in myriad ways on the big screen but seldom as effectively as the bullying in The Beasts.

Racism or loathing is usually connected with skin colour or religion but in this case, mere outsiders come in for the most horrible flak.

And it is based on a true story!

French immigrants played by Marina Foïs and Denis Ménochet are a couple who have inadvertently wound up the long-established Spanish farmers by voting against an offer made for their land by a wind farm company.

Thus, their vocal neighbour (Luis Zahera) and his compliant brother (Diego Anido) begin a campaign of hate, especially against their male nemesis.

In turn, he surreptitiously films their intimidation in the hope of persuading the police to get them to back off.

However, the further the film progresses, the worse their behaviour becomes.

This leaves the couple with a choice of whether to change their vote, leave or just stick it out and try to eke out a living on their farm.

The tension in The Beasts is almost tangible - I was tempted to put my hand over my face every time Ménochet's character encountered his enemies.

And yet again, it goes to prove that blood and gore is not necessary to create terror for an audience.

It just needs a quality script, fine direction (in this case from Rodrigo Sorogoyen) and a top-notch cast.

All the ingredients are present and it also helps that The Beasts setting is so remote, adding to the sense of isolation and helplessness.

Reasons to watch: Tense and riveting

Reasons to avoid: Builds up slowly

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know?  The Spanish Government intends to earmark 2,200 square kilometres along the Galician coast for the installation of offshore wind farms, which would mean that Galicia would account for 43% of offshore wind energy produced in Spain. 

The final word. Isabel Peña: "It is inspired by real events: we based it on a news story about a Belgian who had problems with people from a Galician village. Then we really ran with it: we changed everything from the names to much of the plot and motivations. The film is a fable about a true story. We detach ourselves from it as much as possible." Cineuropa

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