THE BEAST WITHIN
Filmmaker Alexander J. Farrell surprises Fantasia 2024 audiences with a monster movie from a child’s perspective. THE BEAST WITHIN sinks its teeth into audiences in ways you won’t see coming. 
The attention to detail in world-building is delicious. The jewel-toned costumes and set dressings draw you in. Natural light, candles, and soft-bulbed corner lamps create an atmosphere that makes your heart race from the very beginning.
Willow and Noah’s clothing color choices are no accident. Costumers John K. Lemons and Frances Harrison Hays place Caoilinn Springall between worlds, one foot in Little Red territory and the other the Woodsman. Harington lands solidly between Woodsman and Wolf. It is unmistakably brilliant. 
Ashleigh Cummings and James Cosmo ground the narrative with emotionally wrought performances. Kit Harington proves yet again his ability to fill a frame with little more than a facial expression. Harington keeps the audience on their toes with fierce volatility. His chemistry with fellow cast members is alarming. 
Caoilinn Springall delivers an astonishing turn as young Willow. Her performance in Stop Motion turned heads. Her vulnerability and fierce curiosity keep you entranced every second. She is a star.
The Beast Within is a story of unresolved generational trauma and abuse wrapped in a Gothic fairy tale. It’s beautiful to behold in every sense.
This endearing later-stage love story is as lovely as can be. Annie and Howard’s earnest chemistry come to life with the extraordinary performances by James Cosmo and Bríd Brennan. Beautifully paced histories of their former selves lend to its authenticity. So much of the script occurs in things unsaid.
You must be logged in to post a comment.