Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Beast’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Idris Elba as Dr. Nate Samuels in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Photo by: Lauren Mulligan / Universal Pictures, © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Beast’.
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One particular question that has plagued mankind for some time now… is why exactly we are unable to completely dominate mother nature, and it makes sense as to why that bothers us. After all, we have in many ways, made ourselves the masters of this planet. For we are at the top of the food chain, and we control the fate of just about every species of wildlife out there. Not to mention, we own the planet’s skies and soar through it, next to and above birds, and we’ve conquered space since humans work and live above us in a space station. Plus, we are even able to harness the natural forces of this world to benefit our needs. Since wind and sunlight can produce power, as do the mighty rivers that flow through our great nations.
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But despite being able to achieve those wonders and enjoy pure dominance, we simply cannot get the planet to completely yield to our bidding. Because despite our prowess, natural disasters surprise us at every single turn and sometimes the planet just unleashes horrors untold, as evidenced by how the past couple of years went. Not to mention, the animal kingdom… will sometimes humble us when it so feels the need, reminding all of us that we aren’t always the masters of this domain and that it can turn on us on a moment’s notice and sometimes… there are reasons for that. Because now and again we have a tendency to promote trouble and well… the power of nature and why we cannot tame it is top of mind today, simply because those concepts serve as the focus of the brand-new motion picture, Beast.

Now in this particular film, we are plunged into the heart of Africa during a tough time for the Samuels family. For their mother passed away from cancer recently, and Meredith and Norah’s father, Nate… has brought them here to help clear their heads and their sorrows. Because sometimes getting away from it all and immersing oneself in nature can be quite the powerful healing agent and what better way to accomplish that, than by spending time in a preserve with longtime family friend Martin… who is an anti-poacher for that same preserve. Which is a decision that initially pays off since the family is able to just get lost in the wonder of the preserve. But the discovery of a rogue lion, one that has been pushed too far by poachers, puts this peaceful journey in jeopardy. For this lion is a true man-killer, and now it will be up to Nate to figure out how to fend off a true force of nature, one that has set its sights on killing him and his family.

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Which is a plot that speaks to so much. Since it serves as a fine reminder that nature is indeed unpredictable and can surprise us in an ugly manner at any given moment. Since this lion refuses to stand down and kills with impunity. Plus, this is a story that also informs us of how little control we actually have in this life over nature, since it will indeed do as it pleases, when it pleases, especially when provoked by our actions and our cruelty. But above all else, this is a story that truly takes the time to properly point out, that we cannot command the planet through and through because we were never meant to. We are instead, mere tenants on this Earth and not the landlord and we should offer respect to the various neighbors that surround us since they have their own lives and goals to pursue. 
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But while it is indeed fascinating to learn those lessons and be humbled in the process, make no mistake about it… Beast is… at its core, a horror story. One that evokes memories of Jaws and other man vs. animal stories, and it is supremely impactful when it comes to the scares For once we get into the action and the lion begins to strike, this movie becomes a high-octane nightmare. One where a powerful predator fiercely hunts its prey. Which leads to jump scares and ugly gore and an unrelenting sense of dread. Because this lion will stop at nothing to achieve its goals and the setting and the lack of safety leaves you worried for the future of this broken family and leaves you wondering if they will survive this ugly encounter or succumb to the power of nature and the bloodlust of a broken predator. 

As to whether or not they do, we won’t spoil that here. Because this is a rollercoaster ride you need to experience firsthand and hopefully you do. For this really is a fun and entertaining ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intensity and unpredictability and genuine sense of danger. If anything, this is just a genuinely fun experience, one that you can thankfully enjoy right now. For Beast is currently in theaters and we certainly hope you give it a look, because you can never go wrong with a wildly intense horror film that takes your breath away, and leaves your heart racing, before returning you the safety of your lives with some thoughtful concepts to chew upon.

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