The Beast (Le Bete)

In a near-future world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme and human emotions are deemed dangerous, "The Beast" offers a mesmerising blend of melodrama and sci-fi fantasy. Directed by filmmaker Bertrand Bonello and featuring the captivating presence of Léa Seydoux, this cinematic journey traverses three distinct time periods – 1910, 2014, and 2044 – as it explores the complexities of love, destiny, and the eternal struggle between man and machine.

At the heart of the narrative is Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux), a woman who seeks to rid herself of the burden of emotions by purifying her DNA in a machine that delves into her past lives. As she journeys through the corridors of time, she encounters Louis (George MacKay), a figure who transcends the boundaries of time and space to become her eternal love and, ultimately, her greatest fear.

Seydoux's magnetic performance anchors the film, drawing viewers into Gabrielle's world and inviting them to experience the depths of her emotions. Through her expressive portrayal, Seydoux captures the essence of a woman torn between her desire for emotional liberation and her overwhelming connection to Louis, a love that spans centuries and defies logic.

The film's non-linear narrative, told through A.I.-induced hypnosis, adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to Gabrielle's journey. However, the decision to encompass multiple time periods – from 1904 to 2014 – results in a somewhat disjointed storytelling experience. While each era offers glimpses into Gabrielle's past lives and the evolution of her relationship with Louis, the narrative would be far easier to digest from a more focused exploration of a single time period.

Central to Gabrielle's story is her tumultuous relationship with Louis, portrayed with equal parts charm and menace by George MacKay. In 1904, Louis is depicted as Gabrielle's brave and protective French lover, a stark contrast to his incarnation in 2014 as a dangerous stalker and weird incel in Los Angeles. MacKay's portrayal of Louis as a troubled and volatile figure adds depth to the character, injecting moments of dark humour and genuine unease into the narrative. His performance as the troubled man in 2014’s age of social media created the more interesting and intense character he played.

Visually stunning and thematically rich, "The Beast" is elevated by its evocative cinematography and atmospheric world-building. From the haunting landscapes of a dystopian future to the vibrant streets of turn-of-the-century Paris, each time period is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail, immersing viewers in a world where past, present, and future collide.

"The Beast" is certainly a thought-provoking and visually arresting film, that explores the timeless themes of love, identity, and the human condition. Witnessing the juxtaposition of relationships from the beautifully romantic ‘die for you’ love of 1904, to the intensely monstrous in 2014. It serves as a reminder that went to souls meet, the type of relationship that can develop can be polar opposite. The performances of its talented cast and the striking vision of its director make it a compelling cinematic experience. With its blend of sci-fi spectacle and heartfelt drama, "The Beast" is a must-see for fans of thought-provoking cinema.