Beau is Afraid (2023)

“BEAU IS AFRAID,” a cinematic masterpiece, surprised me with its intricacy and complexity. My knowledge of the movie was limited; I only knew that Joaquin Phoenix starred in it, and it was classified as a horror film. Nevertheless, as the movie unfolded, I was entranced by the many themes, ideas, and emotions it explored.

The story revolves around Beau, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, a man who lives in constant fear and paranoia due to his mental illness. He fears the world around him, especially the people in it, so he has stopped going out in public unless he has to for essential survival needs and isolated himself. When he learns of his mother’s untimely death in a freak accident, his life takes a turn for the worse, and he embarks on a journey to attend her funeral – a trip full of horrors and surprises.

Joaquin Phoenix’s outstanding performance as Beau brings the character’s internal turmoil and fear to life through his body language and subtle changes in tone. His portrayal of a mentally ill man struggling with reality is palpable and resonated with me. The director, Ari Aster, employs a fast-paced and dramatic directing style, evident throughout the film, with humour, shock value, and eerie scores that create a genre-bending comedy-horror odyssey.

The production design and cinematography capture Beau’s world’s chaotic and hellish landscape. An animation sequence provides a poignant glimpse of his alternative life path. The film’s themes are dark and disturbing, exploring how medication can affect perception, the darkness that lurks beneath urban and suburban life, and the isolation of those with mental illness. The movie also delves into philosophical concepts such as the nature of reality, consciousness, and guilt, adding to its complexity.

Some viewers may find the movie’s three-hour runtime exhausting. Still, the wealth of ideas and themes it presents justifies its length. Others may find the movie’s tone, style, and genre disorienting, as it shifts between black comedy, horror, and fantasy. However, I found the film’s unpredictability and variety refreshing and engaging.

“BEAU IS AFRAID” is a thought-provoking movie that will challenge you to ponder deeply the themes and ideas presented. It is a captivating viewing experience that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. If you’re looking for something unconventional and demanding, “BEAU IS AFRAID” is the perfect film.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)