Shocking Revelation: ‘The Beast’ Uncovers the Raw Truth about Loneliness in LA & Beyond!

A Multifaceted Journey Through Time

“The Beast,” a richly layered film exploring themes of sci-fi, horror, romance, and drama, takes viewers on a journey through three distinct eras, revealing the pervasive loneliness and disconnection that characterize modern existence.

Featuring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, the narrative intertwines the lives of two characters, Gabrielle and Louis, who cross paths in 1910 Paris, 2014 Los Angeles, and a future society controlled by AI in 2044. In each era, various obstacles prevent them from connecting as deeply as they wish.

Modern Issues Through a Classic Lens

French filmmaker Bertrand Bonello, known for his innovative storytelling, brings a fresh perspective to Henry James’ 1903 novella, “The Beast in the Jungle,” transforming it into a film that resonates with contemporary issues. The film debuted at the Venice International Film Festival last fall and is now playing in theaters.

Bonello explains, “I was faithful to the essence of the original novel, but I also wanted to diverge from it and delve into themes of love and fear, which are more relevant than ever. I wanted to blend genres and eras to create a cinematic journey.”

The Power of Collaboration

While Bonello’s films have yet to gain significant commercial success in the U.S., his unique storytelling approach has garnered him recognition on the international festival circuit. This film marks his third collaboration with Seydoux, who balances her career between Hollywood blockbusters such as “Dune: Part Two” and “No Time To Die,” and independent films like “Crimes of the Future” and “One Fine Morning.” Other cast members include Guslagie Malanda, known for “Saint Omer,” and Dasha Nekrasova, a multi-talented actor, filmmaker, and podcaster.

In the film, Bonello himself voices a director guiding Gabrielle, an aspiring actor in 2014 Los Angeles, through a scene, enhancing the exploration of Seydoux’s own persona. The narrative’s temporal shifts also provide a deeper understanding of the characters’ consistent identities despite their changing circumstances.

A Film Reflecting Reality

The 2014 segment of the film is particularly unsettling, drawing inspiration from the videos of Elliot Rodger, who killed six people and himself in Isla Vista in 2014. This narrative thread follows Gabrielle as she house-sits in a Hollywood Hills mansion, attracting the attention of Louis, an isolated incel who vents his misogynistic rage online.

Bonello reflects on his initial encounter with Rodger’s video, noting its eerily calm tone. He faced the challenge of fostering empathy for a character who espoused such horrifying sentiments, reflecting on technology’s role in exacerbating feelings of isolation and alienation.

Capturing the Essence of Los Angeles

The film shot in Los Angeles for only two days, capturing nighttime scenes of Gabrielle driving around the city, trailed by Louis. The 1979 thriller “When a Stranger Calls” served as an inspiration for the film’s menacing atmosphere. A striking hillside mansion, which appears to be located in Hollywood, was actually a filming location in the South of France.

Following the sudden death of French actor Gaspard Ulliel, who was initially cast as Louis, Bonello chose to recast the role with a non-French actor, George MacKay, to avoid potential comparisons.

Exploring the Future Through Film

The film’s futuristic 2044 segment presents a world dominated by AI, a concept that has become increasingly relevant. At the time of the film’s premiere in Venice, Seydoux and MacKay were absent due to an ongoing actors’ strike, driven in part by the need to address AI-related concerns.

For the actors, the film’s exploration of loneliness and disconnection felt timely. Seydoux reflects, “In 2014, she doesn’t have any real human interactions… It’s so hard to have real interactions with people.” MacKay echoes this sentiment, underscoring the film’s emotional depth.

“The Beast” stands out as one of the most empathetically human films of the year, whether the year be 1910, 2014, 2044, or indeed 2024.