In BEAST, Idris Elba must face a powerful animal that has turned into a ferocious killing machine. Movies in which ordinary people square off against animal attackers have a unique appeal. There’s something elemental to the power of a shark, a wolf, or a lion.
For most of us, once we're past the childhood fascination with big cats, we probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about lions. That's a mistake, suggests BEAST. If Idris Elba had spent more time considering the animals, maybe he'd have an easier time here. Check out the BEAST trailer to see why his character is — and should be — absolutely terrified.
Where Can You See Beast?
BEAST will play exclusively in movie theatres beginning on August 19.
The FIerce Beast Trailer
What's more frightening: A rampaging lion, or the remorseless poachers who helped turn the animal into a monster? We might choose the latter — at least the lion's motives are pure.
Terror in Daylight
One of the most appealing things about BEAST is the degree to which the story seems to take place in daylight. Monster movies are often set at night, and even a "man versus wolf" story like THE GREY takes place largely in shadows and darkness. BEAST takes a different approach, and the daylight terror is a big selling point.
And BEAST has scored an R rating from the MPAA, which suggests that the movie will truly engage with the reality of a rampaging lion. Or, at least, it will present a heightened movie version of what it's like to encounter such an animal, which is probably a lot better for audiences.
It's Idris Elba's Year
This is quite a year for Idris Elba. In addition to BEAST, he stars in THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING, in which he plays a character that is more like the monster than the hunted. He has been the voice of Knuckles in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2, and appears in THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, if only briefly. Fighting a lion, going to Valhalla, and getting to work with MAD MAX Director George Miller makes for a remarkable run in a single year.
The Men Behind the Beast
BEAST is directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, who also made EVEREST, TWO GUNS, and broke out with the comedy 101 REYKJAVÍK. Kormákur is skilled at creating and maintaining suspense, which makes him ideal for BEAST.
On the cast side, in addition to Elba, BEAST boasts a strong supporting cast. Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Riley Keough are all key players. One thing is pretty certain, which is that there will be no animal credited as the lion performer. All the Lion work in BEAST will be CGI, but given the lifelike fidelity of other CG animals we've seen in movies recently, that's not a problem at all — and it's a lot safer for everyone!
BEAST opens on August 19.
All images courtesy of Universal Pictures.