2023 proved to be an exceptional year in cinema, with a diverse array of memorable films gracing our screens. Blockbusters such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”, along with indie sensations like “Anatomy of a Fall”, were among those released last year that will likely continue to captivate audiences for years to come. However, one film from 2023 that has received relatively little attention is Ari Aster’s “Beau is Afraid”. This underrated gem not only deserves recognition as one of the best films of the year but also stands as a timeless work of art that will continue to resonate long after its release. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, it possesses all the necessary elements to become an enduring classic.
Beau’s Journey Through Fear” narrates the tale of Beau, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, a man tormented by fear, who embarks on a transformative spiritual and mystical voyage to reunite with his mother. Spanning three hours, this film offers a startling, eerie, indelible, and occasionally humorous exploration of anxiety and emotional turmoil that is certain to linger in your memory.
Why Beau is Afraid Is a Masterpiece
Despite having a straightforward concept, the movie isn’t at all straightforward. Divided into three acts, “Beau is Afraid” narrates an intense tale encompassing guilt, self-discovery, and existence. It skillfully explores its characters by combining chilling horror elements with unexpected humor. Masterfully blending humor and horror is a challenging feat, but Aster’s meticulous craftsmanship and knowledge of filmmaking techniques result in a smooth transition between the two styles.
The movie, without its various elements, could still be classified as a drama. A major theme in the film is Beau’s complex bond with his mother, and much of it focuses on him understanding and dealing with this relationship and how it has shaped his life so far. Using symbolic visuals and an impressive monologue delivered by Patti LuPone, the movie powerfully illustrates generational trauma in a way that leaves a lasting emotional impression.
Joaquin Phoenix demonstrates his exceptional acting abilities in the movie “Beau is Afraid.” The film presents him with numerous strange situations, which he handles with remarkable empathy. Through his performance, we experience the story primarily from Phoenix’s viewpoint, and his presence effectively communicates much about the character and the film’s themes. Given the heavy nature of “Beau is Afraid,” it’s crucial to have a top-tier actor leading the way, and Phoenix was an ideal fit for the role.
In a performance that’s truly unique and unforgettable, Patti LuPone breathes life into Mona, Beau’s mother. Her portrayal beautifully balances warmth and underlying assertiveness, creating a character that’s captivatingly complex. Instead of falling into the typical mold of a strict parent, LuPone infuses Mona with such depth, gravity, and strength that it transforms the character into a living, breathing entity. Unfortunately, her exceptional performance was overlooked in the Best Supporting Actress category at this year’s Oscars, leaving many to question the decision.
Ari Aster skillfully creates visuals that are both breathtakingly beautiful and intensely frightening, and this is evident in his film Beau is Afraid. Leveraging IMAX technology, the movie takes advantage of its expansive angles and variable aspect ratios to portray a grand scale. This creative choice significantly amplified the terror scenes and generated numerous powerful images. The movie’s extensive use of color kept each frame visually engaging, even when depicting the most gruesome events. Regardless of the narrative unfolding, Aster ensured that the cinematography was always providing something noteworthy to remember.
Beau is Afraid Is What Films Are Missing These Days
In a striking and unsettling manner, the film “Beau is Afraid” showcases some of the most intense visuals ever captured on screen. Despite its bizarre elements such as colossal phallic monsters, it manages to resonate with viewers. The initial hour serves as a biting satire of contemporary anxieties, portraying how even trivial tasks like grocery shopping or making a phone call can be affected by anxiety. Director Aster masterfully demonstrates the far-reaching effects of anxiety on ordinary daily activities.
One striking highlight of the movie is an animated passage centered around Beau’s life and destiny, which ranks among the most impactful scenes of the last ten years. The animation is breathtaking, but it’s the sound design and narrative that truly shine in this sequence. The immersive audio creates a strong bond between viewers and visuals by utilizing eerie sound effects to evoke a sense of mystery. This scene unfolds Beau’s life story, with a focus on powerful emotions, reflecting several key themes of the film such as loss and the impact of trauma on the protagonist.
The movie “Beau is Afraid,” contrary to its box office performance, isn’t a letdown; instead, it’s a meticulously crafted film from A24 that the film industry desperately needs. With too many predictable and repetitive films flooding the market, audiences are left yearning for more daring, innovative, and unique cinematic experiences to keep the industry thriving. While sequels and franchise movies may be profitable, films like “Beau is Afraid” will endure the test of time.
Beau is Afraid is available to stream on Max and rent on VOD.
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2025-06-27 20:42