“Beau is Afraid,” the third feature film by acclaimed horror filmmaker Ari Aster, falls short of expectations. After his successful debut with “Hereditary” and follow-up hit “Midsommar,” fans eagerly awaited Aster’s next move. However, the film, while exploring surrealism and dark comedy, fails to deliver a cohesive and thought-provoking experience. The story follows Beau, an anxiety-ridden man on a journey to confront his fears and return home after a tragedy. The film starts strong, immersing audiences in Beau’s chaotic life, but loses its momentum as it becomes a disjointed collection of half-formed ideas. Despite impressive visuals and technical craftsmanship, including solid production design and cinematography, “Beau is Afraid” lacks substance and fails to strike a balance between absurdist comedy and surrealism. The lead actor’s performance falls flat, further hindering the audience’s engagement. While the film may have its niche followers, it is widely considered a major disappointment in Aster’s otherwise promising career. Visit afdah for more!
Summary: Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey back home.
Countries: United States, United Kingdom, Finland, CanadaLanguages: English
