4.⁄ 5 stars
The film takes place in a remote, rural area of Galicia, Spain, where the landscape is as beautiful as it is unforgiving. The story revolves around a French couple, Nathalie (María León) and Laurent (Pierre Koffmann), who have relocated to this isolated region in search of a simpler life. They settle into a rural home, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, with their two young daughters. However, their idyllic existence is soon disrupted by a series of strange and ominous events. as bestas rodrigo sorogoyen
Sorogoyen also touches on the idea of “otherness,” and the ways in which we often fear and revile those who are different from us. The French couple, with their foreign accents and city-bred sensibilities, are seen as outsiders by the local residents, who view them with suspicion and hostility. As the conflict between the two groups intensifies, Sorogoyen cleverly exposes the underlying prejudices and biases that have been simmering just below the surface. However, their idyllic existence is soon disrupted by
If you enjoyed films like “The Witch” or “A Quiet Place,” you’ll likely appreciate the tense, suspenseful atmosphere of “As Bestas.” Fans of Spanish cinema may also enjoy the film’s exploration of rural culture and the complexities of human relationships. As the conflict between the two groups intensifies,
One of the standout aspects of “As Bestas” is its exploration of the human psyche. Sorogoyen expertly probes the darker corners of his characters’ minds, revealing the fears, anxieties, and prejudices that simmer beneath the surface. The film becomes a slow-burning descent into madness, as the characters’ actions become increasingly erratic and violent.
The Darkness that Lurks: Unpacking Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “As Bestas”**
In the realm of contemporary Spanish cinema, few filmmakers have managed to craft a sense of unease and tension as effectively as Rodrigo Sorogoyen. With his latest film, “As Bestas” (released as “The Beasts” in English-speaking countries), Sorogoyen plunges audiences into a world of rural isolation, where the lines between civilization and savagery are constantly blurred. This gripping thriller, which premiered at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, is a masterclass in building suspense and exploring the darker aspects of human nature.