🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Michael Pearce
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (42K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A woman from a rich family falls for a suspicious man, becomes the prime suspect of a murder, and then the family drama becomes more intense and she has a mental breakdown.
🍿 Beast: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: Moll’s Troubled Life
Moll, a 27-year-old woman living in Jersey, feels trapped by her controlling family. She works as a tour guide while caring for her father, who suffers from dementia. The island community is gripped by fear due to a series of unsolved rapes and murders of young women.

Meeting Pascal and Forming a Bond
During her birthday party, feeling overshadowed by her sister’s pregnancy announcement, Moll escapes to a nightclub. There, she meets Pascal, a mysterious and alluring outsider. Pascal rescues Moll from an aggressive man, sparking a romantic connection between them, much to her family’s disapproval.

Suspicion and Accusations
As Moll and Pascal’s relationship deepens, suspicions arise about Pascal’s involvement in the murders. Moll learns about Pascal’s past criminal record and lies to the police to protect him. She confronts Pascal about the accusations, and he denies any involvement, claiming his past mistakes were manipulated against him.

Escalating Tension and Betrayal
Moll’s loyalty to Pascal is tested as the community turns against him. She seeks solace in Pascal, but his volatile behavior and her own troubled past continue to haunt her. After an argument where Pascal is violent towards Moll, she goes to the police and reveals her lie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Moll (Jessie Buckley): A repressed woman in a small island community struggles against her family’s control and societal expectations.
- Pascal Renouf (Johnny Flynn): An outsider who offers Moll an escape from her stifling life, but whose violent tendencies raise suspicion.
- Hilary Hunt (Geraldine James): Moll’s overbearing mother who exerts significant control over her daughter’s life and choices.
- Clifford (Trystan Gravelle): Moll’s brother, who also reinforces the family’s expectations and limitations on her freedom.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Moll: “I’d like to make a toast. To my family. For everything you have done for me… I forgive you.” – Moll says this sarcastically at a family gathering, revealing her strained relationship with them.
- Pascal: “We’re the same.” – Pascal says this to Moll as she is strangling him after she crashes the car, suggesting they share a dark nature.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4.2 million
- Domestic Gross: $199,112
- Worldwide Gross: $868,738
💥 Beast Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, ‘Beast’ really messed with my head. I went in expecting a standard thriller, but it was so much more! Jessie Buckley is incredible; you feel everything she feels. The scenes by the sea were hauntingly beautiful, but also unsettling. I kept changing my mind about who the ‘beast’ really was. That ending, though… I’m still not sure what to make of it, which is probably the point. Definitely a movie that stays with you.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of psychological thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
- “Those who enjoy independent and arthouse films”
- “Lovers of dark and atmospheric dramas”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Sexual content”
- “Disturbing themes”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Jessie Buckley delivers a powerhouse performance in this moody thriller. The film skillfully blends romance and suspense, keeping you guessing about the true nature of its characters. The cinematography captures the beautiful yet isolating landscapes of Jersey, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. A solid directorial debut for Michael Pearce.
- The Guardian: “Beast is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of control, freedom, and the darkness within us all. Buckley’s portrayal of Moll is both vulnerable and fierce, making her a compelling protagonist. The film’s slow-burn pacing builds tension effectively, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax. A truly captivating and disturbing film.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Michael Pearce’s ‘Beast’ is a character driven thriller set against the backdrop of a series of murders, starring Jessie Buckley in a truly memorable performance. This dark and brooding tale explores the themes of family, freedom, and the beast within.
Audience Reactions
Jessie Buckley’s acting was absolutely phenomenal; she completely embodies the character.: Viewers are raving about the performances, especially Jessie Buckley’s nuanced and powerful portrayal of Moll.
The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time; I never knew what was coming next!: Many viewers praised the film’s unpredictable plot and suspenseful atmosphere, saying it kept them guessing until the very end.
Overall Consensus: Beast is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller with outstanding performances, particularly from Jessie Buckley. It offers a unique and unsettling viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Despite some mixed reactions to the ending, it’s generally praised for its atmosphere and character development.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The director, Michael Pearce, previously lived in Jersey and this movie is loosely based on a real-life person dubbed The Beast of Jersey who terrorized the island of Jersey in the 1960s and 1970s.”
- “Jessie Buckley’s performance was highly praised for its intensity and subtlety, capturing the complex emotions of Moll.”
🖥️ How to Watch Beast?
Currently, ‘Beast’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available for purchase online or in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Beast, you might like these similar films:
- Lady Macbeth (2016): Features a woman in a repressive environment who takes extreme measures to gain freedom and control.
- The Witch (2015): Explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and societal judgment in a historical setting, creating a similar atmosphere of dread and suspense.
- Prisoners (2013): Deals with themes of morality, justice, and the lengths people will go to when a loved one is missing, creating a similar tone of suspense and moral ambiguity.
🛒 Beast Related Products
- Wild Rose [Blu-ray]: Another acclaimed film starring Jessie Buckley, showcasing her incredible acting and singing talents. A must-see for fans who enjoyed her performance in ‘Beast’.
- The Complete Guide to Forensic Science: Dive into forensic science with this comprehensive guide, exploring the techniques and principles used in real-world investigations, offering an in-depth look at the world of crime scene analysis.
- Channel Islands Travel Guide: Plan your trip to the Channel Islands with this comprehensive guide. Includes information on Jersey, Guernsey, and other islands, with details on attractions, history, and local culture.
- Mental Health Journal for Women: Prioritize mental health and emotional well-being with this guided journal, designed to promote self-reflection and stress management.
🎧 Soundtrack
Beast features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Beast’ was primarily filmed on the island of Jersey, Channel Islands, UK. The film utilizes the unique landscapes of Jersey to create a sense of isolation and atmosphere.
While not a direct adaptation, ‘Beast’ is loosely inspired by the story of the ‘Beast of Jersey,’ a serial sex offender who terrorized the island in the 1960s and 1970s. The film uses this historical context to explore themes of fear, suspicion, and justice within a small community.
The film leads the audience to believe Pascal is the killer, but Moll’s actions at the end reveal that she is capable of extreme violence and takes justice into her own hands, regardless of the truth.
🔥 Bonus Content
Beauty and the Beast Explained By An Asian
Ever wondered about the story of Beauty and the Beast but want a fun, fresh take? This video breaks it down with humor and insight from an Asian perspective. Honestly, it’s pretty hilarious and makes you think about the story in a whole new light!
Why Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is Actually a Great Movie
Think Fantastic Beasts was just another cash grab? This video makes a strong case for why it’s actually a great movie, diving deep into the themes and creature designs. Prepare to have your mind changed – I definitely saw the movie differently after watching this!
A Terrible Beast In A Great X-Men Movie
Is the X-Men Beast always portrayed accurately in the movies? This video dissects the different versions of Beast and points out the worst and the best. It’s quite insightful and gives a better understanding of the character’s journey!
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