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Beast is a gripping survival thriller that delves into the heart-wrenching tale of a family holiday turned into a terrifying struggle for survival. This intense cinematic experience puts the audience on the edge of their seats as they watch the raw power of nature clash with the determination of the human spirit. Set against the vast landscapes of South Africa, Beast brings out the sheer beauty of the wilderness juxtaposed with its inherent dangers. At the center of this story is Dr. Nate Daniels, played by acclaimed actor Idris Elba. Nate is a recently widowed husband who decides to take his two teenage daughters on a trip to a South African game reserve to reconnect and heal as a family. The game reserve is overseen by Martin Battles (played by Sharlto Copley), a wildlife biologist who is an old family friend and serves as their guide. The trip is intended to honor their late mother and Nate's wife, whose love for Africa and its wildlife was part of their family heritage.

As the family embarks on their adventure through the reserve, enjoying awe-inspiring sights and creating new memories, they soon come across Liyabuya Gongo, Martin Munro, and Daniel Hadebe, who portray characters integral to the unfolding of this intense narrative. Though initially, their journey seems filled with wonder and excitement, their dream vacation quickly turns into an unimaginable nightmare.

The tension escalates when the family runs into a rogue lion with a mysterious and fearsome reputation. This is no ordinary wild animal; it has been pushed to the brink by poachers and now sees all humans as the enemy. With the skillful interplay of emotions, the movie pits the desperation and cunning of a wounded animal against the will and resourcefulness of a father wanting to protect his children at any cost.

As the beast stalks them through the reserve, the family must grapple with their vulnerabilities and fears. Nate, overcoming his own doubts and the protective instincts, is pushed to the limit as he fights to keep his family alive. The movie is a testament to the strength that comes out in the most desperate of circumstances, showcasing that in the face of danger, the survival instinct takes over, leading to acts of incredible bravery and sacrifice.

The film's breathtaking cinematography captures the savage beauty of the African bush, making it almost another character in the narrative. It aids in magnifying the tension as the vastness of the landscape highlights just how isolated and vulnerable the family is. The director skillfully uses the setting to amplify the suspense, delivering a visually stunning and emotional ride.

Beast explores various themes, from family dynamics to humanity's relationship with nature and the impact of humans on wildlife. It questions the human footprint on the natural world and reflects on the consequences of such actions. The movie also touches on ideas of grief, recovery, and moving forward in the face of loss. It highlights the resilience of human beings as well as the complexities of nature and our need to respect the wild.

The performances are solid, with the cast delivering emotionally charged portrayals creating a realistic and relatable audience connection. The tension between Elba's character and the beast is palpable, showcasing a formidable narrative of man versus nature. Expertly orchestrated suspense sequences carry the movie along at a relentless pace, ensuring that the viewer's attention is captured from beginning to end.

The sound design and score further amplify the intensity of the film, with the roar of the lion or the crack of a branch underfoot heightening the stakes of the survival game. The editing is tight, with just the right combination of quiet, nerve-wracking moments and high-octane action scenes that maintain a balance between character development and thrilling entertainment.

Beast serves as a tightly wound narrative that operates on multiple levels, delivering not just a thrilling tale of survival but also a poignant family drama and a contemplation on nature. Viewers will leave not only talking about the thrilling sequences but also reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the human characters' journey and the forces of nature that they encounter.

With deft direction, a strong script, a compelling cast, and stunning visual work, Beast from 2022 offers a cinematic rendering of survival, family bonds, and the untameable force of nature, leaving an indelible mark on the audience's psyche.

Beast is a 2022 thriller. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 54.