Watch Behemoth
- NR
- 2011
- 1 hr 29 min
-
3.6 (1,738)
Behemoth is a science fiction monster film that was released in 2011 and features a cast led by Ed Quinn, Pascale Hutton, and Cindy Busby. This movie is a staple of the creature-feature genre often showcased on channels such as Syfy, where it originally premiered, and appeals to audiences who relish in the blend of sci-fi, action, and horror themes.
The film unfolds in the Pacific Northwest, where we find the idyllic small town of Ascension. Life is peaceful, and the community is tight-knit, but this tranquility is shattered when a series of inexplicable and violent natural phenomena begin to wreak havoc on the town. Earthquakes shake the ground, and a dense, suffocating ash descends upon the panicked populace. The townsfolk soon realize that they are facing an extraordinary threat of epic proportions.
Ed Quinn stars as Thomas Walsh, a fearless and determined geologist who begins to notice unusual seismic patterns and hypothesizes that these strange events are not merely routine natural disasters. He is joined by Pascale Hutton, who plays Emily Allington, a scientist, and environmentalist highly invested in attempting to uncover the root cause of the events that are unsettling their town. Cindy Busby’s character, Grace Walsh, is Thomas's sister, a spirited and resolute young woman who, along with the other protagonists, becomes embroiled in the desperate fight for survival.
As the terrifying tremors increase in intensity, it becomes clear that something unprecedented is lurking deep beneath the earth's surface. The film's title, Behemoth, alludes to an ancient, colossal creature that is mythologized in various cultural traditions—biblical and otherwise—as a monstrous embodiment of chaos and power. The movie uses this mythology as a backdrop to introduce its own modern-day leviathan that threatens to emerge and consume everything in its path.
Thomas, with his geological expertise, takes on the role of leading a small group of allies, including Emily, Grace, and other townsfolk, in a desperate attempt to investigate and combat the impending catastrophe. In classic creature-feature style, the group faces personal struggles, skeptical authorities, and bureaucratic red tape as they endeavor to convince the disbelieving community of the mortal danger that lies just below their feet.
As the situation escalates, the ensemble must grapple with not only the mystery of the behemoth’s awakening but also must examine the human impact on the environment that may have contributed to the chain of events. The group is forced to race against time to devise a plan to prevent the beast's emergence and to save their town from total annihilation.
The film takes its viewers on an adrenaline-fueled ride, with sequences filled with suspense, intense escape efforts, and the always entertaining spectacle of humankind facing off against monstrous forces. It taps into common anxieties about natural disasters, coupled with the fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable power of nature when it is combined with ancient, mystical threats.
Pascale Hutton's portrayal of Emily brings an element of scientific reason and environmental concern to the narrative, providing viewers with a touch of educational content amidst the thrills. Her character reminds the audience of the fragile balance between humans and the Earth, and of the catastrophic consequences that can result from environmental negligence and abuse.
Cindy Busby, as Grace, adds a human element to the film, with her relationships and personal journey serving as an emotional anchor amidst the chaos. Her character development is emblematic of the personal growth often featured in disaster-based narratives, where extraordinary circumstances challenge individuals to rise to the occasion in ways they never thought possible.
Behemoth combines the template of disaster movies with the allure of cryptozoology and the thrilling possibility that monsters from our myths might one day reveal themselves as more than just legend. With its predictable yet enjoyable blend of science fiction, action, and horror, Behemoth is a movie that aims to entertain an audience looking for escapism that plays on the grand tradition of battling behemoths from beneath the Earth.
As with many films in the creature-feature genre, Behemoth will likely resonate with viewers who are enthusiasts of disaster movies, special effects that showcase tremendous devastation, and the timeless narrative of human ingenuity pitted against the overwhelming might of nature's most formidable and mysterious threats.
Behemoth is a 2011 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.