Beau Is Afraid
Director: Ari Aster
Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Patti LuPone, Amy Ryan
PlotSet in a surreal and unsettling world, the story follows Beau, a timid and anxiety-ridden man who lives his life under the looming shadow of his overbearing mother, Mona. Physical and emotional distance defines their relationship: Beau is trapped in a miserable city brimming with chaos and danger, while Mona resides in an affluent, sterile environment. Despite Beau's deep desire to visit his mother, his overwhelming fear of the outside world holds him back. A scheduled trip to her house becomes fraught with anxiety and avoidance, exacerbated by the bizarre series of events that unfold in his chaotic neighborhood. These occurrences not only thwart his journey but also fuel his growing paranoia.
As Beau grapples with external threats, he is haunted by distorted memories of his childhood and the complex bond with Mona that has shaped his very being. Each step nearer to his destination reveals more layers of his internal struggle and unresolved trauma. En route, he encounters strangers who blur the lines between friend and foe, dragging him further into a hallucinatory odyssey fraught with unexpected challenges. His journey becomes not only a physical endeavor to reach his mother, but a psychological battle against the shadows of fear that have dictated his entire life. Along this path, he confronts the nature of his guilt, the expectations laid upon him, and the terrifying unknown he seeks to finally comprehend.
Writers: Ari Aster
Release Date: 21 Apr 2023
Runtime: 179 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Canada
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Beau Is Afraid is a daring, polarizing film with first-rate technical merits and extraordinary 1080p visuals, best experienced on Lionsgate Blu-ray.
Read our review of Beau Is Afraid Blu-ray to find out more