Ari Aster has become, since the release of 2018’s incredible Hereditary, one of the most exciting new directors within the horror genre. His films are often surreal, and existential, tackling themes of trauma (often family-related) and anxiety poignantly by exploiting the protagonist’s fears and creating immersive film experiences that are among the best that I’ve seen in horror films recently. Beau is Afraid is his third feature film, and may be his most defining film to date. The below review is taken directly from my Letterboxd account, which you can check out here.

Honestly, can’t fault a single thing about this film. The meandering, exhilarating storyline with Joaquin Phoenix in the center of it all. The story itself, and the exploration of a mind rifled with deep anxieties in the world, a lot of them social, but also inner issues that Beau needed to deal with. It’s done in such a phenomenal way, from the incredible animation sequencers and humour, to some of the scary moments that crept over him, the contrasting emotions I had throughout, between being absolutely mesmerised by the story, amused by the humour, and scared with a feeling of unease, this film is exemplary of one that truly touches on every single human emotion.

You can’t not sympathise with Beau, he’s a likable character, lost in his own head, with surreal experiences and hallucinatory moments that capture what it’s like to be under the influence of medication when anxiety-ridden. The Truman Show-like metaphor like in the final scene perhaps suggests to Beau that his insecurities are only a fragment of his own imagination, like most of the people and experiences he encounters throughout the film. The synergy of stories between him and his mother is interesting, with the cycle of life and death coming together in such impactful ways, both to the protagonist and to myself. It was so unpredictable, and that’s what I love about it. There is so much uncertainty around Beau’s travels, and the mystical and surreal element to the story shines through. It’s merged with reality, sometimes unrecognizable from each other. At one point I thought all of this was in Beau’s head, but as it turns out, shit was really going on in real life. Navigating through his own traumas and phobias, we’re able to see a vulnerability that is so pure and potent, that it’s difficult for me not to feel sympathy for Beau’s character. The ridiculousness of the characters makes it a funny and entertaining watch too, with Grace, Roger, and their daughter Toni being the highlight for me, and in the ridiculousnesses of the death of the daughter too. The attic scene was particularly scary, and the way Elaine died too was super creepy and frightening. Moments like that remind you that it’s still very much rooted in horror, despite Ari Aster calling it a ‘nightmare comedy’. Either way, this film has exceeded expectations. The soundtrack and song choices throughout were splendid, didn’t know until after the film that Bobby Krlic aka The Haxan Cloak (someone I’m a fan of), scored it. The sound and cinematography were all exceptional. 

This is deffo contender for film of the year to me, and I’ve been watching Ari Aster interviews and other analyses since I saw it, and recommend you do the same, as there’s so much to analyse and interpret thematically!