Beau Is Afraid (2023)

“Beau Is Afraid” is a 2023 surrealist tragicomedy horror film that explores the journey of Beau Wassermann, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Following the death of his mother, Beau, a character plagued by anxiety and innocence, faces a series of nightmarish and bizarre circumstances on his way back home. His relationship with his mother, depicted through haunting phone calls and complex memories, forms the crux of this Kafkaesque odyssey. The narrative unfolds in chapters, each varying in tone and revealing layers of Beau’s psyche, including a unique stop-motion sequence adding to the film’s surreal quality. Directed and written by Ari Aster, known for his dark humor and themes of psychological trauma, the film is described as Aster’s funniest yet, albeit marked by intense emotional and psychological challenges.

Length: 2h 59m
Genre: Surrealist Tragicomedy Horror
This Title is: An exploration of complex family dynamics and psychological fear

“Beau Is Afraid” IS STREAMING TODAY ON Paramount+ IN CANADA!

Trailer

Cast

• Joaquin Phoenix as Beau Wassermann
• Patti LuPone as Mona Wassermann
• Amy Ryan as Grace
• Nathan Lane as Roger
• Kylie Rogers as Toni
• Denis Ménochet as Jeeves
• Parker Posey as Elaine Bray

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: R for strong violent content, sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language

Content warnings include intense psychological themes, disturbing images, and strong language.

Trivia

• The film is told in chapters, each varying in tone and content.
• Incorporates a unique stop-motion sequence directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña.
• Explores themes similar to Ari Aster’s previous works, such as “Hereditary” and “Midsommar.”

Our Review

“Beau Is Afraid” stands out as a profound cinematic experience, blending surreal imagery with deep emotional undertones. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a captivating performance, portraying the complexity of Beau’s character with a nuanced sense of vulnerability and fear. The film’s narrative, though at times disorienting, offers a rich tapestry of themes, including the impact of familial relationships and the haunting nature of psychological trauma. Ari Aster’s direction brings a unique vision to the story, making it an unforgettable journey through a troubled psyche. However, the film’s intense nature might not resonate with all viewers, with its atonal shifts and heavy themes creating a potentially overwhelming experience.

Critic Scores

Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)