Review of Beasts of No Nation (2015) by Matt C — 21 Oct 2015

Beasts of No Nation is the first official Movie released by movie streaming service Netflix. Netflix in the past has made many television programs such as House of Cards, Daredevil, and Narcos. all of which are fantastic, especially House of Cards which I believe is the greatest television show ever made. with such achievements under Netflix's belt I was very excited for Beasts of No Nation, and the fact that Cary Joji Fukanaga (True Detective) is the writer/director of this film made me even more excited. And I am glad to say that Beasts of No Nation is one of if not the best film of 2015. Perfectly acted, masterfully directed and written, and so gorgeous to see, Beasts of No Nation is amazing on every level as it tells the story of a young boy named Agu who is separated from his family and is forced into the world of being a child soldier.

Idris Elba gives a great performance, which is expected from him nowadays, and is completely believable as this total scumbag who runs a militia with child soldiers in the front lines. he definitley deserves an Oscar nomination for his brilliant performance. but the real star and stand out performance in the movie is Abraham Attah as Agu, the boy who becomes a child soldier. he totally portrays a child who is stripped of everything he once was and turns into a murderous desensitized soldier. Abraham Attah's first role ever should win him a best actor Academy Award.and every supporting role was absolute perfection as well.

Cary Joji Fukanaga showed with True Detective that he was a brilliant man behind the camera. And now he solidifies his role as one of the best directors of our time. Each shot is immaculately framed. the color palate for each individual scene is amazing on every level. And oh my god the two tracking shots in this movie are so breathtakingly amazing that my jaw was dropped throughout both of them. he is amazing at his craft and is a true artist.

Now this movie is not for everyone. it is brutal, unflinching, and very emotionally heavy. the violence may turn many people off from this movie, but all of the violence in this movie seems necessary. it may be brutal and gruesome at points, but it is supposed to be, it is disturbing because the situation that happens in the film is disturbing. and the violence is all realistic and not overly flashy. so the violence may be brutal but it is needed and I felt it added something to the movie.

Overall, this movie was flawless in my opinion. it should be allowed to be nominated for Academy Awards, and it should win a few. it is perfect and I cannot wait to watch it again.

10/10.