Review of Beau Is Afraid (2023) by Easterfields — 17 Apr 2023

The initial conceptual idea of this film was done before and 1000x better. "Enter the Void", which I have yet to see any comparisons drawn to "Beau Is Afraid," is similar and infinitely better.

The first act was brilliant. From that point forward, it takes a nosedive in narrative fluidity and I often found myself bored by the same essential loop occurring over and over and over. I love a slow burn and can be very patient if the story is engaging enough.

I actually loved "Skinamarink" for example, which is a definitive slow burn film. Here, I kept hoping for a payoff that is hinted at numerous times, but unfortunately would never come. In fact, this 3 hour film could be cut in half, to 90 minutes, and I'd still feel it's way too long.

I think the film (and director) believes its being clever and deeply contemplarive but unfortunately it's just too self indulent for its own good.