2022 was an epic year for independent film studio, A24. Brendan Fraser ultimately won an Oscar for “Best Actor” in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale.” “X” & “Pearl” became modern classics. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won “Best Picture.” One Year Later, Ari Aster (Midsommar) worked on his latest film called, “Beau Is Afraid.” Based on a short film he made, Joaquin Phoenix (one of my Top 5 favorite actors) stars as Beau. A neurotic man who goes on a surreal adventure to attend his mother’s funeral. During his travels, flashbacks of his childhood explore a mother-son relationship.
When I first heard of Beau Is Afraid, I watched a trailer on YouTube. I was interested in seeing a surreal epic adventure for two reasons. One, Mr. Phoenix and second, it’s produced by A24. I also listed it as one of my highly anticipated Top12 films of 2023. The film premiered at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on April 1st, 2023. Which is approximately April Fools. It received divisive reactions from critics and movie goers. To add insult to injury, A24 didn’t recoup its $35 million budget. Only made $11.5 million.
Despite mixed reviews and a commercial flop, Joaquin earned a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy” in the upcoming 81st Golden Globe Awards. As you already know, Joaquin will reprise his Oscar winning role as the Clown Prince of Crime in “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Lady Gaga will portray Harley Quinn. The upcoming sequel will be released on October 4, 2024. Before the upcoming awards show air on January 7, 2024, I wanna share my thoughts on this commercial flop if it’s good or a miserable disappointment.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m give you fellas a chance to see this surreal epic adventure.
Healthy & Fatigue Aspects
Healthy: Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job for his performance as the titular character.
Other Cast Members such as Nathan Lane, Richard Kind, (Bing Bong from Inside Out) Amy Ryan, (Holly Flax from The Office) Parker Posey, Zoe-Lister Jones, Michael Gandolfini & Patty LuPone all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Ari Aster did a superb job directing the film. He also wrote the script. Ari mentioned the story’s a cross between “The Lord of the Rings” and Everything Everywhere All at One.
Fun Fact 1: John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Cry-Baby) mentioned Beau Is Afraid as his favorite movie of 2023. He hasn’t directed anything since “A Dirty Shame.”
Fun Fact 2: Martin Scorsese also enjoyed Beau Is Afraid. Too bad he dislikes Marvel.
The Haxan Cloak (Midsommar) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to Shaky Cam and technical problems.
Although not full-on scary, the Scare Factor relies on Beau’s mental state. There’s no frequent Jump Scares. I prefer a psychological atmosphere.
We learn about Beau’s childhood told in flashbacks. His relationship with his mother. He also meets a girl who also plays a crucial part in his life.
Like “Poor Things,” this film’s bizarre odyssey filled with absurd moments.
Primary Themes are Mental Illness, Personal Trauma, Guilt, Codependency & Paranoia.
Bill Hader makes a brief appearance as a UPS worker. His face is off-screen. You’ll recognize his voice.
Fatigue: My biggest problem is the slow pace. Particularly Beau imagining himself in a play. I’ll have you know it’s a three-hour film. If you’re not into long movies, this may not be your cup of tea.
The Final Verdict: A-
I know what you’re thinking, “Nick why did you give Beau Is Afraid a high grade?” Why? Because I thought it was great. If the pacing wasn’t an issue, I could’ve given it my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. This has got to be the most surreal yet unique movie I have seen since Poor Things. If you haven’t seen Beau Is Afraid, give this one a shot. It’s more entertaining than Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon.”
One more thing, I’m list my Top 12 Films of 2023. So, stay tuned fellow movie goers. What are your favorites from the past year? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 