A sick young girl lives at her family’s remote farm. She’s reached the age where she recognizes her family harbors a dark secret, but what could it be? Her father, whom she seems afraid of, disappears for days, always returning exhausted and drenched in blood. Unable to resist, she sneaks out to uncover the truth about the monster her father has become. That’s the plot of The Beast Within, directed by Alexander J. Farrell and co-written by Greer Ellison.
This dark story plays out in a grand farmhouse in disrepair, filled with whispers between family members. The beast is unleashed against a stunning background of forests and hills. The cinematography is fantastic, with the film having a warm, rich look and beautiful shots.
Young Caoilinn Springall is the standout of the film. She performs far beyond her years, delivering authentic panic and fear. Ashleigh Cummings, who plays the struggling mother, also gives a powerful performance. James Cosmo (Braveheart) plays the concerned grandfather. You can’t go wrong with him. He’s always amazing. As for Kit Harrington, he does not disappoint, playing a man and father struggling to control both parts of himself, the man and the beast.
The film builds suspense, keeping you invested and concerned for the young girl while your heart breaks for her mother, whom Harrington’s character keeps at arm’s length.
If you are looking for a werewolf movie filled with massive special effects and crazy scenes, you are barking up the wrong tree with The Beast Within. This is more of a character-driven film, built with tension and emotion, not a ton of blood and guts, but don’t worry, there is still action. We do get to see the beast briefly, and it looks good. I get the feeling that the werewolf is more practical than CGI. Sometimes, less is more, and that’s the case with the special effects for this movie.
As for my verdict, The Beast Within is worth watching. It takes time to build a story that, at its heart, is about a young girl and her strained relationship with her father, who happens to be a werewolf. The Beast Within will bare its teeth in theaters nationwide on July 26, 2024, from Well Go USA. Get your tickets now.
