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The Beast

The Beast

You remember, don't you? That we have already met?

2023146 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 66th percentile of all films
Director
Bertrand Bonello
Starring
Léa Seydoux, George MacKay, Guslagie Malanda, Dasha Nekrasova

In the near future where emotions have become a threat, Gabrielle finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will immerse her in her past lives and rid her of any strong feelings. She then meets Louis and feels a powerful connection, as if she had known him forever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Beast?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Beast streaming on The Criterion Channel and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about The Beast?

The Beast earns 8 badges, led by Visual feast and Atmospheric.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Beast worth watching?

The Beast's Midcredits score is the 66th percentile of all films, from 117K ratings across 6 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

66th percentile

Better received than 66% of films

67th percentile among Drama67th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)58th

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

74th percentile among Drama71st percentile among 2020s

Critics 80 · Audience 66

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Drama59th percentile among 2020s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Critics 86% · Audience 56%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 11 wins / 33 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

77th percentile

116K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Drama77th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 29% in 30 days

Box office

Budget€7.5M

In euro, not converted to dollars.

Opening weekend$43K
Domestic gross$414K
Worldwide gross$755K

57th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The Beast is a slow, ambitious, and puzzling three-timeline love story about fear and emotional cleansing.

Fans praised

  • Léa Seydoux's commanding multi-role performance
  • ambitious triptych structure blending period drama, thriller, and sci-fi
  • atmospheric dread and Lynchian dream logic

Detractors panned

  • overlong and glacially paced at 146 minutes
  • incoherent, pretentious narrative with jumbled timelines
  • wooden dialogue and lack of chemistry between leads

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive85

exquisite and evocative; a few detractors call it muddy or gimmicky

AtmosphereDivisive85

immensely immersive and dreamlike; detractors call it oppressive

ActingDivisive82

Seydoux praised as mesmerizing and versatile; detractors find her cold and one-note

OriginalityDivisive80

derivative of Lynch/Cronenberg for detractors, fresh genre-blend for fans

Emotional impactDivisive55

detached and cold; some fans are deeply moved by Seydoux's scream

CharactersDivisive50

thinly drawn across timelines; fans see archetypal depth, detractors see cardboard

Plot and storyDivisive40

convoluted and disjointed; fans admire ambition, detractors find it nonsensical

PacingDivisive30

glacial and self-indulgent; fans say it rewards patience

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 22 points higher than over-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Beast like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Mind-bender: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a puzzle and can give it your full attention.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Mind-bender.

Moods
MelancholicDreadRomantic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
The answer rests on this: Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Time loop · under 1% of films: The story repeats the same stretch of time (Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow).
ToneThe film holds its material at a cool, analytical distance while remaining deeply sincere about its emotional core, blending melodrama with sci-fi dread.
The rideFrom the sterile 2044 procedure to the passionate historical past lives, the film sustains a consistent emotional weight and a sense of inevitable loss.
StructureThe film jumps between three distinct time periods (1910, 2014, 2044) and is framed by the protagonist's DNA-cleansing procedure in the future, which revisits her past lives in a looping pattern.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you pondering the nature of love, fear, and emotional authenticity in a world that seeks to erase pain, with lingering images and ideas that stay with you.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe protagonist undergoes a process to purge her DNA of past traumas, revisiting different lives across time, and the film questions whether emotional healing is about erasing pain or embracing it.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of filmsFate · 1% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the question of whether a persistent self and its capacity for love can be erased by a technological procedure, with Gabrielle's attempts to purify her emotions placing identity at the center.
StanceThe film questions the desirability and possibility of erasing emotion, presenting identity and love as forces that resist technological control, leaving the answer open.

The world

Near futureUrbanDomesticScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Bertrand Bonello
SettingParis in 2044, with regressions to 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles.
MusicThe score, co-composed by the director, blends classical melodrama with modern electronic textures to bridge the three periods.

Content guide

Is The Beast okay for kids?

Not Rated

The Beast is not rated. As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (48/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at moderate (47/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at intense (63/100). Overall it is heavier than 45% of unrated films.

Ratings in 13 other countries
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Argentina+13
  • CL14
  • Hong KongIII
  • Italy6+
  • Netherlands16
  • Russia18+
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan15+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 46% of all filmsHeavier than 45% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 41%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 59%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 57%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 55%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 59%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what unrated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Beast have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in The Beast: Animal death (mild), Gore or body horror (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildAnimal deathGore or body horror

Cast and crew

Who is in The Beast?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Léa Seydoux
as Gabrielle Monnier
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
George MacKay
as Louis Lewanski
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Guslagie Malanda
as Poupée Kelly
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dasha Nekrasova
as Dakota
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Elina Löwensohn
as La voyante
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julia Faure
as Sophie
Kester Lovelace
as Tom
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Laurent Lacotte
as L'architecte
Pierre-François Garel
as Paul Poiret
Lukas Ionesco
as Anton
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Beast?

Movies like The Beast include House of Tolerance (2011), Personal Shopper (2016) and Nocturama (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Bertrand Bonello, and several are films set at a tech startup.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Beast?

635 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.