“Beau Is Afraid” with Joaquin Phoenix
Is this the weirdest movie of the year?
Joaquin Phoenix as a life-stricken beau.
© Leonine
Ari Aster’s new film is here: “Beau Is Afraid” sends leading actor Joaquin Phoenix on an extremely weird odyssey.
“Beau Is Afraid” is the new feature film by director Ari Aster (36) from May 11th. With his works “Hereditary – Das Vermächtnis” and “Midsommar” he blossomed into the new horror child prodigy with the outstanding talent to cause terror and anxiety even without clumsy jump scares. His latest prank with Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (48) in the title role, which just brings three hours to the clock, is more farce than horror – but at least as disturbing.
A life of fear – that’s what it’s all about
Beau isn’t feeling well – his paranoia is making life difficult for him and the medication his therapist is prescribing is no solution either. When Beau leaves to visit his mother, an epic odyssey begins as he confronts his past, present and future. In the end Beau has to realize that he has to overcome his darkest abysses in order to fulfill his dreams.
More than in all his previous films, Aster embarks on an existentialist search for clues in “Beau Is Afraid”. Even the trailers offer a good insight into what film fans can expect in the almost 180 minutes running time. Lots of symbolism, lots of twisted visuals – and lots of question marks about the plot. More than ever, Aster seems to have let out his inner David Lynch (77), who was allowed to let off steam with relish.
Phoenix once again gives everything
The same goes for lead actor Phoenix. After “Joker” the star is once again completely immersed in his role. A renewed Oscar nomination seems at least realistic in view of his fervent joy of playing.
For those who have had no or only very sporadic contact with Ari Aster, “Beau Is Afraid” will undoubtedly be the craziest, sometimes most exhausting film of the entire year – but the former should also apply to all Aster disciples. On the other hand, those who already gave up after the first half of the Oscar-winning “Everything Everywhere All At Once” will probably not survive this three-hour odyssey either. However, one of those unique cinema experiences that have recently become increasingly scarce will be missed.