‘The Beast Within’ introduces us to Willow (Caoilinn Springall), a 10-year-old girl living in the remote English countryside with her parents. In Alexander J. Farrell’s directorial debut, which he co-wrote with Greer Taylor Ellison, we’re treated to a visually striking film steeped in gothic elements. Farrell and cinematographer Daniel Katz have crafted a story that elegantly merges the chilling charm of the English landscape with the eerie undertones of lycanthropy.
Willow’s life revolves around her oxygen tank, her mother, and her grandfather, while her father (Kit Harington) is frequently absent. The family’s disjointed behaviour eventually leads Willow to uncover a dark family secret. While the film’s marketing and poster make it clear that we’re delving into werewolf territory, it does so through the innocent eyes of a child. This perspective turns the familiar creature into a metaphor for the hidden beast within troubled families, reflecting on themes of abuse and trauma.
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Despite its promising setup, the film falters with its storytelling. As a coming-of-age narrative, it effectively conveys its thematic intentions, but the execution falls short as the plot takes a convoluted turn. The horror elements are overshadowed by the family drama, leading to a film that, while visually captivating, struggles to maintain tension and suspense. The scares are sparse, and the characters, despite solid performances, lack depth.
‘The Beast Within’ excels in atmosphere, with its eerie cinematography providing a haunting backdrop for Willow’s journey. While it may not be the most dynamic werewolf film, its fresh perspective and gothic aesthetic make it an intriguing watch, especially for those new to the horror genre. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of a child’s perspective on a fractured family, even if the overall narrative doesn’t quite hit the mark.