The Beast is boldly ambitious, occasionally frustrating, yet always mesmerising. It’s the type of film that begs for multiple viewings. And that’s not a bad thing, as it means there is a lot to dissect and take in. And at 2 and half hours, Bonello packs a lot into the proceedings – three distinct time periods to be exact. The storytelling is not linear though, and placing the puzzle pieces in your mind can be a bit vexing (to say the least). But, by the end, it’s an undeniably rich experience. There’s also some great craftsmanship at work here. You see, the movie goes from period drama to modern surrealism with impeccable detail. The engrossing mix of sci-fi and philosophical surrealism is reminiscent of David Lynch and David Cronenberg. It’s quite something. But, like those filmmakers’ works, this too won’t be for everyone. It’s overly confounding at times and a little too “artsy” for its own good. Luckily, our lead actress Lea Seydoux is a revelation in the role. There’s an understated passion at play, and Seydoux’s eyes tell the story every step of the way. So, while The Beast will no doubt divide audiences, it remains a challenge worth taking.