While Napoleon, a potential blockbuster historical drama with Joaquin Phoenix, is in store for us this fall, the last film by the acting star from spring has largely been lost in cinemas. Ari Aster’s Beau Is Afraid is a real mindfuck epic that is probably the best and worst film marathon of the year so far.
Since the end of August, the surrealistic horror tragic comedy about a paranoia-ridden entrepreneur on a nightmarish journey has been available on disc in home cinemas and can now be viewed at Amazon as a 4K/UHD Mediabook *, Standard 4K/UHD *, on normal blu ray * or DVD * be ordered. Amazon Prime Video also has digital purchase and rental versions for streaming *.
That’s what Beau Is Afraid is about
Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) lives a life of constant worry and paranoia, but is also a successful entrepreneur who grew up with a domineering mother while never knowing his father. When his mother dies, he goes home to the funeral, also to find out more about her death.
On the way, however, supernatural threats await him and secrets from the past push to the surface. The story spans several decades into the future and Beau must overcome his darkest abysses if he wants to fulfill his dreams.
Is Beau Is Afraid worth it?
Shooting on the film was said to have been so intense that Joaquin Phoenix collapsed, and following its release there was some debate as to whether it might have been digitally edited for the young beau. Despite the famous leading actor, the mindfuck epic hasn’t even grossed $12 million worldwide since April, but it was mostly well received by critics.
The colleagues from FILMSTARTS, for example, awarded 3.5 out of 5 stars, with the conclusion:
“An absolutely incomparable cinema experience – and at the same time a real test of patience.”
The Moviepilot community also gives it a solid and above-average rating of 6.9 out of 10. Fans of unusual films should therefore get their money’s worth, provided they have the stamina for the 3-hour film marathon.
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