Beau Is Afraid
A24 | Release Date: April 14, 2023
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 80 Ratings
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Positive:
53
Mixed:
13
Negative:
14
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
bertobellamyApr 21, 2023
Think of it as if Lars von Trier and Charlie Kaufman directed their own twisted version of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
Miles_LongApr 27, 2023
Hilarious. This is comedy of the year. Every moment is completely absurd and laugh out loud funny. I had no idea what this movie was about going in, and man did I take a trip. Top tier artsy movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
RMckayJun 17, 2023
So, first off, I just want to say how much I would love to give this film a higher score just because of the sheer fun I had watching it. Fun factor is surely a 10. But to grade it just by fun-factor would be irresponsible as a amateurSo, first off, I just want to say how much I would love to give this film a higher score just because of the sheer fun I had watching it. Fun factor is surely a 10. But to grade it just by fun-factor would be irresponsible as a amateur critic, haha. It was surely a mess, albeit a controlled one. I've seen these controlled messes before and sometimes they work (Synechdoche NY by Kaufman) and sometimes they just fall flat on their faces (Cloud Atlas by Wachowskis). You gotta admire the depth Aster goes into on this big fat metaphors and slices of life condensed. Lot's of great Oedipal metaphors, mixed with 'seize the day' moods. I just had a blast deconstructing it. But at the end of the day it doesn't tie up nicely with a bow (or Beau, if you will, haha) like something like Kaufman would make. And also at the end of the day, we have to remember that we're dealing with a horror director here. So it's not quite as "heady" as it looks. But we've got some fabulous editing, great mixed media, a different kind of Phoenix shows up for this one, more subdued and quirky than ever, with a supporting cast that does just that, and does it well. Like I said, I would love to give this film a 9. And were it directed or re-written by someone like Charlie Kaufman, maybe it'd get there? But this was also a cluster of metaphors for cluster's sake and got a little messy. Definitely watch it! But I don't think you'll be jumping up to tell your friends afterward. You will have a good time though with this surrealist mind bender. One word to describe, 'fun'. Not mindblowing though. Which is what I was hoping for.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
PanchogulApr 24, 2023
Ver Beau Tiene Miedo en una sala repleta después de las 9 de la noche fue toda una aventura, son tres horas en las que sentirás principalmente curiosidad seguido de sorpresas, diversión y unas cuantas risas discretas producto del humorVer Beau Tiene Miedo en una sala repleta después de las 9 de la noche fue toda una aventura, son tres horas en las que sentirás principalmente curiosidad seguido de sorpresas, diversión y unas cuantas risas discretas producto del humor bizarro presente en toda la cinta, tiene constantes momentos en donde no sabes que carajo estas viendo al no poder descifrar si todo es real o algo sumamente surrealista. El fracaso en taquilla es lamentable pero justificable al mismo tiempo, en comparación con Hereditary y Midsommar, Beau Is Afraid tiene un presupuesto casi 4 veces mayor en desproporción a una distribución y promoción muy limitada y discreta lo que hace imposible que sea rentable además de que esta vez no es una película para todo el mundo ni para fans del "Terror Elevado", yo diría que dado que es una película que Ari Aster considera que siempre quiso hacer es que es tanto para sí mismo como para los fans más acérrimos de su trabajo, lo cual me incluye.

Joaquin Phoenix hace un trabajo increíble como siempre y el resto del reparto logra brillar en una historia donde su protagonista está permanentemente en pantalla.

Altamente recomendable para fans de Ari Aster pero no para el espectador casual muy a pesar de que en la función en la que estuve todos parecían disfrutar placenteramente la película.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
AJ_13Apr 28, 2023
THE GOOD: Absolutely insane, brimming with ideas and originality. It maintains Aster's stamp despite being different (and worse) than Midsommar and Hereditary.

THE BAD: Being so long it's almost inevitable that it doesn't deflate at someTHE GOOD: Absolutely insane, brimming with ideas and originality. It maintains Aster's stamp despite being different (and worse) than Midsommar and Hereditary.

THE BAD: Being so long it's almost inevitable that it doesn't deflate at some point. Sometimes you get lost in its abstraction.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
TheSHChroniclesJun 18, 2023
Beau is Afraid is one of the craziest and anxiety-inducing movies we've experienced and we'll definitely be re-watching it multiple times
The production design and camera work is excellent. Especially that whole play sequence with theBeau is Afraid is one of the craziest and anxiety-inducing movies we've experienced and we'll definitely be re-watching it multiple times
The production design and camera work is excellent. Especially that whole play sequence with the voice-over gave us goosebumps. Joaquin Phoenix acts the hell out in this and Patti LuPone just kills it in the final act.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
liamexeJun 16, 2023
This terrible film on sentiments transports us to a mysterious universe. an expert in its field. We are Beau in its deep, black valley. We attempt to comprehend while enduring a barrage of weird and bizarre emotions. They are palpable in yourThis terrible film on sentiments transports us to a mysterious universe. an expert in its field. We are Beau in its deep, black valley. We attempt to comprehend while enduring a barrage of weird and bizarre emotions. They are palpable in your chest. We get strained, we must reproduce, it is a lot, but you keep going. You endure suffering like Beau. What a film! Best wishes to everyone who was involved, especially the writer and director.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
nnogohkoJun 5, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first half of the film was a 9 or even a 10 out of 10 for me. The very un unsettling setting and the very unique direction kept my extremely engaged. The production design was stunning and the world of Beau is Afraid was one of the most interesting I have seen in a movie this year. I didn't really know what was going on and I was very excited to find out what happens next. Unfortunately, as the film moves into the last act, it becomes so self indulgent especially during the play in the woods scene and the final act reveal was very disappointing. I still admired the film's originality, Joaquin Phoenix's performance, and the amazing cinematography and production design. This film is definitely not for everyone.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
alanpotter17Apr 24, 2023
Psicanálise pura, com um Joaquim Phoenix inspirado, e um texto um pouco longo sim, é verdade, mas se você fizer a ligação do roteiro com o Complexo de Édipo e sua relação conturbada com a mãe, é uma história muito gostosa de acompanhar, comPsicanálise pura, com um Joaquim Phoenix inspirado, e um texto um pouco longo sim, é verdade, mas se você fizer a ligação do roteiro com o Complexo de Édipo e sua relação conturbada com a mãe, é uma história muito gostosa de acompanhar, com toques de fantasia e criatividade.
Beau é um sujeito urbano, que sofre de ansiedade e depressão, e morando só, numa cidade conturbada, ficamos na dúvida de quem realmente tem problemas mentais. A vizinhança caótica, o urbano sendo retratado de forma crua, tudo se torna muito orgânico.
Então ele parte de uma jornada em busca da mãe, na verdade meio que de forma involuntária, pois devido uma noite bem mal dormida (que não sabemos se foi um sonho), com toques de invasão e suspense, ele desmaia e já aparece em outro cenário, mais bucólico, com um potencial um pouco menor de impacto, é verdade, mas ainda assim com ótima caracterização.
A criatividade dos figurinos e a mente insana de Ari Aster estão afiadas aqui. Ao se deparar com a mãe, Beau enfrenta seus medos, relacionados à morte, à mentira, a laços familiares com pendências traumáticas.
É um filme de muitas camadas, uma pena que ficou cansativo demais para a proposta, mas tem-se em Beau uma busca na sua mente por provocar acertos e consertar os erros do passado, com um inconsciente muito mais difícil de lidar do que a mera superficialidade da exposição de um roteiro linear.
É um filme para sentir e, acima de tudo, um filme bem colorido, bem caracterizado, bem feito. Ari Aster ganha pontos por criar uma obra assustadora e laçada pela mente.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
pangipinguJun 17, 2023
This is what my nightmares are made of. Ari Aster should definitely consider making a movie based on my dreams. I've no doubt it would be his highest-grossing film yet. PS: I really admired the fact that despite its surreal and seeminglyThis is what my nightmares are made of. Ari Aster should definitely consider making a movie based on my dreams. I've no doubt it would be his highest-grossing film yet. PS: I really admired the fact that despite its surreal and seemingly devoid of logic context, Beau Is Afraid is in fact heavily backed by psychoanalytic notions.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
AudiostonedApr 27, 2023
I walked into this film expecting to leave disoriented or pleasantly surprised, or potentially both. I didn’t particularly like hereditary, but thought Midsommar was a humorous and well crafted film. I refused to watch the trailer so I couldI walked into this film expecting to leave disoriented or pleasantly surprised, or potentially both. I didn’t particularly like hereditary, but thought Midsommar was a humorous and well crafted film. I refused to watch the trailer so I could experience this film blind with no expectations or foreknowledge of the plot. I’m glad I did. I would just say don’t take this film too seriously (it’s a farce) and a very enjoyable comedy fever dream of absurdity. It has a very dark sense of humor and I couldn’t help but feel bad for this character, but over a 3 hour time span you eventually just let go and enjoy the ride. I laughed out loud at one scene which I haven’t in a theater in some time. The film is 20 minutes too long and indulgent. Some of the cruel humor is a little lost on me, but when this film is funny it is seriously funny. Highly recommended.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
thenakedmoleApr 18, 2023
Ari Aster's Freddy Got Fingered.

Extremely polarizing, weird, funny, most people will hate it, but a select few will worship it.
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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8
TVGravyApr 25, 2023
I liked Hereditary and Midsommar, both of which I've watched in the theater. I believe Ari Aster has shown himself to be a competent director, capable of making interesting films backed with excellent performances. I thought it would be worthI liked Hereditary and Midsommar, both of which I've watched in the theater. I believe Ari Aster has shown himself to be a competent director, capable of making interesting films backed with excellent performances. I thought it would be worth it to check out his latest, Beau is Afraid. I found it to be a long, unrelenting, and disturbing film. I wouldn't be surprised if many label it as unwatchable, and I wouldn't blame them. This is going to be a very polarizing film. That said, I loved it. It is exquisitely shot, wonderfully acted, and hilarious. I was chuckling throughout the entire movie, while also feeling a wide mix of emotions scene after scene. It is a lot to take in, and even days after watching it, I still feel like I'm processing this movie. Beau is Afraid is a 179 minute nightmare, but I enjoyed every minute of it.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
TAPRApr 21, 2023
Começou muito bem mas foi só derrocando. Na metade me deu tédio e sono. No final eu tava curioso mas não fiquei satisfeito. Senti que forçam muito pra tentar ser complexo e cada vez mais subir um degrau do nonsense. As vezes comédia drama, asComeçou muito bem mas foi só derrocando. Na metade me deu tédio e sono. No final eu tava curioso mas não fiquei satisfeito. Senti que forçam muito pra tentar ser complexo e cada vez mais subir um degrau do nonsense. As vezes comédia drama, as vezes drama comédia, as vezes loucura total. Não acho que precisava de 3h de filme.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
liusyApr 22, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While it's runtime and some sequences are unnecessarily long, Beau Is Afraid is a weirdly wonderful movie that's hard to categorize. Definitely don't watch it expecting a horror movie like Ari Aster's previous 2 movies. I wouldn't call it a horror movie, but it incorporates elements or horror and has some parts that might make you squirm. It's more of a absurdist black comedy adventure movie. It's unclear whether what's happening is our world warped by Beau's fearful worldview, or some alternate universe where almost everyone is horrific, but the world shown is clearly very hostile and confusing for Beau. The movie does a good job of portraying this in an over the top way, from the streets full of people casually murdering and stabbing others, to the characters who actively try to set up and break Beau. Beau is meek and mild mannered to an absurd degree, yet people are literally out to get him at every turn. My favorite part of the movie is how the audience is able to both sympathize with Beau and laugh at the misfortune that befalls him. Beau is afraid of almost everything and everyone, and his worst fears get exaggerated tenfold and end up being reality. You genuinely feel bad for him and want things to get better for him, but the absurdity of what's happening makes you laugh too. It makes the ending that much more jarring. Some parts, namely the play sequence, definitely went on for too long, and I could tell the audience tuned out a bit there. While it's beautifully animated, its purpose wasn't clear to me and it didn't need to go on for as long as it did. Some elements didn't make much sense to me, like the giant penis monster (can't believe I wrote that), and the ending felt abrupt. In all honesty, if it weren't for how much I liked Beau's character and how much I enjoyed the exploration of guilt and anxiety, I probably would've rated this a 6 or 5. This is a very weird movie and many people will dislike or even hate it for valid reasons.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
royalguy07May 1, 2023
After the first 40 minutes I was convinced I was in the process of watching a modern movie masterpiece, it gets a little stunted in the back half but it never lost my interest. Impressive and passionate visual flairs throughout.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
liftedrifterApr 24, 2023
This is a movie I FELT more than enjoyed. But oh boy did I feel it. Aster is back with another gut punch, this time on a whole new level. Go in with an open mind. This movie is not for someone who is simply hoping to enjoy a feature & leaveThis is a movie I FELT more than enjoyed. But oh boy did I feel it. Aster is back with another gut punch, this time on a whole new level. Go in with an open mind. This movie is not for someone who is simply hoping to enjoy a feature & leave with a clear answer of what they just witnessed. I respect this film & everyone who worked on it. Great to see true originality back on the big screen, even if only for a couple months...… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
huginodensenJun 22, 2023
Me gusto mucho, tiene todo el formato de sus peliculas anterioes, nos lleva por un lugar donde no sabemos que va a pasar, de un terror psicologico sin igual. De sus mejores peliculas
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
vgmkyleApr 24, 2023
The Ari Aster haters having finally found a crack to delve into I see. When you make two films that are as impeccable as Hereditary and Midsommer it's hard to follow up, but Beau is Afraid happens to be a visual masterpiece despite whatThe Ari Aster haters having finally found a crack to delve into I see. When you make two films that are as impeccable as Hereditary and Midsommer it's hard to follow up, but Beau is Afraid happens to be a visual masterpiece despite what anyone may think or say. I think the story tone hit a realistic nerve with some people, but with that being said: it is not as good as Aster's previous two films. But that's still saying something.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
jakeyjakeJul 3, 2023
Beau is Afraid is not a primary emotion. It's not a primary anything. Trying to sum up this film's content in a binary, black or white, way or description is virtually impossible. So much of this film, it's humor, it's dramatic moments, it'sBeau is Afraid is not a primary emotion. It's not a primary anything. Trying to sum up this film's content in a binary, black or white, way or description is virtually impossible. So much of this film, it's humor, it's dramatic moments, it's more emotional moments, simply can't be classified as "basic". This is a very funny movie, this is a very dark and depressing movie, it is a very thought provoking movie. And it is also very strange. To some, it could be infuriatingly strange. But I think to others, this movie could bring up a lot of alloyed emotions about very sensitive subjects such as trauma, grief, guilt and mental illness.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
BulgarianCriticJul 16, 2023
This movie starts out pretty great, the world looks very chaotic and you kinda feel the anxiety that our character experiences (in its highest form) and the way the world looks from his point of view. Sadly the movie has an issue which isThis movie starts out pretty great, the world looks very chaotic and you kinda feel the anxiety that our character experiences (in its highest form) and the way the world looks from his point of view. Sadly the movie has an issue which is it's length. The movie is too long and that makes the middle part a chore to watch . It felt like in the half way of the movie they started throwing random things to see if they would stick or not (mostly they do not). This results in 40 minutes which could have been easily cut-off and still provide us with more insight in regards to our characters mentality. By the end of the movie it did have some saving graces and they weren't that badly done (the movie was filmed pretty beautifully btw) but the effect kinda wore off even before you reach the ending. Not a bad movie but not that great either. At least it was a little bit different than what we are used to watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
rahmanismAug 31, 2023
Fantastic acting of Joaquin Phoenix. It starts good, it goes good, but I didn't like the ending of the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Youg1998Jul 14, 2023
Si vous savez apprécié l'art de l'absurdisme , si vous avez aimer un livre tel que "l'étranger" d'Albert Camus, alors vous aimerez le film
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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