Steven Littles (The Prisoner’s Daughter) has signed with Bailey Rae Harrison at Exclusive Artists Agency.
Littles recently appeared in Self Reliance, alongside Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick, which reached No. 1 on Hulu, and Picture Me Dead directed by Chris Stokes.
In his 20s, Little was an image consultant for recording artists such as Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Boyz II Men. However, it was his move to Los Angeles in 2004 that changed the course of his career — he decided to pursue being an actor. In 2022, Littles has won Best Actor at The Rome International Movie Awards for The Invisible, directed by Michele Antonio Parisi. He played a homeless U.S. veteran.
Littles’s upcoming project is Rock the Boat 2, starring Emmy winner Loretta Devine and directed by Stokes. The cast also includes Cynthia Bailey, Alimi Ballard, Dwight Boyce, Janina Gordillo, Iyana Halley, Farrah Hines, Jarell Houston, Judi Johnson,...
Littles recently appeared in Self Reliance, alongside Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick, which reached No. 1 on Hulu, and Picture Me Dead directed by Chris Stokes.
In his 20s, Little was an image consultant for recording artists such as Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Boyz II Men. However, it was his move to Los Angeles in 2004 that changed the course of his career — he decided to pursue being an actor. In 2022, Littles has won Best Actor at The Rome International Movie Awards for The Invisible, directed by Michele Antonio Parisi. He played a homeless U.S. veteran.
Littles’s upcoming project is Rock the Boat 2, starring Emmy winner Loretta Devine and directed by Stokes. The cast also includes Cynthia Bailey, Alimi Ballard, Dwight Boyce, Janina Gordillo, Iyana Halley, Farrah Hines, Jarell Houston, Judi Johnson,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ozie Nzeribe (Swagger) has joined the cast of the Tubi film Rock The Boat 2, a project by Footage Films directed by Chris Stokes and producer Marques Houston.
The film follows Millie (Parker Mckenna), who, after losing her memory of her tragic past, tries to pick up the pieces but is terrified when chaos follows her and her friends’ every move.
Nzeribe will play Durell, a young and witty brainiac who’s a bit of a nerd who gets invited to a weekend getaway with his cousin’s friend. Once they are all at the lake house everyone’s motives change.
The cast also includes Parker McKenna, Loretta Devine, Zonnique Pullins, Katlynn Simone, Cynthia Bailey, Iyana Halley, Justin Sweat, Judi Johnson, Jarell Houston, Carnetta Jones, Khylin Rhambo, Dwight Boyce, Janina Gordillo, Farrah Hines, Steven Littles, Alimi Ballard, Shah Granville and Candice Marie.
Stokes serves as executive producer, writer and director...
The film follows Millie (Parker Mckenna), who, after losing her memory of her tragic past, tries to pick up the pieces but is terrified when chaos follows her and her friends’ every move.
Nzeribe will play Durell, a young and witty brainiac who’s a bit of a nerd who gets invited to a weekend getaway with his cousin’s friend. Once they are all at the lake house everyone’s motives change.
The cast also includes Parker McKenna, Loretta Devine, Zonnique Pullins, Katlynn Simone, Cynthia Bailey, Iyana Halley, Justin Sweat, Judi Johnson, Jarell Houston, Carnetta Jones, Khylin Rhambo, Dwight Boyce, Janina Gordillo, Farrah Hines, Steven Littles, Alimi Ballard, Shah Granville and Candice Marie.
Stokes serves as executive producer, writer and director...
- 5/20/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
A one night stand becomes a home invasion nightmare in the BET+ original thriller One Night Stay, which will be debuting on BET’s streaming service on Thursday, January 4.
Stephen Bishop (Being Mary Jane), LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), and Iyana Halley (This is Us) star in One Night Stay, and Deadline debuted first look images this morning.
In the film from director Rick S. Mordecon, “Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.”
Laurissa Romain (Top Five), Robert Christopher Riley (Hit the Floor), Essence Atkins (Marlon), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Bold and the Beautiful), and Mc Lyte (Girl’s Trip) also star.
Deadline notes in their report today, “Developed...
Stephen Bishop (Being Mary Jane), LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), and Iyana Halley (This is Us) star in One Night Stay, and Deadline debuted first look images this morning.
In the film from director Rick S. Mordecon, “Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.”
Laurissa Romain (Top Five), Robert Christopher Riley (Hit the Floor), Essence Atkins (Marlon), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Bold and the Beautiful), and Mc Lyte (Girl’s Trip) also star.
Deadline notes in their report today, “Developed...
- 1/2/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Actors Stephen Bishop, LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), and Iyana Halley (This is Us) have signed on to lead the BET+ thriller One Night Stay from Worldwide Entertainment and Media in association with Choice Films.
Developed by Jenna Frank and Zach Hunter under the Beautiful Orchid Media label, the pic was written by Curtis Cardwell. Director is Rick S Mordecon. The film is set for a January 4 release on BET+.
The film’s synopsis reads: Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.
Bishop is best known for his role in BET’s popular series Being Mary Jane. Luckett, a former musician and member of the RnB group Destiny’s Child,...
Developed by Jenna Frank and Zach Hunter under the Beautiful Orchid Media label, the pic was written by Curtis Cardwell. Director is Rick S Mordecon. The film is set for a January 4 release on BET+.
The film’s synopsis reads: Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.
Bishop is best known for his role in BET’s popular series Being Mary Jane. Luckett, a former musician and member of the RnB group Destiny’s Child,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Zac Ntim and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the full lineup for their 2023 festival, which will run in person from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29. The festival will feature the world premiere of Rob Reiner’s “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” and the world premiere of Matthew Brown’s “Freud’s Last Session,” starring Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode.
Other titles include Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers,” Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction,” Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders,” Mahalia Belo’s “The End We Start From,” Christos Nikou’s “Fingernails,” Michel Franco’s “Memory,” Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady” and J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow.”
AFI previously announced that Sam Esmail’s “Leave the World Behind,” starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke, will open the festival on Oct. 25. The Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro,” directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, will close the festival. “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is the Centerpiece film.
Other titles include Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers,” Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction,” Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders,” Mahalia Belo’s “The End We Start From,” Christos Nikou’s “Fingernails,” Michel Franco’s “Memory,” Jessica Yu’s “Quiz Lady” and J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow.”
AFI previously announced that Sam Esmail’s “Leave the World Behind,” starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali and Ethan Hawke, will open the festival on Oct. 25. The Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro,” directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, will close the festival. “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is the Centerpiece film.
- 9/29/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, McKinley Franklin, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The made-for-tv movie was a programming staple for the broadcast networks in the 1970s and 1980s. While it fell out of favor in the 1990s and was even dropped as an Emmy Awards category for three years beginning in 2011, it has been on an upswing as of late. This year, a whopping 61 telefilms are in contention for the five nominations that will be revealed on July 12. Last year, there were only 48 options, compared to 41 in 2021 and 28 in 2020.
All 20,000 plus voting members of the TV academy have until June 26 to cast their 2023 Emmy Awards nominations ballots for their favorite TV movies. A new rule change will require each voter to make no more than five selections in this category, whereas there was previously no limit. As opposed to the Oscars, voters for the Emmys do not rank their choices and nominees are determined by a simple tally.
Just like on the limited series ballot,...
All 20,000 plus voting members of the TV academy have until June 26 to cast their 2023 Emmy Awards nominations ballots for their favorite TV movies. A new rule change will require each voter to make no more than five selections in this category, whereas there was previously no limit. As opposed to the Oscars, voters for the Emmys do not rank their choices and nominees are determined by a simple tally.
Just like on the limited series ballot,...
- 6/17/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
ABC's "Abbott Elementary" follows a group of passionate (and eccentric) teachers at the titular fictional Philadelphia school as they forge friendships and help one another meet the challenges of working in an underfunded district. While the award-winning, breakout workplace comedy deftly highlights real issues that exist within the US public education system, there's also tons of humor and heart. For instance, there's that slow-burn romance between optimistic second-grade teacher Janine (Quinta Brunson) and newly elected full-time teacher, Gregory (Tyler James Williams). It's one plotline fans have been following with bated breath since the very beginning, and the season two finale, which premiered April 19, gave the duo another milestone - still without them officially getting together.
Every time a spark of their undeniable chemistry flies on screen, we can't help but wonder if these two will finally give in to their feelings (or continue to awkwardly avoid their obvious connection). So,...
Every time a spark of their undeniable chemistry flies on screen, we can't help but wonder if these two will finally give in to their feelings (or continue to awkwardly avoid their obvious connection). So,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Divya Meena
- Popsugar.com
Get ready to be on the edge of your seats for the entirety of Lifetime’s newest film. “Black Girl Missing” tells the story of a mother named Cheryl (played by Garcelle Beauvais) whose daughter disappears without a trace. Authorities and media dismiss her as a runaway while instead focusing on a missing white girl, but Cheryl will not give up hope. The film premieres Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Et. You can watch Black Girl Missing and Lifetime with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. You can also watch with Sling TV, Directv Stream, or Hulu Live TV.
How to Watch ‘Black Girl Missing’ When: Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Est TV: Lifetime Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. 7-Day Free Trial$25 / month philo.com About ‘Black Girl Missing’
In the film, Cheryl initially believes her daughter Lauren is just ignoring her calls and messages after...
How to Watch ‘Black Girl Missing’ When: Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Est TV: Lifetime Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. 7-Day Free Trial$25 / month philo.com About ‘Black Girl Missing’
In the film, Cheryl initially believes her daughter Lauren is just ignoring her calls and messages after...
- 3/4/2023
- by Jessica Lerner
- The Streamable
Garcelle Beauvais plays a mother in crisis in Lifetime‘s Black Girl Missing, the network’s latest addition in its Stop Violence Against Women campaign. In the made-for-tv movie, premiering Saturday, March 4 at 8/7c, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star plays Cheryl, a high school vice principal whose college-age daughter, Lauren (Iyana Halley), is nowhere to be found after driving back to campus from break. When Cheryl gets into an argument with Lauren over her desire to drop out of college, she initially thinks the 18-year-old (grieving the death of her father) is simply ignoring her calls and texts. Cheryl soon realizes that’s not the case. She attempts to get help from authorities and news outlets, but they quickly dismiss the case, labeling Lauren as a runaway while they are all too consumed with another case — that of a missing white girl. Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley...
- 3/3/2023
- TV Insider
Lifetime’s spring slate of movies kicks off on March 4 with eight new movies premiering back-to-back through April 15.
The network today announced the addition of six original films to accompany, “Black Girl Missing” starring Garcelle Beauvais (also of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and “Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story,” which will premiere on March 4 and April 8, respectively.
The six additional originals — “Girl in the Closet,” “The Hillsdale Adoption Scam,” “Twisted Sister,” “Every Breath She Takes,” “Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story” and “Drunk, Driving, and 17” — have a slew of stars joining the projects, including Tami Roman, Remy Ma, Jackée Harry, Tisha Campbell, Tamala Jones, Mena Suvari, Joy Nash and Keshia Knight Pulliam.
“Girl in the Closet,” “The Hillsdale Adoption Scam” “Drunk, Driving, and 17” and “Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story” are each inspired by true events.
See below for Lifetime’s 2023 early spring slate.
“Black Girl Missing”
March 4, 8 p.
The network today announced the addition of six original films to accompany, “Black Girl Missing” starring Garcelle Beauvais (also of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and “Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story,” which will premiere on March 4 and April 8, respectively.
The six additional originals — “Girl in the Closet,” “The Hillsdale Adoption Scam,” “Twisted Sister,” “Every Breath She Takes,” “Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story” and “Drunk, Driving, and 17” — have a slew of stars joining the projects, including Tami Roman, Remy Ma, Jackée Harry, Tisha Campbell, Tamala Jones, Mena Suvari, Joy Nash and Keshia Knight Pulliam.
“Girl in the Closet,” “The Hillsdale Adoption Scam” “Drunk, Driving, and 17” and “Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story” are each inspired by true events.
See below for Lifetime’s 2023 early spring slate.
“Black Girl Missing”
March 4, 8 p.
- 2/14/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais has landed the lead role in the upcoming Lifetime original movie Black Girl Missing, part of the network’s Stop Violence Against Women campaign. According to Deadline, Beauvais will star in and executive produce the film, which is inspired by real stories of missing women of color. The NYPD Blue alum will portray a mother named Cheryl, whose daughter, Lauren (Iyana Halley), goes missing and is dismissed by authorities and media as a runaway. At the same time, the police and press heavily focus on another missing girl, who is white, while Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley (Taylor Mosby) enlist the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find Lauren. The movie will also feature the Black and Missing Foundation, as Cheryl discovers the disparity in how missing persons of color cases are treated with...
- 1/26/2023
- TV Insider
Exclusive: Garcelle Beauvais (Spider-Man: Homecoming, White House Down) is set to star in the Lifetime original movie Black Girl Missing as part of the network’s Stop Violence Against Women campaign. A new PSA for Black and Missing Foundation will be part of the movie’s rollout featuring Beauvais, who is also executive producing the movie that’s inspired by actual stories of missing women of color.
Black Girl Missing tells the story of a mother named Cheryl (Beauvais) whose daughter Lauren (Iyana Halley) is nowhere to be found. Authorities and media dismiss Lauren as a runaway while focusing heavily on another missing girl, who is white. Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley (Taylor Mosby) enlist the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find Lauren.
Cheryl also discovers the Black and Missing Foundation and is horrified to discover the disparity in how missing persons...
Black Girl Missing tells the story of a mother named Cheryl (Beauvais) whose daughter Lauren (Iyana Halley) is nowhere to be found. Authorities and media dismiss Lauren as a runaway while focusing heavily on another missing girl, who is white. Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley (Taylor Mosby) enlist the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find Lauren.
Cheryl also discovers the Black and Missing Foundation and is horrified to discover the disparity in how missing persons...
- 1/25/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
After pitting a knife-wielding Jennifer Lopez and a submachine gun-armed Jennifer Coolidge against a pack of wedding-crashing pirates in the rom-com/action mashup "Shotgun Wedding" (you can read our review of the film here), Prime Video is slowing things down a little in February. That month will see the release of the second and final season of the streamer's fantasy neo-noir series "Carnival Row," which is dropping nearly three and a half years after the first season launched in August 2019, in case you find yourself wondering (much like /Film's Valerie Ettenhofer), "Wait, so I didn't imagine the show where Orlando Bloom solves crimes and hooks up with pixie Cara Delevingne?" No, no you did not, but hey, at least now it has a proper ending!
In the absence of too many major new releases beyond that, Prime Video and Freevee viewers might want to spend February catching one of the...
In the absence of too many major new releases beyond that, Prime Video and Freevee viewers might want to spend February catching one of the...
- 1/25/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Stars: Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries, Sharlto Copley, Martin Munro, Thapelo Sebogodi, Chris Langa, Mduduzi Mavimbela, Kazi Khuboni | Written by Ryan Engle | Directed by Baltasar Kormákur
Despite a poor script that makes the film too predictable, Beast offers up enough lion thrills to keep you entertained for the 90-minute run time.
Idris Elba plays Nate, a father who’s on a trip to Africa with his two teenage daughters. Things soon take a frighting turn for the family when they find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion. The film really shines once it gets into the lion attack. Director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns) uses some creative camera work and the film flourishes with multiple brilliant tracking shots. Once the action hits you get lost in the moment and it leads to some edge-of-your-seat set pieces. Kormákur does a wonderful job of building the tension and making the lion as...
Despite a poor script that makes the film too predictable, Beast offers up enough lion thrills to keep you entertained for the 90-minute run time.
Idris Elba plays Nate, a father who’s on a trip to Africa with his two teenage daughters. Things soon take a frighting turn for the family when they find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion. The film really shines once it gets into the lion attack. Director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns) uses some creative camera work and the film flourishes with multiple brilliant tracking shots. Once the action hits you get lost in the moment and it leads to some edge-of-your-seat set pieces. Kormákur does a wonderful job of building the tension and making the lion as...
- 11/24/2022
- by Alex Ginnelly
- Nerdly
Idris Elba is one of the most charismatic actors working today. With his inherent physicality, witty sense of humor, and unflinching dramatic sincerity, Elba has often been cited by fans as a favorite to take on the role of James Bond. While it seems like Elba isn't in line to take on the part of 007, he certainly has an exciting future ahead of him. Just this year, he proved that he could generate an audience for an original project, and few movie stars can do that.
It's no slight against Elba to say that his best roles have been on television. Elba's performance as the intelligent criminal mastermind Stringer Bell on "The Wire" proved that he could examine the mindset of a complex character who wasn't simply a hero or villain. His role as the titular detective on the BBC One mystery series "Luther" showed that he could sustain a...
It's no slight against Elba to say that his best roles have been on television. Elba's performance as the intelligent criminal mastermind Stringer Bell on "The Wire" proved that he could examine the mindset of a complex character who wasn't simply a hero or villain. His role as the titular detective on the BBC One mystery series "Luther" showed that he could sustain a...
- 11/20/2022
- by Liam Gaughan
- Slash Film
Kerry Washington, Zoë Kravitz, Rosario Dawson, Don Cheadle and Niecy Nash-Betts were among the 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members who urged Congress to pass the Crown Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair style and texture.
In a strongly worded letter sent to the U.S. Senate, SAG-AFTRA encouraged Congress to pass the bill, as it is an essential step to making all workplaces safe for people of color, and it is consistent with the Guild’s efforts to advance equity and inclusion in the media and entertainment industry.
The Crown Act stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
“The Crown Act is a huge step in ending discrimination based on hair in public education and work spaces,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “People should feel free to style their hair how they feel most comfortable without the threat of prejudice and unequal treatment. The Crown Act will protect...
In a strongly worded letter sent to the U.S. Senate, SAG-AFTRA encouraged Congress to pass the bill, as it is an essential step to making all workplaces safe for people of color, and it is consistent with the Guild’s efforts to advance equity and inclusion in the media and entertainment industry.
The Crown Act stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
“The Crown Act is a huge step in ending discrimination based on hair in public education and work spaces,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “People should feel free to style their hair how they feel most comfortable without the threat of prejudice and unequal treatment. The Crown Act will protect...
- 10/19/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Idris Elba versus a giant lion is the best pitch ever for a film. "Beast" was released by Universal Pictures in August of 2022, but you'll be able to watch him battle the giant cat at home less than two months later.
All Idris Elba's recent widower Nate wanted to do was take his daughters to a game preserve in South Africa to see where their mother grew up, and they get attacked by a rogue lion. This man-versus-nature story is a simple one that takes inspiration from films like "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park," as our own Josh Spiegel said in his /Film review.
"Beast" is coming out on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, and DVD, as well as Digital and streaming on Peacock. There are some fun extras on the home video side as well.
The thriller follows recently widowed Dr. Nate Daniels (Idris Elba) and his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley...
All Idris Elba's recent widower Nate wanted to do was take his daughters to a game preserve in South Africa to see where their mother grew up, and they get attacked by a rogue lion. This man-versus-nature story is a simple one that takes inspiration from films like "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park," as our own Josh Spiegel said in his /Film review.
"Beast" is coming out on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, and DVD, as well as Digital and streaming on Peacock. There are some fun extras on the home video side as well.
The thriller follows recently widowed Dr. Nate Daniels (Idris Elba) and his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley...
- 10/4/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Peacock is shoring up its movie slate.
The streaming service announced Universal Pictures’ Beast will begin streaming exclusively starting October 7, 2022.
The movie follows recently widowed Dr. Nate Daniels (Idris Elba) and his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries) as they travel to a South African game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley), an old family friend and wildlife biologist.
However, what begins as a journey of healing soon turns into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of bloodthirsty poachers, begins stalking them.
"Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster. Idris Elba stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator," the logline reads.
Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa,...
The streaming service announced Universal Pictures’ Beast will begin streaming exclusively starting October 7, 2022.
The movie follows recently widowed Dr. Nate Daniels (Idris Elba) and his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries) as they travel to a South African game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley), an old family friend and wildlife biologist.
However, what begins as a journey of healing soon turns into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of bloodthirsty poachers, begins stalking them.
"Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster. Idris Elba stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator," the logline reads.
Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Idris Elba fights a lion. This is what Beast promises, and this is what Beast delivers. No more. No less. The purity of it — the bald-faced simplicity! — is sort of beautiful.
This is where we are in the cursed summer of 2022. We quaver with existential ennui as the planet tries to throw us off with pandemics, heatwaves, wildfires, landslides, dust storms, droughts and floods. But we can cheer in a whistling-past-the-graveyard way as Idris Elba punches a prodigious pissed-off pussycat in the, well, puss, as if to say, “Not today, Mother Nature! Not today!”
To be fair to the lion, he is absolutely correct to be pissed off: poachers killed his whole family, and tried to kill him too, so he is out for revenge. All homo sapiens are in his sights. You may want to root for the lion instead. We humans are only getting what we deserve.
Faster,...
This is where we are in the cursed summer of 2022. We quaver with existential ennui as the planet tries to throw us off with pandemics, heatwaves, wildfires, landslides, dust storms, droughts and floods. But we can cheer in a whistling-past-the-graveyard way as Idris Elba punches a prodigious pissed-off pussycat in the, well, puss, as if to say, “Not today, Mother Nature! Not today!”
To be fair to the lion, he is absolutely correct to be pissed off: poachers killed his whole family, and tried to kill him too, so he is out for revenge. All homo sapiens are in his sights. You may want to root for the lion instead. We humans are only getting what we deserve.
Faster,...
- 9/1/2022
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Stars: Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries, Sharlto Copley, Martin Munro, Thapelo Sebogodi, Chris Langa, Mduduzi Mavimbela, Kazi Khuboni | Written by Ryan Engle | Directed by Baltasar Kormákur
Despite a poor script that makes the film too predictable, Beast offers up enough lion thrills to keep you entertained for the 90-minute run time.
Idris Elba plays Nate, a father who’s on a trip to Africa with his two teenage daughters. Things soon take a frighting turn for the family when they find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion. The film really shines once it gets into the lion attack. Director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns) uses some creative camera work and the film flourishes with multiple brilliant tracking shots. Once the action hits you get lost in the moment and it leads to some edge-of-your-seat set pieces. Kormákur does a wonderful job of building the tension and making the lion as...
Despite a poor script that makes the film too predictable, Beast offers up enough lion thrills to keep you entertained for the 90-minute run time.
Idris Elba plays Nate, a father who’s on a trip to Africa with his two teenage daughters. Things soon take a frighting turn for the family when they find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion. The film really shines once it gets into the lion attack. Director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns) uses some creative camera work and the film flourishes with multiple brilliant tracking shots. Once the action hits you get lost in the moment and it leads to some edge-of-your-seat set pieces. Kormákur does a wonderful job of building the tension and making the lion as...
- 8/30/2022
- by Alex Ginnelly
- Nerdly
A few days ago, it was announced that the new Halloween movie, Halloween Ends, will be given a theatrical and Peacock streaming release on October 14th. Following that announcement, a press release was sent out to let subscribers know what else they can expect to see on Peacock this Halloween season – and among the movies that will be added to the service at that time is the survival thriller Beast, which just reached theatres last weekend!
Here’s what the press release had to say:
Peacock’s Halloween Horror destination will feature more thrilling film arrivals leading into Halloween including new movies The Black Phone and Beast coming straight from theaters along with other horror films streaming on Peacock including original film They/Them from Blumhouse along with You Should Have Left, Separation from director William Brent, and some of the most iconic horror franchises of all time including Chucky, Saw,...
Here’s what the press release had to say:
Peacock’s Halloween Horror destination will feature more thrilling film arrivals leading into Halloween including new movies The Black Phone and Beast coming straight from theaters along with other horror films streaming on Peacock including original film They/Them from Blumhouse along with You Should Have Left, Separation from director William Brent, and some of the most iconic horror franchises of all time including Chucky, Saw,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Have you ever wanted to see Idris Elba straight up punch a lion?
Well, now all your wishes have come true as Elba is about to unleash hell(-ba) on the eponymous animal in Baltasar Kormakur’s Beast.
Set in the heart of South Africa, recently widowed Doctor Nate takes his two daughters, Mer and Norah, to the country where their late mother was raised. There they meet old family friend and wildlife biologist Martin who takes them on a tour of the reservation he manages. However, due to a recent spate of poaching, a bloodthirsty lion is out for revenge, and is headed straight for the family. Can they survive this frenzied attack?
For those who wish to compare this film to films such as The Meg, where Jason Statham punches a prehistoric shark in the nose then be rest assured Beast offers the same high-octane tomfoolery. There’s a predator,...
Well, now all your wishes have come true as Elba is about to unleash hell(-ba) on the eponymous animal in Baltasar Kormakur’s Beast.
Set in the heart of South Africa, recently widowed Doctor Nate takes his two daughters, Mer and Norah, to the country where their late mother was raised. There they meet old family friend and wildlife biologist Martin who takes them on a tour of the reservation he manages. However, due to a recent spate of poaching, a bloodthirsty lion is out for revenge, and is headed straight for the family. Can they survive this frenzied attack?
For those who wish to compare this film to films such as The Meg, where Jason Statham punches a prehistoric shark in the nose then be rest assured Beast offers the same high-octane tomfoolery. There’s a predator,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Sarah Cook
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Dir: Baltasar Kormákur. Starring: Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries, Sharlto Copley. 15, 93 minutes.
A shot of Idris Elba socking a lion in the face isn’t just the dramatic denouement of Beast – it’s the film’s entire raison d’etre. No one’s here for the scenes of Elba’s well-intentioned patriarch attempting to heal his fractured family, or the vague sentiments about nature’s karmic vengeance. Audiences will turn up because a trailer promised to show them one of our most charismatic A-listers in a boxing match with a roided-out kitty cat. Everything that comes before is just the warm-up for the main event.
In that sense, it’s impossible to argue that Beast doesn’t live up to its promise, because the only promise was another piece of recyclable pop-culture imagery. Beast is the latest entry in the man vs arbitrary animal Hall of Fame, filed...
A shot of Idris Elba socking a lion in the face isn’t just the dramatic denouement of Beast – it’s the film’s entire raison d’etre. No one’s here for the scenes of Elba’s well-intentioned patriarch attempting to heal his fractured family, or the vague sentiments about nature’s karmic vengeance. Audiences will turn up because a trailer promised to show them one of our most charismatic A-listers in a boxing match with a roided-out kitty cat. Everything that comes before is just the warm-up for the main event.
In that sense, it’s impossible to argue that Beast doesn’t live up to its promise, because the only promise was another piece of recyclable pop-culture imagery. Beast is the latest entry in the man vs arbitrary animal Hall of Fame, filed...
- 8/26/2022
- by Clarisse Loughrey
- The Independent - Film
Exclusive: M88 has signed emerging, young actress Leah Sava Jeffries.
Jeffries most recently starred in the Baltasar Kormákur-directed Beast alongside Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, and Sharlto Copley. She portrays Norah Samuels, daughter of Elba’s character, Nate, in the thriller about a dad and his two teen daughters who are hunted by a massive rogue lion.
Up next, she will star as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on the Rick Riordan novel of the same name, which is currently under production in Vancouver. Her co-stars include Walker Scobell, Megan Mullally, Aryan Simhadari, and Virginia Kull, among others.
Later this year, Jeffries will be seen alongside Zoey Deutch and Shay Mitchell in the holiday romcom Something From Tiffany’s, the film adaptation of Melissa Hill’s bestselling novel. The movie, which is produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, will debut...
Jeffries most recently starred in the Baltasar Kormákur-directed Beast alongside Idris Elba, Iyana Halley, and Sharlto Copley. She portrays Norah Samuels, daughter of Elba’s character, Nate, in the thriller about a dad and his two teen daughters who are hunted by a massive rogue lion.
Up next, she will star as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on the Rick Riordan novel of the same name, which is currently under production in Vancouver. Her co-stars include Walker Scobell, Megan Mullally, Aryan Simhadari, and Virginia Kull, among others.
Later this year, Jeffries will be seen alongside Zoey Deutch and Shay Mitchell in the holiday romcom Something From Tiffany’s, the film adaptation of Melissa Hill’s bestselling novel. The movie, which is produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, will debut...
- 8/22/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
“Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” topped the box office in its debut, beating expectations by collecting an impressive 21 million in North American ticket sales.
The anime film, playing on 3,007 screens, is backed by the production company Crunchyroll, which specializes in Japanese anime film and television. “Super Hero” is a necessary bright spot in an otherwise dreary August at the movies. The newest “Dragon Ball Super” installment earned twice as much as the weekend’s other new nationwide release, Universal’s survival thriller “Beast,” starring Idris Elba. Dinged by mixed reviews, “Beast” opened to a modest 11.5 million from 3,743 North American cinemas.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that ‘Dragon Ball’ fans could come together to experience and enjoy this amazing film in theaters,” Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s senior VP of global commerce, said in a statement. “Crunchyroll thanks all of the fans, whether or not you are a ‘super’ fan or a newcomer,...
The anime film, playing on 3,007 screens, is backed by the production company Crunchyroll, which specializes in Japanese anime film and television. “Super Hero” is a necessary bright spot in an otherwise dreary August at the movies. The newest “Dragon Ball Super” installment earned twice as much as the weekend’s other new nationwide release, Universal’s survival thriller “Beast,” starring Idris Elba. Dinged by mixed reviews, “Beast” opened to a modest 11.5 million from 3,743 North American cinemas.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that ‘Dragon Ball’ fans could come together to experience and enjoy this amazing film in theaters,” Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s senior VP of global commerce, said in a statement. “Crunchyroll thanks all of the fans, whether or not you are a ‘super’ fan or a newcomer,...
- 8/21/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood has a long tradition of children acting alongside their famous parents. Sometimes the results are wonderful (see: “Paper Moon”), and other times they’re… not (see: “After Earth”). But it always seems to be an experience that famous parents cherish.
So when Idris Elba was looking to cast his onscreen daughter in Baltasar Kormákur’s new lion attack movie “Beast,” it was natural for him to consider his real life 20-year-old daughter. But in a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club” (via Variety), he revealed that she “wasn’t right” for the part. And unsurprisingly, the decision caused a bit of family tension in the Elba household.
“She wants to be an actress and she auditioned,” Elba said about his daughter. “And you know, it came down to chemistry in the end. You know, my daughter, she was great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship with...
So when Idris Elba was looking to cast his onscreen daughter in Baltasar Kormákur’s new lion attack movie “Beast,” it was natural for him to consider his real life 20-year-old daughter. But in a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club” (via Variety), he revealed that she “wasn’t right” for the part. And unsurprisingly, the decision caused a bit of family tension in the Elba household.
“She wants to be an actress and she auditioned,” Elba said about his daughter. “And you know, it came down to chemistry in the end. You know, my daughter, she was great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship with...
- 8/20/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Just as it looked like the summer movie season was winding down without any well-loved franchises in sight, “Dragon Ball” has come to town.
“Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” looks to top domestic box office charts for the weekend after scoring 10.7 million on its opening day. The Crunchyroll release is projecting a 20 million opening from 3,007 locations, which marks the widest release ever for the distributor. It’s also the widest release ever for an anime film, which includes a massive footprint in premium format auditoriums like Imax, 4Dx and Dolby Cinemas.
The debut marks a notable uptick from the 9.8 million domestic opening scored by 2018’s “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” the preceding entry in the saga. It’s also a comparable figure to the 18 million debut enjoyed by Funimation’s “Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie” in March of this year. Both comparisons illustrate how anime features have taken on a sizable...
“Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” looks to top domestic box office charts for the weekend after scoring 10.7 million on its opening day. The Crunchyroll release is projecting a 20 million opening from 3,007 locations, which marks the widest release ever for the distributor. It’s also the widest release ever for an anime film, which includes a massive footprint in premium format auditoriums like Imax, 4Dx and Dolby Cinemas.
The debut marks a notable uptick from the 9.8 million domestic opening scored by 2018’s “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” the preceding entry in the saga. It’s also a comparable figure to the 18 million debut enjoyed by Funimation’s “Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie” in March of this year. Both comparisons illustrate how anime features have taken on a sizable...
- 8/20/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Have you ever heard a rustling in the bushes and been relieved to find out it wasn’t a ferocious lion? Idris Elba isn’t so lucky in his newest thriller “Beast.”
As Elba’s character and his family explore a game reserve in South Africa alongside a knowledgeable wildlife biologist, they have all the fixings for a healing vacation — until they realize they are being stalked by an apex predator.
If you’re wondering how to watch “Beast” when it comes out Friday, Aug. 19, look no further.
When Does “Beast” Come Out?
“Beast” opens on Aug. 19.
Is “Beast” in Theaters or Streaming?
The film will open exclusively in theaters on Aug. 19 and will not be immediately streaming.
However, since it is a Universal Pictures release, we can expect “Beast” to be streaming on Peacock at some point in the near future. Some Universal films like “The Northman” were streaming within 30 days of hitting theaters,...
As Elba’s character and his family explore a game reserve in South Africa alongside a knowledgeable wildlife biologist, they have all the fixings for a healing vacation — until they realize they are being stalked by an apex predator.
If you’re wondering how to watch “Beast” when it comes out Friday, Aug. 19, look no further.
When Does “Beast” Come Out?
“Beast” opens on Aug. 19.
Is “Beast” in Theaters or Streaming?
The film will open exclusively in theaters on Aug. 19 and will not be immediately streaming.
However, since it is a Universal Pictures release, we can expect “Beast” to be streaming on Peacock at some point in the near future. Some Universal films like “The Northman” were streaming within 30 days of hitting theaters,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Idris Elba said his daughter ignored him for weeks after not landing a part in his latest film, Beast.
The new thriller stars the British actor as a recently widowed father who travels to a South African wildlife reserve with his two daughters. What’s supposed to be a healing retreat turns into a fight for survival when a bloodthirsty lion begins stalking them.
Last week on an episode of iHeart Radio’s The Breakfast Club, Elba revealed that his 20-year-old daughter, Isan, didn’t speak to him “for about three weeks” after she lost out on the role to play his daughter in the movie.
“She auditioned, and it came down to chemistry in the end. She’s great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship between my daughter was... the chemistry wasn’t right for the film, weirdly enough,” he explained.
Producer Will Packer, who informed Isan of the decision,...
The new thriller stars the British actor as a recently widowed father who travels to a South African wildlife reserve with his two daughters. What’s supposed to be a healing retreat turns into a fight for survival when a bloodthirsty lion begins stalking them.
Last week on an episode of iHeart Radio’s The Breakfast Club, Elba revealed that his 20-year-old daughter, Isan, didn’t speak to him “for about three weeks” after she lost out on the role to play his daughter in the movie.
“She auditioned, and it came down to chemistry in the end. She’s great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship between my daughter was... the chemistry wasn’t right for the film, weirdly enough,” he explained.
Producer Will Packer, who informed Isan of the decision,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
There are countless creative and business-related factors that go into the casting of actors in major motion pictures, much of which boils down to one straightforward but extremely important concept: chemistry. Talent, good looks, and all the charisma in the world can only go so far if one simply doesn't possess those certain intangibles that make sparks fly with co-stars and cause viewers to instantly buy in the relationship and story being depicted on-screen. But for Idris Elba and his real-life daughter, the casting process for "Beast" ended up revealing the awkward reality that actual father/daughter relationships have no bearing on fictional ones.
Other than the obvious draw of pitting a movie star like Elba against killer lions in the South African wild, the part of the role that the actor really sunk his teeth into was the idea of playing a father attempting to reconnect with his daughters...
Other than the obvious draw of pitting a movie star like Elba against killer lions in the South African wild, the part of the role that the actor really sunk his teeth into was the idea of playing a father attempting to reconnect with his daughters...
- 8/19/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
There’s no better form of getting over a dead parent or spouse than combatting a killer animal. At least that’s the thesis of The Shallows, Crawl, and now Beast. Arriving in the coveted late-August B-movie spot (basically the January doldrums for slightly cooler people), Beast is a lean and likably earnest, if slightly unremarkable, creature feature. The newest from director Baltasar Kormakur––who has not quite graduated to the IP blockbuster class while his contemporary Jaume Collet-Serra (who used to specialize in these kinds of movies) now serves as master to The Rock––seems to prove the Icelandic journeyman is perhaps destined for Vulgar Auteurist glory in our degraded age. If never undercutting the somewhat ridiculous scenario with bad jokes and even unafraid of making some overt stabs at psychology with dream sequences, it’s the kind of genre film unafraid to have the stakes clear and just serious enough.
- 8/19/2022
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
Click here to read the full article.
Making Beast was my first time in Africa, but it won’t be the last. I landed in March 2021 to prep the film in Cape Town, South Africa, and to begin our location scouts. The very first place we visited actually ended up being one of the places we filmed, in the Limpopo region, near the border of Zimbabwe. We found an amazing valley location on the other side of the country on a giraffe reserve where the commute to set was literally a 20-minute safari vehicle ride into the valley.
Now, I’ve never been a big nature or animal lover; I never went camping. I don’t get all mushy over animals. But something about being there changed me. I found myself doing things I never thought I would do, like getting out of the safari vehicle around wild animals and...
Making Beast was my first time in Africa, but it won’t be the last. I landed in March 2021 to prep the film in Cape Town, South Africa, and to begin our location scouts. The very first place we visited actually ended up being one of the places we filmed, in the Limpopo region, near the border of Zimbabwe. We found an amazing valley location on the other side of the country on a giraffe reserve where the commute to set was literally a 20-minute safari vehicle ride into the valley.
Now, I’ve never been a big nature or animal lover; I never went camping. I don’t get all mushy over animals. But something about being there changed me. I found myself doing things I never thought I would do, like getting out of the safari vehicle around wild animals and...
- 8/19/2022
- by James F. Lopez, as told to Kathryn Romeyn
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A family goes on African trip. Things go wrong. Family must survive versus a killer lion. The plot behind Universal’s newest summer film “Beast” is exceedingly simple, yet its simplicity is what attracted Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur to the project. For him, the story of a lion-gone-rogue allowed him to flex his genre filmmaking muscles.
“I didn’t think about it then, but when I read the script, I thought, it’s a simple story. But it allows for a lot of filmmaking,” says Kormákur, who previously went undersea for “The Deep” and to Nepal for “Everest.” “I can play with this, I can push it a little bit and do something a little different with it. Because it’s not so plot heavy and complicated. And there are not too many characters that you have to introduce. And I liked the idea of doing something more genre.”
“Beast...
“I didn’t think about it then, but when I read the script, I thought, it’s a simple story. But it allows for a lot of filmmaking,” says Kormákur, who previously went undersea for “The Deep” and to Nepal for “Everest.” “I can play with this, I can push it a little bit and do something a little different with it. Because it’s not so plot heavy and complicated. And there are not too many characters that you have to introduce. And I liked the idea of doing something more genre.”
“Beast...
- 8/19/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
With no major movies on the horizon, the summer slowdown has continued at the box office. Universal’s action movie “Beast,” starring Idris Elba,” picked up just 925,000 in Thursday previews after launching in 2,900 theaters. It will expand to 3,743 locations on Friday.
The survival thriller is expected to bring in 10 million in its opening weekend, and the film cost 36 million to produce, not to mention more to promote. Internationally, “Beast” has already earned 4.9 million.
Elba plays a father who travels to South Africa with his two daughters, and while in the savannah he faces the titular predator in “Beast” — a rogue, ferocious lion. The cast includes Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley and Leah Jeffries.
Domestically, “Beast” looks like it’ll be tamed by the anime movie “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” the latest feature in the long-running and popular “Dragon Ball” series. Released by Crunchyroll, which specializes in Japanese anime films and TV series,...
The survival thriller is expected to bring in 10 million in its opening weekend, and the film cost 36 million to produce, not to mention more to promote. Internationally, “Beast” has already earned 4.9 million.
Elba plays a father who travels to South Africa with his two daughters, and while in the savannah he faces the titular predator in “Beast” — a rogue, ferocious lion. The cast includes Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley and Leah Jeffries.
Domestically, “Beast” looks like it’ll be tamed by the anime movie “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” the latest feature in the long-running and popular “Dragon Ball” series. Released by Crunchyroll, which specializes in Japanese anime films and TV series,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Idris Elba stars in “Beast” as a father trying to protect his two daughters from a ferocious lion on a South African nature preserve. It turns out Elba’s 20-year-old daughter auditioned to play one of his character’s daughters in the film, but she failed to land the role because her chemistry with her father “wasn’t right.” According to Elba, she stopped speaking to him for three weeks after she lost out on the role.
“She wants to be an actress and she auditioned,” Elba said on “The Breakfast Club” (via Insider). “And you know, it came down to chemistry in the end. You know, my daughter, she was great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship with my daughter was — the chemistry wasn’t right for film, weirdly enough. My daughter didn’t talk to me for about three weeks.”
“Beast” producer Will Packer said...
“She wants to be an actress and she auditioned,” Elba said on “The Breakfast Club” (via Insider). “And you know, it came down to chemistry in the end. You know, my daughter, she was great, but the relationship in the film and the relationship with my daughter was — the chemistry wasn’t right for film, weirdly enough. My daughter didn’t talk to me for about three weeks.”
“Beast” producer Will Packer said...
- 8/19/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Bloody Disgusting’s Beast review is spoiler-free.
Much like 1977’s Orca, Beast begins with a cruel inciting event that births an unrelenting force of revenge that unleashes its wrath upon all those who cross its path. In this case, a lion prowling the African bush after poachers ruthlessly slaughtered its entire pride. The Orca-like setup instantly sways allegiances in the lion’s favor and follows a straightforward formula, but the care put into its characters and propulsive thrills keep you engaged.
Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) brings his two daughters, Mere (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries), to South Africa to visit their late mother’s childhood home. More than just a means of feeling closer to mom after her death, it’s a chance for Nate to reconnect with his daughters. Older daughter Mere harbors feelings of abandonment by dad, while sensitive Norah wants to maintain the peace.
Much like 1977’s Orca, Beast begins with a cruel inciting event that births an unrelenting force of revenge that unleashes its wrath upon all those who cross its path. In this case, a lion prowling the African bush after poachers ruthlessly slaughtered its entire pride. The Orca-like setup instantly sways allegiances in the lion’s favor and follows a straightforward formula, but the care put into its characters and propulsive thrills keep you engaged.
Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) brings his two daughters, Mere (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries), to South Africa to visit their late mother’s childhood home. More than just a means of feeling closer to mom after her death, it’s a chance for Nate to reconnect with his daughters. Older daughter Mere harbors feelings of abandonment by dad, while sensitive Norah wants to maintain the peace.
- 8/19/2022
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
“It’s the law of the jungle,” one character says fairly early on in Beast — “early” as in after we’ve established that a lion decides to become a four-legged vigilante once some poachers slaughter his pride, but before this one-cat army sets his sights on our hero and his family. The way the man inhales and pauses before he delivers the next line suggests he’s about to drop some serious science: “The only law that matters here.” Ah. Ok!
To be fair, there are other laws that also apply to this survivalist thriller.
To be fair, there are other laws that also apply to this survivalist thriller.
- 8/19/2022
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
In an age where most movies without franchise potential are relegated to streaming, it’s refreshing to see Beast receive a theatrical release. Director Baltasar Kormȧkur delivers a lean adventure that plays well on a big screen with an engaged audience. It’s not quite Jaws with claws, but it’s a fun creature feature nonetheless.
Idris Elba stars as Nate Samuels, a widowed doctor who takes his daughters Norah and Mer on vacation to Africa to catch up with old friend Martin (Sharlto Copley). But a tour into the wild puts them at the mercy of a rogue lion that’s been spooked by poachers and is eager to defend its turf against human threats.
At just over 90 minutes, Beast is admirably focused without feeling rushed. Ryan Engle’s screenplay hints at the threat in its opening sequence, sets up the requisite family tensions, and peppers the story liberally...
Idris Elba stars as Nate Samuels, a widowed doctor who takes his daughters Norah and Mer on vacation to Africa to catch up with old friend Martin (Sharlto Copley). But a tour into the wild puts them at the mercy of a rogue lion that’s been spooked by poachers and is eager to defend its turf against human threats.
At just over 90 minutes, Beast is admirably focused without feeling rushed. Ryan Engle’s screenplay hints at the threat in its opening sequence, sets up the requisite family tensions, and peppers the story liberally...
- 8/19/2022
- by Chris Williams
- CinemaNerdz
Hard to believe but Summer will soon be a distant memory, so if you can’t get outta’ town before packing the kids off to school, there’s still time for a virtual “vacay” at the ole’ multiplex. Oops, maybe the tots should skip this excursion. So, is this flick set in romantic Paris, or perhaps on an exotic island? This tale has no ocean or beach, though it has a lot in common with a couple of movie islands (namely Amity and Skull). Still, there are lots of vast open areas to explore and observe the local wildlife (er…see the aforementioned isles). Yes, the wildlife couldn’t be much wilder when a getaway turns deadly when a dad out of his element must protect his daughters from a truly savage ferocious Beast.
The film’s opening scene sets the tone and premise. An ambush of a lion pride...
The film’s opening scene sets the tone and premise. An ambush of a lion pride...
- 8/19/2022
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Beast Review — Beast (2022) Film Review, a movie directed by Baltasar Kormakur, written by Ryan Engle and Jaime Primak Sullivan and starring Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries, Chris Langa, Thapelo Sebogodi and Martin Munro. Idris Elba is an incredible movie star but his latest action picture, Beast, is bare bones in [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: Beast (2022): Idris Elba Stars in an Intense but Emotionally Lacking Thrill Ride...
Continue reading: Film Review: Beast (2022): Idris Elba Stars in an Intense but Emotionally Lacking Thrill Ride...
- 8/19/2022
- by Thomas Duffy
- Film-Book
Idris Elba in Beast. Pic credit: Lauren Mulligan/Universal Pictures
Beast as a premise could be as ridiculous as Snakes on a Plane. Idris Elba fighting a lion sells itself as an over-the-top idea in the same vein as Jason Statham fighting a shark in The Meg.
To this writer’s surprise, Beast is an unexpected thrill. Director Baltasar Kormákur is mostly known for throwaway action movies like 2 Guns and Contraband. He also directed the forgettable survival true story Adrift. With Beast, audiences will ask themselves where this director has been hiding.
With all this said, is Beast worth a trip to the theaters? Here is our full review of the man versus nature survival movie starring Idris Elba.
The film centers on Nathan Samuels (Idris Elba), a widowed father who decides to return to South Africa with his daughters after the death of his wife, a native of the country.
Beast as a premise could be as ridiculous as Snakes on a Plane. Idris Elba fighting a lion sells itself as an over-the-top idea in the same vein as Jason Statham fighting a shark in The Meg.
To this writer’s surprise, Beast is an unexpected thrill. Director Baltasar Kormákur is mostly known for throwaway action movies like 2 Guns and Contraband. He also directed the forgettable survival true story Adrift. With Beast, audiences will ask themselves where this director has been hiding.
With all this said, is Beast worth a trip to the theaters? Here is our full review of the man versus nature survival movie starring Idris Elba.
The film centers on Nathan Samuels (Idris Elba), a widowed father who decides to return to South Africa with his daughters after the death of his wife, a native of the country.
- 8/18/2022
- by John Dotson
- Monsters and Critics
Plot: After his ex-wife dies, a father (Idris Elba) takes his two daughters (Iyana Halley & Leah Sava Jeffries) to South Africa to stay with his best friend, a wildlife biologist (Sharlto Copley). While visiting a remote reserve, the group is attacked by a ferocious lion, who’s on the warpath after vicious poachers massacred his pride.
Review: Beast is a highly effective little thriller. While some may bristle at the idea of yet another “animal gone rogue” movie, under the eye of director Baltasar Kormákur and producer Will Packer, Beast makes the distinction that there’s no such thing as an “evil” animal. Instead, the lion hunting our heroes has been traumatized by the movie’s true villains, poachers, who massacred his pride to sell them off as trophies. No, this lion is simply butchering any human it crosses paths with, as it can’t distinguish between good and bad guys.
Review: Beast is a highly effective little thriller. While some may bristle at the idea of yet another “animal gone rogue” movie, under the eye of director Baltasar Kormákur and producer Will Packer, Beast makes the distinction that there’s no such thing as an “evil” animal. Instead, the lion hunting our heroes has been traumatized by the movie’s true villains, poachers, who massacred his pride to sell them off as trophies. No, this lion is simply butchering any human it crosses paths with, as it can’t distinguish between good and bad guys.
- 8/18/2022
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
No animals were harmed in the making of “Beast.” Frankly, it doesn’t look like any animals were even used in the making of “Beast,” but if you can get past the idea that the two-ton lion threatening Idris Elba and his family in the movie is a singularly frightening combination of ones and zeros, not killer instinct and claws, then “Beast” is a blast.
A white-knuckle “When Animals Attack!” movie in the tradition of “Jaws” and “Anaconda,” this big-budget, big-screen release features A-list actors — Ok, actor, singular — and a director who knows what he’s doing: Icelandic ace Baltasar Kormákur, who cut his teeth on such nightmare-inducing man-against-nature films as “Everest” and “Adrift.” Here, the threat is a very big, very angry African cat, understandably agitated after a group of poachers slaughtered his pride, that has decided to kill every human that crosses his path. Seriously, the body count...
A white-knuckle “When Animals Attack!” movie in the tradition of “Jaws” and “Anaconda,” this big-budget, big-screen release features A-list actors — Ok, actor, singular — and a director who knows what he’s doing: Icelandic ace Baltasar Kormákur, who cut his teeth on such nightmare-inducing man-against-nature films as “Everest” and “Adrift.” Here, the threat is a very big, very angry African cat, understandably agitated after a group of poachers slaughtered his pride, that has decided to kill every human that crosses his path. Seriously, the body count...
- 8/18/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
There is an almost elegant, simplistic beauty in the existence of the new film "Beast," which is about as close to peak late-summer-movie as you're going to find in the year 2022. Here is something that gives you exactly what you would expect when you hear that it is a movie in which Idris Elba fights a lion with his bare hands. If that premise sounds inherently ridiculous, that's because it is inherently ridiculous. No matter the context for why Elba fights a lion or what the outcome is, you can only take a movie so seriously when its climactic moments feature such a cartoonish battle. "Beast," to its credit, does not have grander aims in mind, with its mild ambitions as straightforward as possible. "Beast" is not a great film, but it is exactly as silly as the logline implies, or as much as you might hope.
Elba plays Dr.
Elba plays Dr.
- 8/18/2022
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
In a multiplex mad for the multiverse and fanatical for franchises, never forget the simple pleasures of a self-contained, high-concept pitch: Idris Elba fights a lion. There, screenwriter Ryan Engle found one. He did it. It’s brilliant. And yet, for all of Engle’s inspired ideas on what a big-budget studio movie can be, he made one fatal mistake when building “Beast”:
That’s no diss on Elba, who remains one of our most charismatic and eminently watchable movie stars. Nor is it a ding against the two talented young actresses (Iyana Halley and Leah Jeffries) who play his daughters. Hell, it’s not even a mark against director Baltasar Kormákur’s vision, which is often at its most compelling when the action-centric filmmaker dips his toes into horror territory. It all goes back to the genius idea to pit Elba against a big cat, which Engle kicks...
That’s no diss on Elba, who remains one of our most charismatic and eminently watchable movie stars. Nor is it a ding against the two talented young actresses (Iyana Halley and Leah Jeffries) who play his daughters. Hell, it’s not even a mark against director Baltasar Kormákur’s vision, which is often at its most compelling when the action-centric filmmaker dips his toes into horror territory. It all goes back to the genius idea to pit Elba against a big cat, which Engle kicks...
- 8/18/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It’s been six long years since Idris Elba embarked on what we can only now call his “Bad Cat Trilogy.”
He ruled the jungle as the villainous Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book,” and he broke every human law as Macavity in “Cats.” But this time it’s different: In Baltasar Kormákur’s “Beast,” Elba must fight an evil cat in his own human form. It might feel like poetry if “Beast” was anything more than a competent genre exercise.
Elba stars as Dr. Nate Samuels, a doctor visiting South Africa with his two daughters, Meredith and Nora. They’re visiting the home town of Meredith and Nora’s mother who, shortly after she separated from Nate, was diagnosed with – and swiftly died of – cancer.
That’s a lot of baggage for one trip, but Nate is trying to make up for lost time by bonding over this new adventure.
He ruled the jungle as the villainous Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book,” and he broke every human law as Macavity in “Cats.” But this time it’s different: In Baltasar Kormákur’s “Beast,” Elba must fight an evil cat in his own human form. It might feel like poetry if “Beast” was anything more than a competent genre exercise.
Elba stars as Dr. Nate Samuels, a doctor visiting South Africa with his two daughters, Meredith and Nora. They’re visiting the home town of Meredith and Nora’s mother who, shortly after she separated from Nate, was diagnosed with – and swiftly died of – cancer.
That’s a lot of baggage for one trip, but Nate is trying to make up for lost time by bonding over this new adventure.
- 8/18/2022
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Didn’t we stop attributing human characteristics like an insatiable desire for vengeance to animals back in the late-‘80s, when Jaws: The Revenge laughably informed us, “This time it’s personal?” Apparently not. In the survival thriller Beast, Idris Elba stars as an American doctor taking his daughters on a healing pilgrimage to the South African birthplace of their late mother, only to encounter an extremely pissed lion bent on wiping out every human on the savannah after poachers kill its entire pride. In the hands of accomplished experiential action director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest), the thriller barrels along seasoned with a visceral fear factor, but not without some ludicrous plotting and dialogue.
Occasionally, real-life monster movies can still provide guilty pleasures, Alexandre Aja’s Crawl, about gigantic Florida gators angered by awful weather, being a case in point. That requires sufficient speed...
Didn’t we stop attributing human characteristics like an insatiable desire for vengeance to animals back in the late-‘80s, when Jaws: The Revenge laughably informed us, “This time it’s personal?” Apparently not. In the survival thriller Beast, Idris Elba stars as an American doctor taking his daughters on a healing pilgrimage to the South African birthplace of their late mother, only to encounter an extremely pissed lion bent on wiping out every human on the savannah after poachers kill its entire pride. In the hands of accomplished experiential action director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest), the thriller barrels along seasoned with a visceral fear factor, but not without some ludicrous plotting and dialogue.
Occasionally, real-life monster movies can still provide guilty pleasures, Alexandre Aja’s Crawl, about gigantic Florida gators angered by awful weather, being a case in point. That requires sufficient speed...
- 8/18/2022
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Idris Elba is undeniably the star of Will Packer’s latest movie, “Beast,” but the family story at the heart of Universal’s release was a big draw for the producer who previously shepherded “Girls Trip.” In the movie, debuting in theaters Aug. 19, Elba plays Nate Samuels, a recently widowed doctor who returns to South Africa with his two teenage daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries) and must fight to survive from a man-hunting lion.
Packer sought to offer a balance for the late summer movie calendar. “I loved the idea that it just happens to be a Black family in peril,” Packer says. “It’s not just about man versus beast – it’s a man protecting his daughters. It’s universal in those themes.”
Under his banner company of Will Packer Productions, “Beast” is another notch on the mogul’s belt for amplifying Black women as demonstrated by...
Packer sought to offer a balance for the late summer movie calendar. “I loved the idea that it just happens to be a Black family in peril,” Packer says. “It’s not just about man versus beast – it’s a man protecting his daughters. It’s universal in those themes.”
Under his banner company of Will Packer Productions, “Beast” is another notch on the mogul’s belt for amplifying Black women as demonstrated by...
- 8/17/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“Beast,” a survival thriller starring Idris Elba, is expected to debut to 10 million over the weekend. But those ticket sales likely won’t be enough to lead domestic box office charts.
Instead, the Universal Pictures release looks to be defeated by “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” a manga adaptation from Crunchyroll, a company that specializes in Japanese anime movies and television. The PG-13 “Super Hero” is targeting 13 million to 15 million in its opening weekend as it touches down in 3,900 North American theaters. It marks the widest release ever for Crunchyroll.
Anime films have been increasingly popular in the United States, and Crunchyroll, which is mostly owned by Sony Pictures, has been at the forefront. Earlier this year, the studio’s PG-13 “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” notched a remarkable 17.6 million in its debut, while the company’s 2021 release “Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train” nabbed 21.2 million to start, a huge result at...
Instead, the Universal Pictures release looks to be defeated by “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” a manga adaptation from Crunchyroll, a company that specializes in Japanese anime movies and television. The PG-13 “Super Hero” is targeting 13 million to 15 million in its opening weekend as it touches down in 3,900 North American theaters. It marks the widest release ever for Crunchyroll.
Anime films have been increasingly popular in the United States, and Crunchyroll, which is mostly owned by Sony Pictures, has been at the forefront. Earlier this year, the studio’s PG-13 “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” notched a remarkable 17.6 million in its debut, while the company’s 2021 release “Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train” nabbed 21.2 million to start, a huge result at...
- 8/17/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The pitch is pretty strong. It’s Idris Elba versus a lion. It’s Jaws on land. And it’s from a director who has well-proven teeth when it comes to the action and disaster movie genres. Icelander Baltasar Kormákur, who made true story-based adventures Everest and The Deep, as well as actioners including 2 Guns and Contraband, has a further connection to the material. When he was little, he wanted to be “a lion scientist.”
“I have always been fascinated by animals, but [particularly] lions. So I was like, ‘Okay, this is something I would love to do,’” he tells Den of Geek magazine. Kormákur is talking to us from London, where he’s currently in the edit suite putting the finishing touches on the movie. He had one condition when agreeing to the project: “I made it clear that, if I was to do this movie, I would have to shoot it in Africa.
“I have always been fascinated by animals, but [particularly] lions. So I was like, ‘Okay, this is something I would love to do,’” he tells Den of Geek magazine. Kormákur is talking to us from London, where he’s currently in the edit suite putting the finishing touches on the movie. He had one condition when agreeing to the project: “I made it clear that, if I was to do this movie, I would have to shoot it in Africa.
- 8/15/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
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