Rent Beast (2017)

Gripping mystery - Beast review by HM

So who is the serial killer? Maybe a girls new boyfriend, but she is suffering metal health issues so maybe it is her? Excellent thriller, twists and turns. Had me edge of seat (and I am not easily pleased or deceived). Definitely a good watch; beats Hercule Poirot any day!

Good story and satisfying ending. - Beast review by CP Customer

I didn't realise Jessie Buckley was Irish - her English accent was perfect.  A good story of a mixed up, possibly mentally ill girl, trying to keep it together despite a difficult home life and a new boyfriend who could be a serial killer.  Nice clear dialogue for a change, and I thought the ending wrapped the film up satisfactorily and it was well acted by all the cast.

If you are willing to suspend disbelief... - Beast review by JR

The beauty of the Jersey landscape is the best thing about this film. The plot was not credible, the characters were inconsistant, the script was manipulative, trying to manufacture suspense. And film maker, please note - enacting a character's lurid dreams is unoriginal and does not add tension.

Intriguing thriller - Beast review by NP

This acclaimed dark tale has all the trappings of a sophisticated TV movie whodunit horror bolstered by some crisp direction, nice character-driven writing and extraordinary acting.

Director Michael Pearce conveys a convincingly off-kilter, somewhat isolated community which is subtly creepy – as are the main players Moll (Jessie Buckleyl) and Pascal (Johnny Flynn). All supporting players are great as well, especially Geraldine James as the respectably monstrous Hilary.

I don’t find it quite as riveting as some reviewers, but there’s no doubt the story – where you never quite know who to side with – is played with extraordinary power. My score is 7 out of 10.

A Good Drama - Beast review by NS

A good drama, superbly acted, and very atmospheric set on the Island of Jersey. Would highly recommend

Lifted by Jessie Buckley's performance - Beast review by SB

The storyline - woman already out of synch with society is attracted to outsider who arouses hostility in local society - is hardly orginal. But the script is careful not to overdo each element, and the events are all fairly credible especially as they are mostly so mundane. Johnny Flynn manages to combine the wildman look with a certain vulnerability and uncertainty. But the mainspring of the film is Buckley's savage, damaged Moll who has suffered a lot already from other people. Always engrossing and well-paced.

Trivia note: Emily Taaffe, who in a brief scene plays the woman Moll once attacked, in the BBC's in the 2016 War and Peace played the maidservant for Princess Maria Bolksonskaya , who was portrayed by Jessie Buckley.

Give it a miss - Beast review by CKM

Excellent acting but a totally unbelievable plot - I was bored to tears. It certainly doesn’t make you want to visit Jersey.