Rent The Beast (2023)

Complex Futuristic Drama - The Beast review by GI

With two highly compelling lead performances from Léa Seydoux and George MacKay this futuristic drama holds your attention even though the long runtime and somewhat impenetrable plot makes it occasionally a trial. In 2044 the world seems controlled by AI which sees human emotions as a harmful thing and consequently people are encouraged to have their DNA purified of emotions. To deal with her anxiety Gabrielle (Seydoux) agrees to undergo the procedure which amounts to her reliving past lives where she has a strong emotional connection with Louis (MacKay). There are two other timelines that she has to revisit, one in Paris in 1910 during the Great Flood and the second in 2014 in Los Angeles where she is a model and actress who its stalked by a psychopathic Louis. It's a confusing narrative and the whilst the performances are truly excellent the film doesn't really allow you to grasp its intent. In many ways the influence of David Lynch seems in evidence and there are some tense and disturbing set pieces but by the end I found the film very tiring.