I was unable to grasp what I had just seen as I left the movie theater. I was amazed, shocked, and perplexed by all that had just occurred in the film. I still couldn’t describe this movie two days afterwards. There was nothing more to be said beyond, “It’s weird and not for everyone.” I wasn’t sure what I was going to say about it in my article, I knew I had to recommend it but caution others about it. 

Beau is Afraid was released April 23, 2023, starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Ari Aster, known for his films with A24 studios such as Midsommar and Hereditary. This movie is about Beau, who is a man whose fears and paranoia come true as he embarks on an epic odyssey to get home.

The movie in question is a detailed and complex piece that is not meant for everyone. It caters to a specific audience who can appreciate its aesthetic and mood. The plot revolves around a character named Beau,  a man who experiences worry and terror and must travel to his mother’s funeral. Throughout the movie, Beau encounters numerous obstacles that challenge his mental illness ability to cope with his mother’s death. 

As the story progresses, the audience is exposed to several unexpected events that force them to question everything they thought they knew about the plot. Despite the lack of a clear and consistent storyline, the writers managed to keep focus on Beau’s journey and his struggle to come to terms with his mother’s passing. The actors delivered powerful performances that delivered a sense of realism that made it easier for the audience to connect with the characters and bring them to life and kept the audience engaged.

Joaquin Phoenix, an Oscar-winning actor known for his intense and immersive performances, delivered yet another masterful portrayal in his role as Beau. He brought a level of authenticity to the character and showed the behavior, mannerisms, and attitude of a person struggling with mental illness with remarkable accuracy.

Although the specific illness was not mentioned, it appeared to be schizophrenia. One of the most recognizable aspects of Phoenix’s performance was his ability to convey the inner turmoil that Beau was experiencing. Through his facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice you can see the pain, confusion, and fear that he experiences every day of his life. This allowed for the audience to connect with Beau despite probably never being in his situation; it made him human. 

Patti LaPone’s portrayal of Beau’s mother was equally powerful. She convincingly portrayed assertiveness, manipulativeness, fear, hatred, and jealousy towards her own son. This made her character feel real and added an unseen depth to the story .

This film features a cast of secondary characters, including Elaine portrayed by Scream 3 actress Parker Posey and Outer Banks actress Julia Antonelli as the teenage version of Elaine. Amy Ryan plays Grace, Modern Family actor Nathan Lane portrays Roger, Kyle Rogers takes the role of Toni, and Stephen McKinley is Beau’s therapist. They all exhibit real talent and chemistry in how they connect and collaborate as a group. It is impossible to distinguish between new and experienced actors because they mesh perfectly together.

The characters of Grace, Roger, and Toni are part of a dysfunctional family with a creepy aura. Grace and Roger have suffered the loss of their son Nathan in a war and because of it seem too concerned with taking care of Beau, almost as if trying to replace Nathan a bit. All of the family members frequently take pills like they’re candy. Toni is an angry and unstable teenager who often has breakdowns and is constantly in a fight with Beau. At one point, she even dares Beau to drink paint, which he refuses, so she drinks it herself. The special effects used to create the appearance of Toni looking dead were so realistic that it was both disturbing and impressive. The movie also features a scene where Beau has hallucinations. This particular sequence had excellent and incredibly captivating animation that was used to tell his story.

Overall, the movie is a challenging and thought-provoking piece that is not for everyone. The lack of a clear and consistent storyline may be off-putting to some, but the powerful performances of the actors and the unexpected twists and turns of the plot keep the audience engaged. The movie deals with complex themes like mental illness, grief, and dysfunctional families, and it does it in a way that is both disturbing and captivating.