The Beast (2023), originally titled La Bête, is a French-Canadian science fiction romantic drama directed by Bertrand Bonello. Loosely inspired by Henry James’s novella The Beast in the Jungle, the film blends dystopian sci-fi with psychological drama and romance.
The story unfolds across multiple timelines. In the near future (2044), artificial intelligence controls society, and human emotions are considered dangerous. Gabrielle (played by Léa Seydoux) undergoes a process to erase feelings tied to past lives, but she continually encounters Louis (George MacKay) in different incarnations—first in Belle Époque Paris, then in early 21st-century Los Angeles, and finally in the AI-dominated future. Their recurring encounters raise questions about fate, love, and whether they are doomed to repeat tragic patterns.
Technically, the film features cinematography by Josée Deshaies, editing by Anita Roth, and music by Bertrand Bonello and Anna Bonello. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2023, with theatrical releases in France (February 2024) and Canada (April 2024). Running 145 minutes, it had a budget of €7.5 million and grossed about $824,000 worldwide. Critically, it was well received, holding a 6.5/10 rating on IMDb and an impressive 86/100 on Rotten Tomatoes.
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