Released in 2019, Rare Beasts is a British romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Billie Piper, who also stars in the lead role. The movie has generated a lot of buzz, but the question remains: Is Rare Beasts a good movie? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Mandy and her struggles to find love, happiness, and herself, and explore whether this film is worth watching.
The Storyline And Characters
Rare Beasts revolves around Mandy, a 30-something single mother living in London. She’s a strong-willed, chain-smoking, and hard-drinking woman who’s struggling to balance her life. Her son, Larch, is the center of her universe, but her relationships with men are either dull or disastrous. Enter Pete, a gentle and kind-hearted man who’s obsessed with taxidermy. As Mandy and Pete’s relationship unfolds, the film takes the audience on a journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
The characters in Rare Beasts are complex and multidimensional, making them relatable and endearing to the audience. Mandy, played by Billie Piper, is a brilliant creation – she’s flawed, messy, and real. Her character’s development is a highlight of the film, as she navigates her way through the challenges of being a single mother, a daughter, and a partner.
The Themes And Tone
Rare Beasts tackles a range of themes, including love, relationships, motherhood, and identity. The film’s tone is a perfect blend of humor and pathos, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The humor is dark and irreverent, often catching the audience off guard, while the emotional moments are poignant and heartfelt.
One of the standout aspects of Rare Beasts is its portrayal of female characters. Mandy is a strong, independent woman who’s unapologetically herself, flaws and all. The film celebrates her individuality and doesn’t shy away from exploring her vulnerabilities. This refreshing approach to female representation is a testament to Billie Piper’s writing and direction.
The Performances
The performances in Rare Beasts are outstanding, with the entire cast delivering nuanced and convincing portrayals. Billie Piper shines as Mandy, bringing depth and complexity to the character. Her chemistry with co-star Leo Bill, who plays Pete, is undeniable, making their romance both sweet and heartbreaking.
The supporting cast, including David Thewlis and Kerry Fox, add to the film’s charm, playing memorable and quirky characters. The actors’ performances are elevated by the screenplay, which is witty, insightful, and emotionally honest.
The Direction And Cinematography
Billie Piper’s direction is impressive, considering this is her feature film debut. She handles the tone and pace of the movie with confidence, moving seamlessly between humor and drama. The cinematography, courtesy of Carlos Catalán, is stunning, capturing the gritty beauty of London and the characters’ emotional landscapes.
The film’s use of music is also noteworthy, with a soundtrack that’s both eclectic and evocative. The score, composed by Emily Barker, perfectly complements the on-screen action, heightening the emotional impact of key scenes.
The Reception And Critics’ Reviews
Rare Beasts premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, where it received positive reviews from critics. The film holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its originality, humor, and performances.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian wrote: “Piper’s film is a romantic comedy with a sting in its tail, a cleverly written and enjoyably acted story about a difficult woman and her difficult life.”
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter noted: “Rare Beasts is a commendable first feature, marked by a strong performance from its writer-director-star and a refreshingly honest take on the ups and downs of relationships.”
Is Rare Beasts A Good Movie?
So, is Rare Beasts a good movie? The answer is a resounding yes. This film is a breath of fresh air, offering a unique perspective on love, relationships, and identity. With its talented cast, witty screenplay, and impressive direction, Rare Beasts is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates romantic comedies with a touch of drama.
Rare Beasts is a good movie because:
- It features a strong, complex female character who’s unapologetically herself.
- The film tackles themes that are relatable and relevant to contemporary audiences.
- The performances are outstanding, with the entire cast delivering nuanced portrayals.
- The direction and cinematography are impressive, capturing the emotional essence of the story.
- The film’s tone is perfect, blending humor and pathos in a way that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, Rare Beasts is a good movie that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. With its talented cast, clever screenplay, and impressive direction, this film is a standout in the romantic comedy-drama genre. If you haven’t seen it yet, add it to your watchlist – you won’t be disappointed.
Is Rare Beasts A Rom-com Or A Drama?
Rare Beasts is hard to pin down to a single genre. While it has elements of a traditional romantic comedy, it also delves deep into themes of trauma, family dynamics, and personal growth, making it more of a dramedy. The film’s tone is often quirky and offbeat, which adds to its charm, but also makes it difficult to categorize.
Ultimately, whether you classify Rare Beasts as a rom-com or a drama, it’s clear that the film is trying to do something unique and subvert expectations. The film’s genre-bending approach is a big part of its appeal, and it’s likely to resonate with viewers who are looking for something a little off the beaten path.
Is Rare Beasts Based On A True Story?
Rare Beasts is not based on a specific true story, but rather draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of its writer-director, Billie Piper. Piper, who also stars in the film, has spoken about how she drew on her own experiences with anxiety and depression to create the character of Mandy. The film’s exploration of themes like mental health, family trauma, and relationships is also deeply personal and rooted in Piper’s own life.
While the specific events of the film are fictional, the emotional authenticity and vulnerability that Piper brings to the project make it feel deeply rooted in reality. The film’s exploration of complex themes and emotions is what gives it its power and resonance, and it’s clear that Piper has poured her heart and soul into the project.
Is Rare Beasts Suitable For All Ages?
Rare Beasts is rated R for a reason. The film deals with mature themes, including strong language, sexual content, and emotional intensity, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. Additionally, the film’s exploration of complex themes like trauma, mental health, and relationships may be better suited to viewers who are at least in their late teens or older.
That being said, Rare Beasts is a film that could spark important conversations and provide a valuable perspective on the human experience. If you’re a parent or guardian considering watching the film with a younger viewer, it’s worth having a conversation with them about the themes and content beforehand, and using your discretion as to whether it’s appropriate for their age and maturity level.
Is Rare Beasts A Feminist Film?
Rare Beasts is unabashedly feminist, and its portrayal of women’s lives, experiences, and relationships is one of its strongest aspects. The film centers around the character of Mandy, a complex, multifaceted woman who is trying to navigate her way through the challenges of modern life. The film also features a predominantly female cast and crew, and the female gaze is evident throughout the project.
The film’s exploration of themes like reproductive rights, sexual agency, and the societal expectations placed on women is also deeply feminist. Piper’s approach to these themes is nuanced and thoughtful, and the film never feels like it’s preaching or lecturing. Rather, it’s a deeply personal and relatable portrayal of women’s lives, and it’s clear that Piper is committed to telling stories that center around women’s experiences.
Is Rare Beasts A Netflix Original?
Rare Beasts is not a Netflix original film. While it may be available to stream on the platform, it was actually released theatrically in the UK in 2021, and was later picked up by a distributor for a limited release in the US. The film has been gaining traction through word-of-mouth and positive reviews, and it’s likely that it will become more widely available to stream in the future.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in seeing the film, you may need to seek it out through specialty streaming platforms or rent it through a digital retailer. Trust us, it’s worth the effort – Rare Beasts is a hidden gem that deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.
Is Rare Beasts A Debut Film?
Rare Beasts is the directorial debut of Billie Piper, who is better known as an actress. Piper has had a long and successful career on stage and screen, starring in projects like Doctor Who and Penny Dreadful. However, Rare Beasts marks her first foray into writing and directing, and it’s clear that she’s a natural behind the camera.
Piper’s debut is all the more impressive given that she also stars in the film and wrote the screenplay. Her performance is deeply personal and vulnerable, and it’s clear that she’s poured her heart and soul into the project. The film’s success is a testament to Piper’s talent and dedication, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
Will Rare Beasts Win Any Awards?
Rare Beasts has already generated significant buzz on the festival circuit, and it’s likely that it will continue to rack up awards and nominations in the coming months. Piper’s writing and direction have been widely praised, and the film’s performances, cinematography, and score are all worthy of recognition.
While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of awards season, Rare Beasts is definitely a dark horse contender in several categories. Whether or not it takes home any major awards, it’s clear that the film has already made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike, and it will likely continue to be a topic of conversation for months to come.