The Beast (French: La Bête) is a 2023 science fiction romantic drama film directed and written by Bertrand Bonello from a story he co-wrote with Guillaume Bréaud and Benjamin Charbit, and loosely based on Henry James's 1903 novella The Beast in the Jungle. The film had its world premiere on September 3rd, 2023, at the 80th Venice International Film Festival as part of the official competition.
In the near future where emotions have become a threat, Gabrielle finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will plunge her into her past lives and rid her of all strong feelings. She then meets Louis and feels a powerful connection, as if she had always known him. The story unfolds over three distinct periods: 1910, 2014 and 2044.
The cast includes Léa Seydoux, George MacKay, Guslagie Malanda, and Dasha Nekrasova.
The Beast is set to debut in limited theaters April 5th. Watch the official trailer below.