| The Beast Within | |
| Director: | Alexander J. Farrell |
| Screenplay: |
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| Starring: |
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| Cinematography: | Daniel Katz |
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| Music: |
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| Studio: | Paradox House, Future Artists Entertainment |
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| Runtime: | 98 minutes[1] |
| Country: | England |
| Language: | English |
| Gross: | $51,860 |
The Beast Within is a 2024 mystery horror-thriller film directed by Alexander J. Farrell, co-written by Greer Ellison, Alexander J. Farrell, and co-produced by Alex Chang, Jack Christian, and Ryan Hamilton. The film stars Kit Harington, Ashleigh Cummings, James Cosmo, and Caoilinn Springall. It was released on 26 July 2024.
After a series of strange events leads her to question her family's isolated life on a fortified compound deep in the English wilds, 10-year-old Willow (Caoilinn Springall) follows her parents on one of their secret late-night treks to the heart of the ancient forest. But upon witnessing her father undergo a terrible transformation, she too becomes ensnared by the dark ancestral secret they've tried so desperately to conceal.[2]
The Beast Within was filmed in Harewood Woods and Castle in West Yorkshire England, chosen for its atmospheric and eerie setting with its Structures dating back to the 14th century.[4] The film's director, Alexander J. Farrell, aimed to create a sense of dread and suspense, using practical effects and minimal CGI to bring the beast to life. The script, written by Greer Ellison, draws inspiration from classic horror films and folklore, blending elements of mystery and psychological terror.[5]
Principal photography for The Beast Within began in Yorkshire, England with the working title "What Remains of Us" in May 2023 and continued over several months.[6]
The Beast Within premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival on 26 July 2024, where it received positive reviews for its suspenseful storytelling and effective use of practical effects. Critics praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Kit Harington's portrayal of Noah and Caoilinn Springall's role as Willow.[7] [8]
Tyler Nichols of JoBlo.com praised Caoillinn Springall's performance, which is as impressive. Aaron B. Peterson of The Hollywood Outsider gave the film 2/5 stars.[9] Film pundit, John Dotson of The Cosmic Circus described the film as a Gothic Tale of Childhood Trauma.[10]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the website The Beast Within holds an approval rating of 36% based on 39 reviews, with an average rating of 5.60/10. The site's consensus states: "Somewhere inside The Beast Within lies a clever riff on the werewolf genre, but it struggles to claw through a lack of incident and specificity."[11]
The Beast Within earned $51,860 in its opening week, becoming a box office dud.[12]
The film's soundtrack, composed by Jack Halama and Nathan W Klein, features an eerie and haunting score that enhances the film's suspenseful atmosphere. The soundtrack was released on digital streaming platforms and received critical acclaim for its contribution to the film's mood and tone.[13]