"Beautiful Beings" Review: A Well-Made but Unrewarding Exploration of Friendship
Directed by Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, "Beautiful Beings" was released in April 2022 on digital platforms. The film delves into the relationship between a sensitive gang leader and a bullied teenager, showcasing Guðmundsson's craftsmanship. However, it falls short of delivering a satisfying narrative experience.
As a follow-up to Guðmundsson's acclaimed 2016 debut "Heartstone," which explored the connection between two teenage boys, "Beautiful Beings" touches upon similar themes of bullying, sensuality, and vulnerability. While well-crafted, the film ultimately fails to take narrative responsibility for its climactic act of violence, leaving the legal aftermath unresolved. Instead, it shifts focus to the vaguely defined friendship blossoming between the two central characters, Addi (Birgir Dagur Bjarkason) and Balli (Áskell Einar Pálmason), as they navigate their coming-of-age journey.
Addi is a delinquent teenager who leads a gang of bullies, consisting of tough guy Konni (Viktor Benóný Benediktsson), who is no stranger to the police, and Siggi (Snorri Rafn Frímannsson), the lowest-ranking member. However, Addi is not just a typical hoodlum. He possesses a hidden sensitivity, influenced by his psychic mother, and displays signs of a mental illness, blurring the boundaries between realism and transcendent or hallucinatory realms.
For complex reasons, Addi decides to show compassion towards Balli, a pathetic victim of bullying whose injuries have garnered media attention. Reluctantly, Addi's menacing associates accept Balli into their group. The motives behind Addi's decision remain ambiguous. Is it an act of charity, a desire to become the bully himself, or a sense of kinship due to his own experiences of mistreatment? Is there an underlying attraction to Balli? The film fails to provide clear answers. However, when Balli's abusive stepfather's actions against him, his sister, and his mother come to light, the direction of the story becomes evident.
"Beautiful Beings" boasts stylish cinematography and commendable performances, contributing to its overall quality. However, the film falters when it comes to its clichéd and consequence-free portrayal of violence, which detracts from its impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Beautiful Beings" presents itself as a well-made exploration of friendship but falls short of delivering a rewarding experience. Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson's craftsmanship is evident throughout the film, yet it lacks narrative clarity and fails to address the repercussions of its pivotal violent act. While visually appealing and featuring strong performances, the film's reliance on clichés hampers its potential.
Beautiful Beings (2022) - info
- Release date: April 22, 2022
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- Director: Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson
- Writer: Pavan Grover
- Stars: Bai Bai He, Johnny Huang, Claudia Wang