Beau is Afraid presents an exceptionally detailed story with many layers of meaning, including allegories, symbols, and various themes. It’s fair to wonder if the film's intricate nature comes at the expense of being enjoyable. In trying to combine these complicated ideas, Ari Aster crafted a narrative that I struggled to fully grasp. For the initial portion of the movie, around an hour in, I was invested in what was happening, drawn in by suspenseful moments that made it hard to distinguish reality from illusion. But as things continued, those dreamlike sequences grew more bizarre and fragmented, which caused me to lose my connection to the plot. I repeatedly questioned events: What was going on? How did we arrive at this point? And why were things unfolding as they were? This feeling of distance ultimately lessened how much I liked the film. The movie’s three-hour runtime can be a challenge for viewers. While well-made films can feel short (like Avatar: The Way of Water or Babylon), Beau is Afraid sometimes felt like an endurance test, and I often looked at my watch to see how much longer it would last. Still, despite these problems, the film's production was remarkable. Aster’s direction was superb, with impressive camera work and beautiful visuals. The performances were also excellent; Joaquin Phoenix gave what could be considered the best performance of the year so far. The other actors, such as Amy Ryan, Patti LuPone, and Nathan Lane, also stood out. Overall, Beau is Afraid disappointed me. While Ari Aster clearly possesses a sharp mind and skill in storytelling, this film might have been harmed by an absence of moderation. Nevertheless, the technical aspects and strong performances are definitely worth acknowledging. Score: 41% ❌ Verdict: Poor

Source on TMDB