The film highlights the rift between national, top-down renewable energy projects and local, rural realities. Wind energy, while beneficial for the environment, often becomes a source of conflict when forced upon communities that feel ignored. As Bestas explores the contentious implementation of these projects, presenting a complex view where both the developers and the local opponents have valid, yet conflicting, perspectives. B. "The Beasts" (As Bestas)
One night, Xan and Lorenzo came down from A Besta after drinking orujo. They were not masked. They did not need to be. In that valley, a face is not evidence; it is a verdict. They found Antoine mending a stone wall by flashlight.
His performance as the antagonistic brother is terrifying. Zahera manages to convey deep malice, frustration, and a warped sense of entitlement. 5. Critical Reception and Legacy
Ménochet (known for Inglourious Basterds ) brings a tragic dignity to Antoine. When he realizes his intellectual arguments cannot defeat brute force, his face crumbles like plaster. Zahera, meanwhile, creates a character so repulsive yet magnetic that you cannot look away.
This sequence establishes the film's core motif: the physical subdual of the wild by the dominant. Later in the film, when physical violence erupts, the choreography deliberately mirrors the horse-wrestling technique shown in the opening. It highlights the thin veneer of civilization masking base human instincts. Directorial Style and Technical Execution as bestas rodrigo sorogoyen
The story does not end there. Because As Bestas is not a mystery. It is a fable.
In recent years, Spanish cinema has experienced a resurgence, with a new wave of talented filmmakers making their mark on the industry. One such director who has garnered significant attention is Rodrigo Sorogoyen, whose 2022 film "As Bestas" (English title: "The Beasts") has been making waves in the film festival circuit and beyond. This gripping drama has not only earned widespread critical acclaim but also solidified Sorogoyen's position as a leading figure in contemporary Spanish cinema.
Sorogoyen, known for his work in El Reino and Antidisturbios , brings his signature documentary-style realism to As Bestas . He utilizes long takes, intimate camera work, and a naturalistic sound design to place the viewer directly into the stifling atmosphere of the village.
She turns her back on the valley, walks inside, and locks the door. But the lock is for herself. Because the beast is not outside. It is in the memory of a single, unspeakable night when men became animals, and the mountain said nothing at all. The film highlights the rift between national, top-down
Immersive sequences that force the audience to endure uncomfortable social confrontations in real-time.
Antoine’s refusal to leave is not just courage; it is prideful machismo. He underestimates his enemies. Xan’s masculinity is toxic and performative—drinking, hunting, and intimidation are his only tools. The film ultimately places its moral weight on Olga, whose quiet, methodical resilience becomes the only force capable of confronting the beasts.
As Bestas is more than a thriller; it is a haunting meditation on what it means to belong to a land. It is a grueling, essential piece of cinema that lingers in the mind long after the final frame. For fans of high-stakes drama and meticulous filmmaking, Rodrigo Sorogoyen has delivered a definitive masterpiece of the decade.
Structurally, Sorogoyen borrows heavily from the revisionist western. We have the outsiders entering a rugged landscape, clashing with the locals, and a conflict over land usage. However, Sorogoyen subverts the genre. There are no quick-draw shootouts. Instead, the "weaponry" used by the antagonists is frustratingly mundane: they blare loud music at night, they block the road with tractors, and they steal eggs from the chicken coop. They did not need to be
: A Masterclass in Tension, Xenophobia, and Rural Isolation by Rodrigo Sorogoyen
The film is notably bifurcated, shifting its focus from male confrontation to female endurance:
In conclusion, "As Bestas" by Rodrigo Sorogoyen is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves to be seen and discussed. With its gripping narrative, outstanding performances, and technical achievements, this film is a testament to the power of Spanish cinema. If you're looking for a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, then "As Bestas" is the perfect choice.
Marina Foïs, Denis Ménochet, Luis Zahera, Diego Anido Genre: Thriller / Drama Release Year: 2022 Language: Spanish / Galician
