Beast (2017)

"Beast is ostensibly a serial killer movie. But much like Amy Adams’ HBO series Sharp Objects, that aspect of the story plays out in the background, allowing director Michael Pearce to hone in on his main character and find out what makes her tick."

"Upgrading a sleeping-with-the-enemy premise familiar from countless B-thrillers with a faintly mythic aura and cool psychosexual shading, "Beast" also sustains a fresh, frank feminine perspective through Jessie Buckley's remarkable lead performance."

"Aided and abetted by Benjamin Kracun's alluringly sensual cinematography, Mr. Pearce has created a feverish fairy tale riven with dark horrors and forbidden desires."

"Puts an eerily windswept island location to fine use and features an excellent lead performance from Jessie Buckley, whose open, intelligent face transmits thought and feeling with piercing clarity."

"The ending, when it comes, will polarise viewers, but there's no doubting that in the preceding near two-hours we've witnessed a compelling journey and a star in the making."

"Jessie Buckley is a force of nature in the lead role of this sinewy psychological thriller."

"Pearce, in his feature directing debut, proves himself a solid craftsman, with a gift for giving even derivative story elements a nerve-jangling tweak."

"Grisly and gorgeous in almost equal measure."

"A strong debut from director Michael Pearce, with a gripping performance by newcomer Jessie Buckley. So much more than just another serial-killer movie."