I thought Schrader was gagged by Magnolia Pictures in posting anything on social media? Regardless, he’s still not giving us his own thoughts on “Beau is Afraid,” just shadowing behind Manhola Dargis’ NYT review.
Taken from Dargis’ 04.12.23 review:
“Despite Phoenix’s natural charisma and obvious commitment to the role, that head space proves to be a claustrophobic, assaultive, grindingly downbeat and finally enervating place to spend three hours. It’s a journey; midway, it becomes a slog, one that’s framed by two major life events and incorporates some creepy flashbacks, as well as an especially uneasy dream. The bulk of the story, though, involves Beau’s experiences in four externally distinct yet similarly ominous settings: his chaotic and violent urban neighborhood; an outwardly nice yet creepy suburban home he visits; an idyllic if dangerous forest where he’s welcomed by a theater troupe; and, finally, the lavish home-unsweet-home of the monstrous Mona.”