Based on the acclaimed novel by Uzodinma Iweala, Cary Joji Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nation is a gut-wrenching portrayal of the dark and malicious effects that a war can have on a young mind.
Boasting stellar performances from both Abraham Attah and Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation leans heavily on its two leading stars. Together, they are able to overcome a fairly predictable plot and somewhat immature dialogue to offer up a set of characters that intrigue and move.
The film begins simply enough, introducing us to Agu, the kind, playful boy who embodies everything you'd expect from a child. Working hard to sell an "imagination TV", Fukunaga makes it clear from the onset that Agu's personality will be the one to watch as the story unfolds. Fortunately for the director, first time performer Attah doesn't disappoint.
Agu's transformation from a joyous adolescent to a hard and heartless soldier is undeniably heartbreaking. As we trek along with him through his battles we find the bloody reality of another world nearly impossible to watch. His demeanor changes drastically over an alarmingly short time, replacing his joy and charismatic soul with a harsh and detached identity. And while the pre-war Agu is never completely gone, you can't help but feel he is too far lost to be saved.
While most of your mind is focused on Agu and his descent into the dark and hollow world of war, you can't help but be drawn to Elba, who portrays a casual (and deadly) Commandant. His simplistic approach to even the most heinous and wicked aspects of combat make you squirm in your seat. He is vile, vicious and intimidating. However, he does it without much production. Elba's portrayal wasn't the obvious choice; however, for someone who continues to tighten their power through the disgusting abuse of young soldiers, it seems fitting that he would lead in near silence.
Fukunaga does an outstanding job at capturing a rather picturesque view of combat, expressing the horrors through the eyes of a child. His stylistic approach only improves the film beyond all that has already been stated, and you can't deny his ability to understand light and scenery, both of which he utilizes throughout the film through his nearly flawless cinematography. He works hard to bring a sense of humanity to those fighting, never attempting to answer the big questions, but rather providing a snapshot of an unfortunately reality that many of us choose to pretend doesn't exist. And though the dialogue is at times rather painful, and the story arc anything but original, he finds a way to make a statement with the film -- a sign of a true storyteller.
Though not perfect, Beasts of No Nation does have an impact, making a rather large imprint on the genre. Its guerrilla-style approach allows it to skip the sugarcoated pitfalls that many large productions fall victim to; instead, offering up a rather authentic look at the effects of bloodshed and conflict. And though you will find the countless scenes of death, rape and ravage hard to stomach"¦you simply can't deny their effect.
*Beats of No Nation marks the first feature film for Netflix, available to its subscribers.
