The first half of the film is driven by an escalating campaign of psychological warfare led by Xan. He uses passive-aggressive barbs in the local tavern, poisons Antoine’s water supply, and engages in dangerous vehicular intimidation.
One of the most daring creative choices Sorogoyen makes in As Bestas occurs halfway through the narrative. Without entering spoiler territory regarding the exact plot mechanics, the film undergoes a radical shift in perspective and tone. as bestas rodrigo sorogoyen
Instead of relying on jump scares, Sorogoyen utilizes silence, lingering camera shots, and the claustrophobic nature of the landscape to create fear. The rural setting, often romanticized in cinema, is portrayed as beautiful yet isolated, hostile, and deeply indifferent to the suffering of outsiders. The first half of the film is driven
Sorogoyen, who wrote the film with his frequent collaborator Isabel Peña, uses the tense thriller framework to explore complex themes that reach far beyond the village boundaries. Without entering spoiler territory regarding the exact plot
The synergy between Ménochet, Foïs, Zahera, and Anido creates an unbearable tension from their very first scene together. The film never presents a simple hero-villain dynamic, as every character is convincing from their own perspective.
"As Bestas" premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and Sorogoyen's masterful direction.
For lovers of international cinema, psychological horror, or simply those who want to see what the best of modern Spanish filmmaking looks like, As Bestas is an unmissable, savage masterpiece. Do not watch it alone. Do not watch it in the dark. And never, ever turn your back on the land.
