Author Henry James’ 1903 novella The Beast in the Jungle is considered one of his finest literary works, and it has been adapted often. It seems to have become very popular of late, with an Austrian version by director Patric Chiha released last year. But it’s Bertrand Bonello who has taken it to a sci-fi level with his adaptation, The Beast, which stars Léa Seydoux and George MacKay.
Bonello, a veteran award-winning filmmaker behind The Pornographer, Saint Laurent, Coma, and more, wrote and directed The Beast. It’s safe to say this is a loose adaptation or inspiration than a straight adaptation. The film takes place in a future society ruled by artificial intelligene, and where human emotions are considered a threat. Seydoux plays Gabrielle, who has decided to have all of her strong emotions purged, only to then meet Louis, a man she feels a powerful connection to.
Also in the cast are Guslagie Malanda and Dasha Nekrasova. The film made its world premiere last year at the Venice International Film Festival.
Here’s the official synopsis: In the near future where artificial intelligence reigns supreme, human emotions have become a threat. To get rid of them, Gabrielle must purify her DNA by going back into her past lives. There, she reunites with Louis, her great love. But she is overcome by fear, a premonition that catastrophe is on the way.
The Beast will open in theaters on April 5th.