As the teaser for Idris Elba‘s new survival movie suggests, escaping a furious and dangerous lion guarding its territory will be neither simple nor pleasant. Now that the MPAA has officially given the film an R classification, we know just how bad this narrative is going to become. The plot revolves around a guy who goes on a safari with his two kids, but the trip turns into a nightmare when a large lion begins hunting them.
An R classification also suggests that Universal Studios gave movie director Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns) free rein to deliver the tale he intended to convey without concern for making it family-friendly: After all, the attack of a ferocious lion isn’t precisely a bloodless narrative. According to FilmRatings, we can also expect some not-so-mild profanity, which makes sense given that we all go “holy shit” when the enormous lion appears on the screen. As a result, there will be blood. And bravery. As well as limbs.
The titular character of Beast is totally constructed of computer-generated imagery (CGI), which is unrelated to the R-rating but always interesting to note because it appears so realistic that we can’t help but be impressed by how far technology has advanced in making virtual monsters. It wouldn’t be shocking if we were looking at a potential contender for the Special Effects category of the Academy Awards the following year, given the release date.
Ryan Engle, who also wrote Rampage and Breaking In, has authored Beast, demonstrating his expertise with predators and characters caught in perilous situations. Iyana Halley, Sharlto Copley, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Riley Keough round out the cast in addition to Elba.
On August 19, Beast makes its theatrical debut.
You may view the trailer here.
