The Mind-Blowing Twist of Beau Is Afraid Unveiled

Ari Aster's 2023 horror film, Beau Is Afraid, was highly anticipated and left audiences with a thought-provoking ending. Prior to its release, horror enthusiasts were aware that Joaquin Phoenix would be starring in an Ari Aster project known for its imaginative and occasionally perplexing storyline. Phoenix, renowned for his diverse roles such as his portrayal of himself in the mockumentary I'm Still Here and his depiction of Johnny Cash in Walk The Line, consistently gravitates towards engaging and dynamic characters.

Beau Is Afraid serves as Aster's third full-length film and maintains the same allure as his previous works. The narrative unfolds in a captivating manner, leaving viewers questioning the significance of the ending and its relationship to the film's profound and impactful themes.

What Happens In Beau Is Afraid?

Beau Is Afraid revolves around the life of Beau Wassermann, who still holds onto his memories of falling in love with Elaine Bray (Parker Posey) during a high school cruise. Throughout his life, Beau has struggled with his mother Mona (Patti LuPone), who has always had a strained relationship with him. He was raised believing that his father died from a heart attack at the time of his conception.

The movie primarily focuses on Beau's tradition of visiting his mother on the anniversary of his father's death. This particular event sets the stage for the rest of the film, which includes unsettling scenes characteristic of Ari Aster movies.

However, the narrative takes a different turn after Beau receives the news of his mother's passing and is involved in a truck accident. This divergence sets Beau Is Afraid apart from other horror films by Ari Aster. Nonetheless, the central theme remains intact - exploring the haunting dynamic between a parent and child, where the parent resists their child's independence and desire to establish their own life. Despite their uncomfortable portrayal, Mona and Beau's co-dependency reflects a disturbing reality experienced by many.

What Are Ari Aster's Other Horror Movies?

Prior to Beau Is Afraid, Ari Aster penned and helmed two other captivating films - Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019). In Hereditary, the sinister roots of the Graham family are unveiled. Annie (Toni Collette) discovers that her mother Ellen (Kathleen Chalfant) was the enigmatic leader of a treacherous cult devoted to an otherworldly entity named Paimon. The movie delves into the devastating disintegration of the Graham family, as Annie grapples with her sanity and her loved ones endure excruciating torment.

The 2010s witnessed an array of highly acclaimed horror films, amongst which Midsommar stood out. Both Hereditary and Midsommar delve into deeply unsettling narratives surrounding tormented families. In Midsommar, Dani Ardor (Florence Pugh) traverses a journey of grief as she accompanies her boyfriend Christian Hughes (Jack Reynor) to a festival in Sweden. Similar to the impactful conclusion in Beau Is Afraid, the ending of Midsommar sparks profound contemplation.

What Happens At The End Of Beau Is Afraid?

While Beau Is Afraid's plot may be a bit perplexing, its ending aligns perfectly with the movie's tone. Beau and Elaine engage in a passionate encounter, with Beau fearing for his life but ultimately surviving. Tragically, Elaine does not share the same fate. In line with Ari Aster's consistent approach to horror movie endings, Beau Is Afraid delivers a conclusion that is far from straightforward or simple. The unsettling and shocking endings of Hereditary and Midsommar may pale in comparison to the truly disturbing nature of Beau Is Afraid's finale.

In the film "Beau Is Afraid," Beau makes a shocking discovery that his mother Mona, who he believed to be deceased, has been secretly spying on him. As he ventures into the attic of his mother's home, he encounters his father, transformed into a monstrous phallic figure. Tragically, the monster murders Jeeves (played by Denis Ménochet), leading Beau to confront and attack Mona.

Through the trailer of "Beau Is Afraid," it becomes evident that Beau lacks reliability and trustworthiness as a narrator. However, this aspect becomes inconsequential as the movie delves into the complex dynamics of difficult and dysfunctional families. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an exceptional performance, capturing Beau's constant fear and vulnerability with precision. Given his track record in underrated films, Phoenix's involvement in "Beau Is Afraid" proves to be a perfect match for showcasing his talent. In line with Ari Aster's signature style, the film presents a multi-faceted and deeply layered protagonist that demands a skilled actor like Phoenix to embody the role.

The concluding scene of Beau Is Afraid effectively presents the core theme of this Ari Aster horror film: the inherently toxic, distressing, and dreadful nature of the mother-son dynamic between Mona and Beau. A significant turn takes place when Beau enters a boat and witnesses Mona, along with Dr. Cohen (portrayed by Richard Kind), prosecuting him. This trial unfolds due to Mona's persistent doubt regarding Beau's authenticity as her desired child. Subsequently, the boat's engine unexpectedly explodes, leading to Beau's demise. This conclusion resonates as the sole outcome for this character's narrative, given that his mother never permitted him the opportunity to experience a genuine and fulfilling life.