Directed by Tyler Atkins (Ocean Boy), based on the screenplay by Oscar® winner Russell Crowe (Actor in a Leading Role, Gladiator, 2000) and David Frigerio (from his story), comes the feature film Beast, an action/sports drama set in the MMA world. It is not just about winning or losing fights as this is also about winning or losing families and relationships in general. To say more would provide spoilers and this is best left for when viewing the film.
While the overall film can be a crowd-pleaser for fans of the sport that has strong fight choreography, some audience members may find the storytelling predictable in some ways. I am not referring in any way to the MMA, but to the interactions between family members, or adults who have long term relationships in peril. There is one scene so predictable between two adults that made me want to scream at the character on the big screen what he was about to hear next. (Also, no spoilers.)
Although I read that Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad, “Foundation” and “Neighbours” TV series) has over 25 years of film and TV series credits, I am not sure that I have viewed his prior work in his native Australia or otherwise. After seeing his strong lead performance in Beast as Patton James, I am very impressed by the range of emotions he expresses that appear authentic (dramatic to playful), as well as his athleticism. I look forward to see more of his future work.
Patton James has a fight history with Xavier Grau (Bren Foster), who plays a villain type character. Foster has excellent scenes in his performance and served as the film’s fight choreographer. The cast also includes Luke Hemsworth, Amy Shark, Mojean Aria, Kelly Gale (Plane, 2023 and the upcoming Deep Water film to be released soon this year).
The film has some visually dynamic cinematography by Thomaz Labanca, especially in action sequences. The scenes shot along the waterfront or at night are also great.
Music – I cannot omit the fact that early in the film I heard a song sung by a familiar voice from Texas. Yes indeed, it is the song “Welcome to Hard Times,” the title song of Charley Crockett’s 7th studio album by the American singer who is a Grammy winner, as well as winner in two categories of this year’s Austin Music Awards. I hope more of his music is selected for inclusion in upcoming films. Texas proud.
Rating: R for language throughout, some violence/bloody images and sexual material/nudity. Runtime: 114 minutes
Produced by: John Schwarz, David Frigerio, Michael Schwarz, Tim O’Hair
Grindstone Entertainment Group presents, a Broken Open Pictures and Deeper Water Films production, in association with Armagh Films / Media Finance Capital / Three 777 Films / Stan Entertainment / Black Pearl Productions / In the Tent Productions / Spectrum Entertainment / Solution Entertainment Group.
U.S. Release Date: April 10, 2026, and will expand to release in Australia later this month and other countries thereafter.
Source: Grindstone Entertainment Group, Lionsgate
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