After the success of the hit horror films “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” director Ari Aster has returned with a new story to tell. “Beau Is Afraid” is a horror-comedy lasting just under three hours with a runtime of two hours and 59 minutes in which Beau’s greatest fears become his most thrilling adventure. 

Beau Wasserman (Joaquin Phoenix) is a man who struggles with very extreme anxiety and paranoia. Beau has been planning a trip to go and visit his mother Mona Wasseman (Zoe Lister- Jones/Patti LuPone) whom he hasn’t seen in many months. Suddenly, a series of events is set into motion while he is on the way to his mother’s house. Along the way, any and everything that could go wrong, goes wrong.

Before stepping into the theater to watch “Beau Is Afraid,” all I had known was that it was an A24 horror movie with Joaquin Phoenix starring as the protagonist. When I sat down in my seat, I still had absolutely no idea what to anticipate, and I hadn’t seen any of Ari Aster’s other movies so I didn’t have even the slightest idea as to what could happen. This movie did just that, and left me clueless. I never would have expected anything that followed.

After watching just this one Ari Aster film, I can confidently say that there is no creative mind in Hollywood that is as messed up as his. Ari Aster does so many things so well that it makes the movie not enjoyable to watch because of how uncomfortable it makes you feel — the sound, the lighting, the editing, the score, the cinematography. Every aspect of this movie had a meaning behind it, which is very rare in movies nowadays. 

Even though Joaquin Phoenix is the star of the film, Ari Aster stands out even more. His creative decisions and direction are unlike anything that I have ever seen in a movie before. Every five minutes it seems like there is a new twist to the story. At times these twists feel like just a small addition in the narrative, but later on it will play a crucial role in the outcome of the story.

The movie is very violent, yet gentle at the same time. At times things get very intense, and at others everything is perfectly fine. Whenever something bad happens it happens so suddenly, as to better portray the feeling of worry within the story.

One of the first things I noticed when I sat down was how dark it was in the movie theater. The lighting is very dim, almost as if there isn’t any at all. But as you continue through the movie it gradually gets brighter without you even noticing. The editing in this film is outstanding. Sounds and noises will build up in the background and immediately cut off at points. This helps with the anxious feeling that the story surrounds.

Even though Ari Aster’s directing stood out more, Joaquin Phoenix was an amazing aspect of this film. His portrayal of Beau Wasserman is Oscar-worthy. Beau Wasserman is a character that struggles with an anxiety disorder, and Joaquin Phoenix is able to show this in every movement, every second of this film.

“Beau Is Afraid” is most definitely not going to be a movie for everyone. In the end it still leaves you wondering, “What did I just watch?” Even though most things are explained, I walked out of the theater with over a dozen questions. This movie genuinely is a masterpiece and I, for one, am able to appreciate the artistic value and creativity behind the film. 

However, there are just as many people who aren’t fans of the horror genre as those who are, which makes this movie not worth the while for some. And considering that the film also has a runtime of three hours, it can be hard to stay engaged and enjoy the movie in the first place.

Despite the long runtime, if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with a violent yet harmless story, check out “Beau Is Afraid” in theaters.

“Beau Is Afraid:” ★★★★☆