As Bestas Rodrigo Sorogoyen -
(2022), directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen , is a masterful rural thriller that explores the terrifying heights of xenophobia and neighborly conflict in a remote Galician village. Co-written with his longtime collaborator Isabel Peña
, the film is a taut psychological drama that transforms a dispute over land and wind turbines into a haunting meditation on violence and resilience. Key Narrative Pillars The Conflict
: Antoine and Olga, a middle-aged French couple, have settled in a dying Spanish village to practice organic farming and restore abandoned homes. Their refusal to sign a deal for a wind energy project—which would grant the impoverished locals a small payout—ignites a brutal feud with two local brothers, Xan and Lorenzo. Escalating Tension
: Sorogoyen uses long, unhurried takes and powerful dialogue to build a "law of the jungle" atmosphere. The film's first half is defined by male-driven, physical intimidation, while the second shift focuses on Olga’s quiet, stubborn determination to seek justice after a catastrophe strikes. The Performances Denis Ménochet
delivers a powerhouse performance as the beleaguered Antoine, while Marina Foïs anchors the film's emotional core as Olga. Luis Zahera
, as the menacing Xan, provides a chilling portrayal of deep-seated resentment. Critical Success and Themes My 2023: A Year Interrupted | Nobody Knows Anybody 1 Jan 2024 —
Multiple scenes in As bestas (Rodrigo Sorogoyen, 2022): in the bar, the one with the game of dominoes, and the one where Antoine ( nobodyknowsanybody.com The Beasts (As Bestas) - film review - DMovies 19 Sept 2022 —
Language and family trivia aside, The Beasts is a gripping rural thriller with a duration of 130 minutes that fly by very quickly.
The Beasts (as Bestas), Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Denis Ménochet, 2022
In (2022), director Rodrigo Sorogoyen crafts a searing rural noir that transcends the "stranger in a strange land" trope to examine the visceral friction between modern idealism and ancestral survival. Inspired by the real-life disappearance of Martin Verfondern in the Galician village of Santoalla, the film explores how a dispute over wind turbines ignites a dormant savagery in a dying community. A Narrative of Two Halves
The film is notably bifurcated, shifting its focus from male confrontation to female endurance:
The First Act (The Men): Centered on Antoine (Denis Ménochet), this segment is a claustrophobic psychological thriller. It builds around "male rage" and the stubborn refusal of both the French newcomer and the local brothers, Xan (Luis Zahera) and Lorenzo (Diego Anido), to back down.
The Second Act (The Women): Following a pivotal shift, the narrative refocuses on Olga (Marina Foïs). This half abandons the "masculine bluster" for a meditative exploration of grief, stoicism, and the pursuit of justice within a system that largely ignores the rural world. Thematic Core: Gentrification and Xenophobia
Sorogoyen uses the Galician landscape as a "combat arena" to dissect complex socio-political layers:
Competing Dreams: For the French couple, the village is a pastoral Eden for organic farming. For the locals, it is a "grueling existence" they are desperate to escape via the payout from an energy company.
Xenophobia vs. Class Resentment: The hostility isn't just about nationality; it's a clash between those with the luxury of choice (urban transplants) and those trapped by generations of poverty. Visual and Directorial Style
The film’s power lies in its stifling tension and deliberate pacing:
Long Takes: Sorogoyen employs uncomfortably long takes—most notably a breathtaking single-shot dialogue in a bar—to capture the "explosive buildup" of verbal violence before it becomes physical.
Oppressive Atmosphere: Cinematographer Alejandro de Pablo utilizes a "dirt-under-the-fingernails" aesthetic, where the vast autumnal woods and gloomy interiors feel equally trapping.
The "Beasts" Metaphor: The opening slow-motion sequence of the Rapa das Bestas festival—where men wrestle wild horses to the ground—serves as a brutal foreshadowing of how human characters will eventually attempt to subdue one another. Critical Consensus as bestas rodrigo sorogoyen
Reviewers from platforms like The Guardian and Roger Ebert praise the film as a "mature meditation on the modern world". While some critics found the final act’s transition into drama less effective than the initial thriller-like tension, most agree that the "universally strong performances"—particularly the contrast between Ménochet's "wounded-bear" testiness and Zahera's "attack-dog fury"—make it one of the most powerful Spanish films of recent years. The Beasts movie review & film summary - Roger Ebert
(released internationally as The Beasts ) is a critically acclaimed 2022 psychological thriller and "rural noir" directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen . Co-written with his frequent collaborator Isabel Peña
, the film is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, exploring themes of xenophobia, class struggle, and the clash between idealism and the harsh realities of rural life. Plot Overview Inspired by a true-crime story from 2010, the film follows Antoine and Olga
(played by Denis Ménochet and Marina Foïs), a middle-class French couple who move to a remote village in Galicia, Spain
. Their goal is to live a sustainable life by running an organic farm and restoring abandoned houses to repopulate the area.
Their presence, however, is met with deep-seated resentment from local farmers, particularly the brothers Xan and Lorenzo
(Luis Zahera and Diego Anido). The conflict escalates when Antoine and Olga refuse to sign off on a wind farm project that would provide the locals with a life-changing payout, leading to a campaign of intimidation that spirals into violence. Key Themes The Insider vs. Outsider Dynamic
: The film explores the "vulnerability of global and local bodies," highlighting the friction between "well-traveled" dreamers and impoverished locals who feel trapped by their environment. Masculinity and Violence
: Critics have noted the film's exploration of "masculine values and patriarchal norms," often comparing its tension to classics like Straw Dogs Deliverance Eco-Politics
: The dispute over wind energy serves as a catalyst for larger questions about land ownership, sustainability, and who has the right to decide a community's future. Technical & Critical Reception Cinematography Álex de Pablo
used large-format technology to capture the bleak, rain-soaked landscapes of Galicia, creating a stark contrast to the typical "Spain of sunshine".
: The film was a major success on the awards circuit, winning nine Goya Awards
in 2023, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Denis Ménochet. It also won the César Award for Best Foreign Film in France. Performances
: The chemistry between the cast members, particularly the "resentful stares" and animalistic tension between Ménochet and the Galician actors, has been widely praised as central to the film's "nail-biting" suspense.
Film Review — As Bestas (The Beasts) | Simon Dillon Cinema
The Beasts ), released in 2022, is a psychological thriller directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen . It swept the 37th Goya Awards in Spain, winning nine categories including Best Director Best Original Screenplay Core Premise & Plot Inspired by a true story
, the film follows Antoine (Denis Ménochet) and Olga (Marina Foïs), a middle-aged French couple who have settled in a remote village in The Conflict:
The couple’s presence creates tension with their neighbors, specifically the brothers Xan (Luis Zahera) and Loren (Diego Anido). The Trigger:
A wind energy company offers to buy the villagers' land for a wind farm project. While the locals see this as their only ticket out of poverty, the French couple refuses to sell, blocking the deal for everyone. Narrative Structure: (2022), directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen , is a
The film is divided into two distinct halves. The first is a high-tension "masculine" thriller focused on Antoine's confrontation with the brothers; the second shifts focus to Olga and the female experience of grief and persistence. Key Themes
Film Review — As Bestas (The Beasts) | Simon Dillon Cinema
Released in 2022, As Bestas (The Beasts) is a critically acclaimed rural thriller directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. It swept the 2023 Goya Awards and won the César Award for Best Foreign Film, cementing Sorogoyen’s status as a master of psychological tension. 1. Plot Overview
The film follows Antoine and Olga, a French couple who have settled in a remote village in Galicia, Spain. They live a sustainable life, farming organic vegetables and restoring abandoned houses to encourage local tourism. However, their presence is deeply resented by the locals, specifically two brothers, Xan and Lorenzo, who are eager to sell their land to a wind energy company—a deal that requires the French couple's consent. 2. Key Themes
Rural vs. Modernity: The tension between the couple's idealistic "back-to-the-land" movement and the locals' desire to escape poverty through industrial wind farm deals.
Xenophobia and Identity: Exploring the "foreigner" dynamic in isolated communities, where even long-term residents are treated as outsiders.
Human Violence: The escalation from verbal threats to physical brutality, examining how environmental and social pressures can strip away civility. 3. The "Sorogoyen" Style
Rodrigo Sorogoyen is known for his ability to maintain high-octane tension. In As Bestas, he utilizes:
Long Takes: Immersive sequences that force the audience to endure uncomfortable social confrontations in real-time.
Atmospheric Cinematography: Shot in the village of Quintela de Barjas, the film uses the "wild and little explored nature" of the Los Ancares region to create a sense of isolation and dread. 4. Cast & Performances
Denis Ménochet (Antoine): Delivers a powerful, physical performance as a man pushed to his limits.
Marina Foïs (Olga): Provides a quiet, resilient counterpoint, especially in the film's second act.
Luis Zahera (Xan): His chilling performance as the primary antagonist earned him widespread acclaim and a Goya Award for Best Supporting Actor. 5. Critical Reception
Awards: Winner of 9 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Cannes Premiere: Debuted in the Cannes Première section in 2022, where it was hailed for its taut direction. Resistance: A Journal of Radical Environmental Humanities
"As Bestas" (The Beasts) is a Spanish-French thriller film written and directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. The movie stars Manolo Cardona, Antonio Velázquez, and María León.
The plot revolves around Ovidio (played by Manolo Cardona), a debt-ridden farmer who lives in a remote area of Galicia with his wife, Flora (María León). When Ovidio starts to receive anonymous threats and intimidation from a mysterious figure, he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated.
As tensions escalate, Ovidio's behavior becomes more erratic, leading to a tragic confrontation. The film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
"As Bestas" premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and Sorogoyen's masterful direction. A Study in Tension Sorogoyen is a master
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Tension in the Galician Wild: A Deep Dive into Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s As Bestas Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s 2022 film
(The Beasts) is a powerhouse of contemporary Spanish cinema, blending the raw tension of a rural thriller with deep psychological and sociopolitical commentary. The film swept the 37th Goya Awards, winning nine categories including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. 1. Synopsis: A Conflict of Ideologies
The story follows Antoine (Denis Ménochet) and Olga (Marina Foïs), an educated French couple who have moved to a remote village in Galicia to practice sustainable organic farming and restore abandoned homes. Their idyllic vision clashes violently with the local residents, particularly two brothers, Xan (Luis Zahera) and Lorenzo (Diego Anido).
The primary catalyst for the feud is a wind farm project. The French couple refuses to sell their land to the renewable energy developers, blocking a significant financial payout for the impoverished locals who see the wind farm as their only ticket out of a life of grueling toil. 2. The Real-Life Inspiration Renewable energies in the Spanish rural landscape
As Bestas (2022), directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, is a masterful psychological thriller that explores the volatile intersection of rural traditions, modern environmentalism, and xenophobia. Known as The Beasts in English, the film swept the 37th Goya Awards, winning nine prizes including Best Film and Best Director. Plot and True Story Inspiration
The film centers on Antoine and Olga (played by Denis Ménochet and Marina Foïs), a middle-aged French couple who move to a remote village in Galicia, Spain, to start an organic farm and rehabilitate abandoned stone cottages. Their peaceful vision is shattered by a conflict over a proposed wind farm project; while the impoverished locals want to sell their land to the developers for a payout, Antoine and Olga’s refusal blocks the deal.
Film Review — As Bestas (The Beasts) | Simon Dillon Cinema
A feud develops between a middle-aged French couple and local Spanish farmers in Rodrigo Sorogoyen's riveting drama. Simon Dillon. Medium·Simon Dillon
As Bestas (The Beasts) is a 2022 psychological thriller directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen that stands as one of the most compelling and critically acclaimed pieces of modern Spanish cinema. Expanding on the premise of his 2019 Oscar-nominated short film Madre, Sorogoyen crafts a suffocating narrative about isolation, intolerance, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
Here is an overview of the film, its themes, and its significance.
Title: Savage Territories: Rural Conflict, Postcolonial Echoes, and the Beast Within in Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s As Bestas
4. Masculinity and Stubbornness
Antoine’s refusal to leave is not just courage; it is prideful machismo. He underestimates his enemies. Xan’s masculinity is toxic and performative—drinking, hunting, and intimidation are his only tools. The film ultimately places its moral weight on Olga, whose quiet, methodical resilience becomes the only force capable of confronting the beasts.
1. The “Beasts” of the Title
The title is deliberately ambiguous. Who are the real beasts?
- The Locals (Xan & Lorenzo): Their animalistic territoriality, physical violence, and pack-like loyalty suggest primitive savagery.
- The Outsiders (Antoine & Olga): Their naivety, cultural arrogance, and stubbornness in imposing their green ideals on a struggling community could also be seen as a form of predation.
- The Land Itself: The untamed Galician landscape—dark forests, fog, mud—becomes a character, indifferent to human morality.
A Study in Tension
Sorogoyen is a master of pacing, and As Bestas functions as a slow-burn thriller that eventually explodes into visceral violence. Unlike standard Hollywood thrillers, the tension here is built not through action set pieces, but through uncomfortable silences, passive-aggressive interactions, and the crushing weight of the environment.
The film excels in its portrayal of "closed-room" dynamics—the village is a small, insular community where everyone knows everyone, and outsiders are viewed with suspicion. The neighbors are not painted as cartoonish villains; rather, they are depicted as crude, desperate, and deeply insecure men whose way of life is vanishing. This makes them terrifyingly human and unpredictable.
Direction and Atmosphere: Sorogoyen’s Rural Gothic
Rodrigo Sorogoyen does not shoot Galicia as a postcard. He shoots it as a labyrinth. Cinematographer Álex de Pablo uses wide shots that dwarf the human figures. The monte (the mountain bushland) is a character in itself—scratchy, flammable, and impenetrable. In the film’s most stunning sequence (the night of the murder), the camera stays static as the characters vanish into the thick fog. We hear the screams before we see the act. It is a return to classical Greek tragedy: the violence happens off-stage, but its echo is unbearable.
The sound design is a masterwork. The mooing of distant cows, the screech of a woodcutter’s saw, the howl of the wind through the eucalyptus trees—these are not background noises; they are the weapons of psychological warfare.
Sorogoyen also deploys a devastating narrative trick: empathy. For the first hour, we hate Xan. But in the final act, we see him humiliated, trapped by his own crime, his family falling apart. When he weeps in his truck, we realize he is also a victim of the land’s brutal logic. He is not a monster; he is a man who has become monstrous.