As Bestas

Directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, this 2022 movie is a gritty and deeply unsettling thriller. It crafts a psychological micro-climate, intertwining socio-political themes with the insularity and cultural deficiencies of a rural village in Galicia, Spain.

The story centres on a French couple who move to the region for a quiet life away from the urban chaos, only to face escalating hostility from the locals.

"As Bestas" provides a keen insight into the friction between rural inhabitants and newcomers, delving into themes of xenophobia, cultural isolation, and socio-cultural conflict. The film underscores how globalization and demographic shifts can provoke tension, fear, and misunderstandings.

Sorogoyen captures the local community with a raw, realistic lens, depicting their hostility not merely as antagonism but as a fervent defence of their traditions. This approach transforms the central conflict from a mere personal dispute into a representation of the broader socio-political misunderstandings prevalent in many regions of Europe and beyond.

The Galician landscape is a metaphor for isolation and resistance to change, with mountains and forests enveloping the village and creating a sense of claustrophobia. This setting intensifies the narrative tension, providing no easy answers but encouraging reflection on the origins of social and cultural divisions.

The film's strength lies in its capacity to vividly convey the fears and hopes of both sides, presenting a human and nuanced perspective where integration collides with deep-rooted traditions.

To fully grasp the violence depicted, it's essential to re-think the 2008 economic crisis, which impoverished many and polarized society. The working classes often supported right-wing populist and nationalist policies, whereas the more educated and affluent classes leaned towards centre-left ideologies and environmental sustainability.

The movie reflects this divide, where the desperate proletariat is willing to risk everything for economic advancement, in stark contrast to those who can afford the luxury of idealism.

The film's horror is never overtly displayed but implied, creating a pervasive sense of unease through unsettling silences and glances. It is a cruel and devastating portrayal of a passive and indifferent society, allowing events to unfold in a silent scream that reverberates only in the mind.