Watch Rare Beasts

Rare Beasts is a 2019 British film written and directed by Billie Piper. The movie is a bold and uncompromising take on modern-day relationships, motherhood, and female identity. The film has been described as a raw, vital, and emotionally charged work, which highlights the struggles of a single mother living in London. The film follows Mandy (Billie Piper), a 30-something single mother who is a writer by profession. She is struggling to raise her son, who is dealing with behavioral problems, and balance her career with her personal life. Mandy is a complex character who is fiercely intelligent, independent, and opinionated, but also deeply flawed and emotionally vulnerable.

Mandy meets Pete (Leo Bill), a religiously-conservative man, while she is on a date with a man she met online. Despite their opposing views, they begin a relationship that quickly becomes intense and turbulent. As their relationship evolves, Mandy is forced to confront her own beliefs, and question what it means to be a woman in a society that is hostile towards female autonomy.

Kerry Fox plays Mandy's mother, who is envious of her daughter's freedom, and sees her single-mother status as a failure. Mandy's mother is a constant presence in her daughter's life, and their relationship is strained, but loving. It is through her mother's bitter divorce that Mandy becomes disillusioned with the concept of romantic love.

The movie touches on several themes, including the pressures of motherhood and societal expectations placed on women. It explores the politics of love and relationships, and the idea of surrendering one's autonomy to a partner. The film also delves into the complexities of mental health and explores the ways in which women are disproportionately affected by mental illness.

The cinematography is striking, with a bright color palette that emphasizes the intensity of emotion on the screen. The film is almost overwhelming in its depiction of the emotional turmoil of its characters. The soundtrack is haunting and adds to the overall atmosphere of the film, which is both tense and engaging.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly Billie Piper's portrayal of Mandy. Piper's character is a force of nature, and she brings an intensity and depth to the role that is rare and refreshing. Leo Bill's performance as Pete is understated, but equally powerful. He portrays a man who is struggling with his own demons, and the conflict between his beliefs and his desire for Mandy.

Kerry Fox gives a nuanced performance as Mandy's mother, who is both relatable and frustrating. Mandy's mother is the voice of societal expectations, and yet she also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and support, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Overall, Rare Beasts is a provocative and thought-provoking work that is not afraid to tackle difficult issues head-on. It is a film that challenges viewers to examine their own beliefs and preconceptions, and to question the narratives that society imposes on women. The movie is a powerful work of art that is sure to resonate with audiences who are looking for something raw, emotional, and deeply human.

Rare Beasts is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 54.