There was a lot to like about _Beast_. Writer/director Michael Pearce handles his first feature-length film with care and ultimately releases a strong movie.

Yes, I would've loved to see the tiny isle of Jersey play a more central role in the film, as it's a fascinating microcosm and perfect remote setting for the mysterious disappearance of several teen girls. And the subplot of the discomfort women can be made to feel around the presence of men was under-explored. Not to mention, at a total of four, the film had one too many endings for my taste...but overall the film is a success.

The story (despite the plethora of endings) is tightly written and has got enough twists to make the ending difficult to predict. Even better, however, Jessie Buckley in the lead role of a dominated youth yearning to break free from her mother's binds with the help of a wild outsider (the beautiful Johnny Flynn) gives the film the teeth it needs to leave its mark on you.