If I can breathe I can think, if I can think I can win.
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The quote above is the driving mentality of Tyler Atkins’ latest film, Beast – a testosterone-fueled sports action drama for the thrill seekers.
The film follows MMA legend Patton James who is now past his prime and working as fisherman to make ends meet. An unfated occurance befalls his younger brother Malon, causing Patton to find himself back in the octagon to help Malon out of danger. Patton is forced to reunite with his old coach Sammy to prepare for one final fight in the ONE Championship against its reigning champion and Patton’s former rival, Xavier Grau. Starring Daniel MacPherson, Bren Foster, Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth, and more.
This is as much a story of redemption as it is one of revenge. The plot is simple and nothing short of uninspired if you’ve seen enough sports dramas over the years. Patton is the hero of this tale as old as time – once a legend, now downtrodden, compelled to return to his glory days for one last hurrah to cement himself the ultimate sportsman.
There can be much fault to find in this 115-minute long drama if you allow yourself to notice its flaws, but it excels where it needs to shine most. Despite its formulaic plot and splotchy dialogue, Beast still makes a riveting watch thanks to its well-executed and choreographed fight sequences. MacPherson’s dedicated performance as the hardened Patton makes him a clear standout amongst his fellow cast mates. Even Crowe’s looming presence takes a backseat here as coach Sammy, allowing MacPherson to be the engaging focal point the film demands.
Don’t be fooled by the lacklustre efforts of Beast’s first two acts because come the last final moments, the film transforms into a contender for one of the best MMA-featured films you’ll ever see. It may play safe with story clichés but it goes hard on the action and saves its best for last – the final fight between Patton and Xavier. If you’d told us this was a real unstaged fight, we’d believe you. You could almost feel the impact of every punch, kick, jab or blow dealt by either men. It is (without exaggeration) the greatest last ~15–20 minutes of a film we’ve seen this year. Perhaps this could be attributed to both MacPherson and Foster (who plays Xavier) having real-life experience in martial arts that contributes a sense of realism to their fight. Either way, it’s an absolute moment and feeling that just can’t be replicated.
The exhiliarating impact of Beast’s final act will leave a lasting enough impression to make you forgive and forget the other minutes that don’t live up to the same level of greatness. Sometimes you’ll have to sit through a mediocre film to be rewarded with excellence and that is okay.
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