BEAU IS AFRAID

Writer/Director Ari Aster's first foray outside of horror involves Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) a man who suffers from anxiety, learns about the sudden passing of his mother. He must then make the long journey in order to bury her as her dying wish was for her not to be buried until Beau was present. A mildly funny film with some dark bits to it. Phoenix, in his first major role since winning his Oscar, is once again absolutely terrific as Beau. His presence and Asters are what got me to sit through this 3 hour journey and I'm glad that I did. It's something different, something original that was enjoyable up until the third act (which takes a decisively different approach to the story). This is the type of film that's better digested upon a second viewing. As much as I'd like to see Aster stick to horror (although I'm guessing he doesn't want to be typecast), I'm curious what he'll present to us next? 7/10