The Beast in the Jungle
Weatherend House, 1903: John and May circle each other. She says they met,
some 11 years ago. His voice-over describes his sense of being predestined for
something, a premonition about ‘the beast in the jungle’ striking. What is it
though? Love? Death?
Director Clara van Gool adapted Henry James’ novel of the same name into a poetic mix of costume drama and dance film. The characters’
movements sometimes develop into a choreography, with brief dances. John and May
experience various moments together in different ages: in 1903, during World War II, during
the 1960s – they dance the twist – and in the present. A melancholy story about
time’s inexorable forward march, whilst waiting for the ‘beast in the jungle’,
told through choreography, smart sound design, repeating dialogues and
beautiful cinematography.
The screening of Mon 28 Jan, 13:30 will be preceded by a Critics’ Choice video essay by Mohamed Abou Solíman.
Trailer
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Film details
- Countries of production
- Luxembourg, Netherlands
- Year
- 2019
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2019
- Length
- 85'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
