Writer and director Ari Aster brings us one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. Here is everything you need to know about ‘Beau Is Afraid’ starring Joaquin Phoenix.

‘Beau is Afraid’ Plot And Trailer - Everything You Need To Know

Writer and director Ari Aster is known for his A24 films Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019), two highly rated and critically acclaimed horror movies that really put him on the map. Naturally, following his previous work, we can categorize him as an excellent horror-storyteller. With his upcoming movie ‘Beau Is Afraid’, we expect elements of horror in ways we’ve never seen them before. Dubbed as a surrealistic horror-comedy, we can not wait for ‘Beau Is Afraid’ to premiere. In this article, we take a look at the trailer, the plot and what the fans have to say.

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The Plot 

Ari Aster's love for the horror genre has proven to be quite remarkable, ultimately giving us two impressive horror flicks. Back when ‘Beau Is Afraid’ was announced (then titled “Disappointment Blvd.”), Aster said in an interview with Indiewire that his upcoming project would be a “four-hour-long nightmare comedy.” Now, after the first trailer was released, we get what he means. 

The story follows Joaquin Phoenix as Beau, a paranoid man troubled by his traumatic childhood, as he embarks on a journey to get home to his mother. Sweet, right? Not so much. A series of sinister events makes his trip back to his mother something completely different. By the look of the trailer, Beaus' paranoid mind seems to get the better of him wherever he goes. And of course, being hit by a car doesn’t make the situation any better. 

The Cast 

“From his fears comes the greatest adventure” is the tagline of the trailer, and what an adventure it looks to be. Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix has undoubtedly become one of the greatest and most interesting actors working today. His role as Arthur in “Joker” showcased not only his talent, but his dedication to portray complex characters in an intriguing and slightly intimidating way. We expect him to make wonders as Beau.

Alongside Phoenix, actors Parker Posey, Amy Ryan, Nathan Lane and Patti LuPone are all set to make Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid’ a spectacle to remember. The movie is set to be released in April this year. 

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Fans Reaction

After roaming the internet for a first reaction, we can definitely say that feelings of excitement and curiosity towards Ari Aster’s upcoming film are dominant among fans. To be honest, we feel the same. ‘Beau Is Afraid’ looks great in all aspects. Surely, a horror-comedy made by Aster starring the outstanding Joaquin Phoenix is a receipt for success.

Twitter post on Beau Is Afraid
‘Beau Is Afraid’ certainly gives Wes Anderson vibes.

Twitter post on Beau Is Afraid
A twisted family trip to the cinemas come April? Sign us up!

Twitter post on Beau Is Afraid
Incoming Oscar’s for Aster or Phoenix?

'Beau is Afraid', 'Hereditary', and 'Midsommar' Interconnected Worlds Theory Comes to Surface:

It's interesting to note that although some horror fans believed the pagan ritual in the movie Hereditary was centered around the demon Paimon, the film's director, Ari Aster, has debunked this theory. However, he does claim that there are connections between Hereditary and his subsequent film, Midsommar.

Aster told US website Fandango: "There's no Paimon involved but I would say that the film is something of a companion to Hereditary, although the similarities didn't really occur to me until we were on set."

According to Aster, the similarities between the two films didn't occur to him until they were on set, but he realized that there were thematic ties between them. While there is nothing so overt as Paimon worshipping in Midsommar, it's possible that there are other connections or references to Hereditary that attentive viewers may pick up on.

Ultimately, Aster's films are known for their exploration of disturbing and taboo themes, and Midsommar is no exception. While it may not feature the same supernatural elements as Hereditary, it still offers a chilling and thought-provoking look at human nature and the darker side of human behavior.

Such taboo themes, including grief, and cult mentality, are mind-bending and offers a unique perspective on these films to say the least. It will be intriguing to see what themes he explores in Beau is Afraid, and whether there will be familiar traces, such as codependency, specifically for the viewer who has watched Hereditary and Midsommar to relate to.

"I also feel that both films kind of deal with codependency, in a way, although this film goes deeper into that.


Midsommar (IMDb: 7.1; 2019)

The film Midsommar follows a young American couple whose relationship is struggling as they journey to a rural Swedish midsummer festival. What initially seems like a peaceful and charming retreat soon becomes a nightmare as the locals' true intentions are revealed. The couple finds themselves caught in the midst of a violent and disturbing competition orchestrated by a pagan cult. The idyllic setting quickly turns into a terrifying and surreal landscape as the couple tries to survive the horrific events that unfold. Overall, Midsommar is a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers. The film's unsettling and surreal atmosphere creates a tense and immersive experience that will leave viewers thinking about the film long after it ends. Overall, Midsommar is a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers.

Rent on Apple TV

Hereditary (IMDb: 7.3; 2018)

Hereditary is a gripping horror movie that delves into the tragic and disturbing experiences of a family dealing with loss. The film follows the Graham family as they attempt to unravel the cryptic secrets of their ancestry while facing increasingly terrifying occurrences. Toni Collette's performance as the matriarch of the family is a standout, and the movie's exploration of grief and family dynamics is both unsettling and thought-provoking. Hereditary is worth watching for its effective storytelling, eerie atmosphere, and disturbing visuals that will leave you on edge.

Stream on Viaplay or Rent on Apple TV

Read more: HBO’s ‘The Last Of Us’ Series - What Can We Expect? 

From the Emmy award-winning creator of Chernobyl and the creator of the acclaimed video game “The Last Of Us” comes this all-new HBO series premiering on the 15 of January. It’s one of the most anticipated TV shows of 2023, but as we know, movies or TV shows adapting a story from a beloved video game tend to disappoint. In this article, we take a look at the latest trailer, the plot and what the fans have to say - here is everything you need to know about HBO’s The Last Of Us TV series. 

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