- Genre
- Drama
- Year
- 2011
- Runtime
- 1h41
0
Beauty
A haunting journey into desire, repression, and self-discovery.
Watch Beauty streaming in
No offers found.
We couldn't find any offers for Beauty streaming in Nigeria.
Synopsis
Beauty (Skoonheid) is a 2011 South African drama directed by Oliver Hermanus, centered on François van Heerden, a middle-aged, conservative, and deeply conflicted man living in a small town. Haunted by his repressed desires and identity, François experiences an intense emotional and sexual awakening that challenges the constraints of his traditional, patriarchal world. As he grapples with his inner turmoil, the film delves into themes of repression, loneliness, obsession, and the complexities of self-acceptance. Set against the stark and beautiful South African landscape, Beauty offers a raw and intimate portrait of a man's struggle to reconcile his true self with societal expectations.
Cast
Reviews
Beauty has been met with generally positive critical acclaim, particularly for its bold storytelling and powerful performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 84% approval rating, reflecting strong praise for its nuanced portrayal of complex emotional and social issues. Critics often highlight Deon Lotz's compelling performance as François, with Variety describing it as a "mesmerizing and quietly intense character study." The film’s deliberate pacing and atmospheric cinematography received acclaim for enhancing the narrative's tension and emotional depth. However, some reviewers found the film's slow pace challenging, noting that its unfolding can be polarizing for audiences seeking a more conventional thriller or drama. IMDb users rate the film at 6.3/10, indicating a more mixed reception among general viewers, who praised its courage and thematic depth but sometimes criticized its minimalistic plot progression and bleak tone. Metacritic scores similarly reflect generally favorable reviews, appreciating the film’s subtle exploration of taboo themes and complex character psychology. Overall, Beauty is regarded as a thought-provoking and artfully crafted film that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about desire and identity.
