Film Preview: Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Page Revisions:

(October 11, 2015) Original

Release Date:

October 16, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “A drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country.”

Poster Rating: C- / C / B- (6)

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Review: (#1) A child soldier might sell a film if the viewer actually knew what it was about. Otherwise, the sparse design of the poster doesn’t engage. (#2) This is a bit more visually stimulating, but it still lacks a theme that would tempt a viewer into the film. (#3-#8) There are three posters for each character here. One turns a boy from a “Child” into a “Captive” into a “Killer,” an evolution that is a bit disconcerting. It’s no less stark than the man moving from “Savior” to “Ruler” to “Criminal.” Or perhaps it’s “Criminal” and then “Ruler,” you can’t quite tell in that case. Regardless, I like the concept of the designs and their general execution, but it could have been just a teensy bit more comprehensive.

Trailer Rating: C

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Review: Unless you’re desperately seeking a film about children abducted from their familial surroundings and turned into soldiers at the hands of purported saviors who merely want to manipulate and control them, then this is definitely not the film for you and nothing about the trailer will likely change that.

Oscar Prospects:

Netflix has already secured nominations for its documentaries at the Oscars and they’ve been making inroads with the Television Academy, but for a narrative film at the Oscars, it’s an entirely different ball game. This is their first attempt and while critics have been fairly strong in their praise, the Academy isn’t always fond of recognizing start-ups and non-industry types.