The Beast (2016)

In the heart of South Africa, under the vast expanse of the azure sky, unfolds an extraordinary tale within the confines of a safari park. The day begins like any other, masked in the guise of the ordinary, but beneath the surface, a sea of dreams, frustrations, and aspirations roil. Jacob, the humble porter, is ensnared by a dream where he conquers a leopard with nothing but his bare hands, a testament to his raw courage. Anthea, the diligent cleaner, finds herself engaged in a solitary battle against dirt in a secluded chalet, her quiet determination echoing in the silence. Cosmas, a man of patience, sweeps leaves under the solitary tree that gifts cellular reception, his ears filled with the chatter of indifferent tourists. A stark contrast is provided by Ndu, the game ranger whose safaris are ironically bereft of wildlife, painting a picture of hope against a backdrop of emptiness. At the heart of this eclectic ensemble is Shaka, a Zulu performer who yearns to break free from the chains of his cultural performances. He dreams of embodying the grandeur of Shakespeare, his frustrations simmering beneath the surface as he becomes a spectacle for tourists. His girlfriend Thando, a pragmatic soul, attempts to tether him to the harsh realities of life, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. On this seemingly ordinary day, Shaka reaches his breakpoint, causing his pent-up frustrations to erupt in a protest that mirrors the intensity of a Shakespearean tragedy. "The Beast" is an intricate tapestry of dreams and realities, painting a compelling picture of life's raw and untamed beauty amidst the wilds of a South African Safari Park.

The Beast is a comedy movie featuring Thabani Mahlobo and directed by Michael Wahrmann.

The Beast is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel.