Beast 2018

Treated as delicate and troubled by her mother, Moll, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, is a 27-year-old tour guide living in the picturesque Channel Island of Jersey. She navigates the complexities of life with her controlling and wealthy parents while also taking care of her father, who suffers from dementia. The tension within the island community escalates as a series of unsolved rape/murders targeting young women casts a shadow over everyday life.

During Moll’s birthday celebration, her sister makes a surprise announcement about her pregnancy, further highlighting Moll’s feelings of insignificance within her family. Disillusioned, she decides to leave the party and heads to a nightclub. There, she meets a charming stranger, but their encounter turns dark when he tries to force himself on her the following morning during a walk on the beach. Fortunately, a poacher armed with a hunting rifle intervenes, rescuing her from the assault. This poacher, named Pascal and played by Johnny Flynn, captures Moll’s heart despite her family’s disapproval, who perceive him as little more than a low-class loser.

As their relationship deepens, Moll reveals a dark secret—she stabbed a classmate in high school, claiming it was an act of self-defense. Pascal stands by her, offering his unwavering support. However, as the investigation into the murders continues, Moll learns that a fourth victim has been identified, a girl who went missing the night of her birthday. The local police detective, Clifford, played by Trystan Gravelle, warns her that Pascal was previously convicted of sexual assault, which complicates her feelings. In a moment of desperation, Moll lies to Pascal, claiming they danced the night away at the club.

When she confronts Pascal about his troubled past, he expresses regret over his mistakes. With a hint of vulnerability, he reveals his love for her, and she reciprocates. During a formal gathering at a local country club, tension erupts when Moll’s sister has Pascal removed for wearing denim. In an act of defiance, Moll makes an emotional toast, forgiving her family for their perceived wrongs, and later wreaks havoc on the pristine putting green.

Soon after, Moll moves into Pascal’s modest home, but the arrival of the police complicates matters as they arrest him. Moll continues to protect him with lies, but the detective’s accusations weigh heavily on her conscience. Alone in Pascal’s house, plagued by nightmares and relentless media scrutiny, she becomes increasingly distraught.

Determined to make amends, Moll seeks out the classmate she harmed, only to be met with rejection. She attempts to comfort the grieving mother of one of the murder victims at a memorial but is met with anger and disdain. In a twist of fate, Clifford reveals that they have apprehended the real killer, an immigrant farmer. Though relieved, Moll confronts Pascal about their future, suggesting they leave the island. His violent reaction shocks her; he chokes her in a fit of rage before apologizing. Distressed by the turn of events, she confides her fears to Clifford but is told to leave.

In a harrowing scene at the site of the latest murder victim, Moll succumbs to despair. During a tense outing at a beach restaurant, she and Pascal indulge in alcohol, as she prods him for the truth about the murders, asserting her acceptance of him unconditionally. She entices him with her own secret about her past actions, revealing her motives for the stabbing. Pascal, appearing conflicted, states, > “It’s over. They were nothing to me.” Moll feels an unnerving sense of relief and happiness.

As they drive away, longing for intimacy, Moll unbuckles Pascal’s seatbelt and suddenly jerks the steering wheel. Resulting in a surprise accident, Pascal finds himself badly injured and begs for her help, saying they are “the same.” In a chilling moment of clarity, Moll strangles him before rising to her feet, leaving the audience questioning the depths of her torment and the nature of love.