"Beastly," a modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, enchanted audiences when it graced the screens in 2011. Directed by Daniel Barnz, this fantasy romance film adds a contemporary twist to the timeless story of love and transformation.
Release Date and Director:
"Beastly" was released on March 4, 2011, with Daniel Barnz at the directorial helm.
Synopsis:
Set in a modern New York City high school, "Beastly" revolves around Kyle Kingson, a wealthy and arrogant teenager portrayed by Alex Pettyfer.
After a cruel prank on a fellow student, a witch named Kendra, played by Mary-Kate Olsen, places a curse on Kyle, transforming him into a disfigured version of himself. The only way to break the spell is for someone to truly love him despite his outward appearance.
Kyle is given one year to find someone who will see beyond his physical deformities. As he navigates his new life as a "beast," Kyle develops an unexpected connection with Lindy, played by Vanessa Hudgens, a kind and compassionate classmate. The film explores themes of inner beauty, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love.
Significance, Themes, and Why You Should Watch:
"Beastly" stands out for its modern interpretation of a classic fairy tale, exploring themes of compassion, acceptance, and the true nature of beauty.
The film's message about looking beyond appearances resonates with audiences of all ages. The blend of romance, fantasy, and a thought-provoking narrative makes "Beastly" a compelling watch.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Streaming Options: Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, Hoopla
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand
- Free Options: None
Australia (AU):
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
- Streaming Options: Stan
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fetch TV
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United Kingdom (GB):
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- Buying Options: Sky Store, Rakuten TV
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Germany (DE):
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- Streaming Options: Home of Horror, Superfresh Amazon Channel
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, Videobuster, MagentaTV
- Free Options: None
Brazil (BR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
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Spain (ES):
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
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- Free Options: None
France (FR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Cinemas a la Demande
- Free Options: None
Canada (CA):
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube
- Free Options: None
Production Details:
Directed by Daniel Barnz, the film boasts a creative team that includes producers Susan Cartsonis and Roz Weisberg. The screenplay, also written by Daniel Barnz, skillfully adapts Alex Flinn's novel of the same name.
Filming locations included various spots in Montreal, providing a visually appealing backdrop to the modern fairy tale. The production faced challenges in creating the prosthetics for Kyle's transformed appearance, aiming to strike a balance between the grotesque and conveying the character's emotional journey.
The budget for "Beastly" was estimated at $17 million, and it performed well at the box office, grossing over $43 million worldwide.
Reception and Awards:
Critical Reception: Critics offered mixed reviews, praising the film's modern take on the classic story and the performances of the lead actors. However, some critics felt the film fell short in comparison to other adaptations of Beauty and the Beast.
Audience Reception: While not a critical darling, "Beastly" found a dedicated fan base who appreciated its unique approach to the familiar tale and the chemistry between Pettyfer and Hudgens.
Awards and Nominations: The film did not receive major awards but earned nominations for its makeup and original song at the Teen Choice Awards.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Alex Pettyfer underwent extensive makeup and prosthetics to transform into the "beastly" version of his character.
- Neil Patrick Harris provides comic relief in his role as Kyle's blind tutor.
- Mary-Kate Olsen's portrayal of the witch Kendra adds a dark and mysterious element to the story.
"Beastly" may not have been a critical blockbuster, but its modern twist on a beloved tale and the themes it explores make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a fresh perspective on the classic Beauty and the Beast narrative.