Ari Aster’s new film Beau is Afraid is scheduled to be released later this month. But fans of the director were surprised when Alamo Drafthouse’s retrospective screenings of Midsommar turned out to be a first look at Beau is Afraid. Now audiences are sharing their first reactions to Beau is Afraid – and they’re extremely positive!
Of course, one must assume that reactions to Beau is Afraid will likely be divisive once the film hits the mainstream. After all, that seems to be the case with Ari Aster’s other works including Hereditary and the aforementioned Midsommar. But it’s still a promising sign for anyone that’s been looking forward to Beau and what Aster has to offer with the surrealist comedy horror film.
As such, here are some of the first reactions for Beau is Afraid that were shared on Twitter. As mentioned, it looks like everyone had a positive experience viewing the film:
Mother! Father!
Always u wrestle,
Inside the films of Ari Aster.BEAU IS AFRAID: His most adventurous film. An unforgiving, VERY funny & impeccably designed existential odyssey. Animation nerds will recall THE WOLF HOUSE. I (mostly) loved it. It’s a—how shall I say—ballsy pic.♥️
— Tomris Laffly (@TomiLaffly) April 1, 2023
Just saw Beau Is Afraid. So glad filmmakers like Ari Aster can exist. One of the most grueling, unpleasant, horrible three hours of my life. Need about 2-3 business months to figure out whether I liked it all or hated it with every fiber of my being.
— Jess Joho (@jessjoho) April 1, 2023
Beau Is Afraid is pure bliss, like cloud-nine shit
— Matt Jacobs (@majacobs) April 1, 2023
Ari Aster’s #BeauIsAfraid is a daring mix of humor & horror. Part gorgeous existential nightmare fuel, part pitch-black comedic odyssey, it’s an astounding pillar of artistic genius. If you’re not left hyperventilating, you better check your pulse to make sure you’re not dead. pic.twitter.com/Y1HSKHU4KN
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) April 1, 2023
it’s like The Odyssey but about a Freudian basket case who REALLY needs to nut. it’s three hours long, perverse and riotously funny, and then there’s a breathtaking sequence in the middle that’s the most beautifully crafted thing of aster’s career
— David Sims (@davidlsims) April 1, 2023
BEAU IS AFRAID is kind of stunning?? I don’t have much else to add right now. There’s a usage of Mariah Carey that people are going to lose their minds over and that probably accounted for 1/35th of the budget.
— Ryan Lattanzio (@ryanlattanzio) April 1, 2023
It’s great seeing that moviegoers were not only surprised with the first screenings for Beau is Afraid – but that they enjoyed it so much! Hopefully other moviegoers will continue to be positively surprised with the film. Though Aster’s films certainly aren’t for everyone; so be sure to keep your expectations in check if you’re unfamiliar with his work. As always, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
The upcoming surrealist comedy horror film was both written and directed by Ari Aster.
The cast, led by Joaquin Phoenix, includes Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Hayley Squires, Denis Ménochet, Kylie Rogers, Armen Nahapetian, Parker Posey, and Patti LuPone.
Fans will be able to see Beau is Afraid during a limited theatrical release on April 14, 2023. The film will open wide the following week. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates on the film and Ari Aster’s other projects as we have them.