Directed by Tyler Atkins (Ocean Boy), Beast is an action/sports drama set in the MMA world, based on a screenplay by Oscar® winner Russell Crowe (Actor in a Leading Role, Gladiator, 2000) and David Frigerio. More than just about winning or losing fights, it explores the stakes of family and relationships. Details are best discovered during viewing.
While the film can be a crowd-pleaser for fans of the sport, thanks to strong fight choreography, some audience members may find the storytelling predictable in places. I am not referring to the MMA, but to the interactions between family members or adults in long-term relationships in peril. There is one scene between two adults so predictable that it made me want to scream at the character on the big screen what he was about to hear next. (Also, no spoilers.)
Daniel MacPherson, with over 25 years of film and TV credits (Land of Bad, “Foundation,” and “Neighbors”), wasn’t familiar to me before Beast. In Beast, his commanding lead as Patton James impressed me with an authentic emotional range—from dramatic to playful—together with notable athleticism. I look forward to his future work.
Patton James has a history of fights with Xavier Grau (Bren Foster), who plays a villain and also served as the film’s fight choreographer. The cast includes Luke Hemsworth, Amy Shark, Mojean Aria, and Kelly Gale.
The film features visually dynamic cinematography by Thomaz Labanca, especially in its action sequences. The scenes shot along the waterfront or at night are also great.
Music demands attention early: Charley Crockett’s powerful “Welcome to Hard Times” lends Texas soul to the film. As a Grammy and Austin Music Awards winner, his presence elevates the soundtrack. More of his music belongs in the cinema. Texas pride, unapologetic.
Rating: R for language throughout, some violence/bloody images, and sexual material/nudity. Runtime: 114 minutes
Produced by: John Schwarz, David Frigerio, Michael Schwarz, Tim O’Hair
Grindstone Entertainment Group presents a Broken Open Pictures and Deeper Water Films production, in association with Armagh Films / Media Finance Capital / Three 777 Films / Stan Entertainment / Black Pearl Productions / In the Tent Productions / Spectrum Entertainment / Solution Entertainment Group.
U.S. Release Date: April 10, 2026, and will expand to release in Australia later this month and other countries thereafter.
Source: Grindstone Entertainment Group, Lionsgate