Beauty and the Beasts of No Nation

When many millennial (particularly males) realized the use of the pick-up line “Netflix and chill” many people started forgetting that Netflix was conceived as a distributor for movies and TV shows. Netflix has even distributed several Emmy Award winning TV series’ since its 1997 inception. With its mind blowing acting as well as breathtaking direction, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s “Beasts of No Nation” should also soon make Netflix a distributor of Academy Award winning films.

Taking place in an unnamed country in Africa, “Beasts of No Nation” tells the story of a young boy named Agu (Abraham Attah). Though his country is torn apart by war, Agu lives a happy life in his village with his family. When the government army arrives in his village, Agu’s entire family is killed and he is forced to run into the African bush to survive. There, he is discovered by a battalion of rebel soldiers and their leader (Idris Elba), who is referred to as Commandant. Commandant takes Agu in and trains him in the ways of war. As his life as a child soldier begins, Agu finds himself struggling not only to break free from the Commandant’s control, but to hold onto his own humanity as well.

Over the years, Fukunaga has proven himself a very capable director with his work on “Jane Eyre” and the first season of “True Detective.” With his turn in “Beasts of No Nation”, he proves himself not only capable, but actually quite masterful. The shot selection, compounded with the seamless and unique scene transitions, are absolutely stunning. Each shot is handcrafted delicately with an attention to detail as well as an eye for beauty. When the time comes to announce the Oscar nominees, it would be a robbery if Fukunaga’s name is not among them.

It is not just Fukunaga’s direction that impresses, however, but his screenplay as well. Many characters are left unnamed, as is the country the film takes place in. There is much ambiguity throughout the film, meant to leave the audience thinking that this story could take place in any country and could happen to anyone. This effect is not only felt, but crushes the viewer as they witness Agu’s loss of innocence. What is even more astounding is that the film deals with the difficult subjects of child abuse and war, and yet still manages to emerge with a final message of hope.

With the exception of Elba, the entire cast is comprised almost entirely of newcomers and first time actors. That is why this critic is quite serious when he says the viewer is left mind blown at how effective and heartfelt every performance is. Elba has shown for some time that he is a very talented actor. His splendid performance as the ruthless and sadistic Commandant should bring in his first Oscar nomination and perhaps even win. It is the young Attah, however, that steals the show. Audiences will find their hearts shattering as they watch Attah deliver every single line with an emotional punch that has not been seen from a child actor in some time.

“Beasts of No Nation” will certainly turn off some. It is difficult to watch at times and has a subject matter that will keep some viewers from watching to begin with. Let it be known, however, that those who do not see it will be missing out on not just a great film, but one of the best films of 2015.