‘Beau Is Afraid’ Movie Review: Ari Aster Sends Joaquin Phoenix on a Surrealist Odyssey Filled With Anxiety

Hereditary and Midsommar filmmaker Ari Aster makes a depraved return to a world of surrealist nightmares in the epic journey of the mind in Beau Is Afraid. In his most divisive movie yet, he takes audiences on an unforgettable adventure that dares to tackle humanity’s greatest insecurities in a feared film bursting with anxiety. Beau Is Afraid is an affirming, yet challenging watch.

'Beau Is Afraid' 3.5 star movie review

‘Beau Is Afraid’ sets out on an epic journey

'Beau Is Afraid' Joaquin Phoenix as Beau looking worried, while wearing pajamas. A painting is on the wall behind him.
Joaquin Phoenix as Beau | A24

Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) tries to live out his humble life in a seedy part of town, attending therapy sessions to help him work through his greatest fears. They all come to a head when he has plans to make a trip back home on his father’s death anniversary to visit his mother, with whom he has a particularly difficult relationship.

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