`Author:` `Availability:` > [!info] > ## Summary “The Beast” (French: “La Bête”) is a 2023 science fiction romantic drama directed by Bertrand Bonello, featuring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay. The narrative traverses multiple timelines—1910 Paris, 2014 Los Angeles, and a futuristic 2044—centering on Gabrielle’s journey through past lives and her profound connection with Louis. The film draws inspiration from Henry James’s 1903 novella “The Beast in the Jungle,” which delves into themes of anticipation and missed opportunities. Bonello’s adaptation reimagines these concepts within a [[Time]]-hopping framework, exploring the characters’ existential fears and the impact of their choices across different eras. While the novella focuses on a man’s preoccupation with a foreboding event that he believes will define his life, the film expands this premise into a complex narrative that examines how such anticipatory dread influences [[Relationships]] and personal identity over time. By integrating science fiction elements and shifting timelines, “The Beast” offers a contemporary interpretation of James’s exploration of human consciousness and the consequences of living in fear of an undefined future event. ## Key Takeaways ## Quotes - ## Notes `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Books index]]