In Bertrand Bonello's sci-fi future Léa Seydoux and George MacKay time travel to attempt to heal their inherited traumas and the threat of emotion.
Written and directed by Bertrand Bonello (Saint Laurent), The Beast takes on the eerie threat of technological advancement to look at the darker possible futures we may find ourselves in.
Set in the future at a time where technology has taken over most jobs, humans are seen as 'too emotional' to make decisions. To counteract this flaw, a purification process takes place to rid humans of strong feelings.
Léa Seydoux plays Gabrilelle, a young woman undergoing the process to find a better job. When she meets Louis (George MacKay), things become complicated.
Loosely based on Henry James' 1903 novella The Beast in The Jungle, the film asks poignant questions about what the increasing role of technology might look like in the future, as well as the power of our emotions.
2023 France Canada, dir Bertrand Bonello 143 min
Films can contain elements which some may find upsetting; from references to self-harm or suicide, to sexual violence or domestic abuse. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.
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Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
