Ingrid is an undercover agent working in Chile during the military dictatorship. As she spends her time alone, stewing in her own thoughts, dreaming of her greatest fears, her relationship with herself and her dog will grow in unique and grotesque ways. Bestia is the true story of this undercover agent and her strange existence.
This is a screwed up, twisted, unapologetic story of dealing with yourself during isolation and in the most dire situations. Bestia refuses to pull any punches as it tells the true story of the aforementioned Ingrid. Solitude can make a person do strange things, and that is so true throughout Bestia; and the honesty present in this project (regardless of how insane) resonates with viewers. The entire short film is cringey and uncomfortable, and I love this–it pulls me in, refusing to let me go, and I simply couldn’t get enough of what director Hugo Covarrubias presents to his viewers.
Bestia possesses some of the most unique animated visuals that I’ve ever seen. The film’s main character appears to be a porcelain doll afforded the ability to move by way of stop motion, and just like the story itself, Ingrid’s aesthetic is just a bit creepy. The narrative that exists is dark and troublesome, and the atypical animation beautifully reflects the sentiments present in the story. You’d think with the constant darkness, and the unrelenting discomfort that the film may become overwhelming, but Bestia is uniquely beautiful. While I may not have experienced exactly the same things that Ingrid does throughout the film, there’s an honesty present that resonates with viewers–and the truth that exists is that the human psyche is a fragile beast. While it can withstand some of the most difficult situations, it can only bend so far before it shatters, leaving behind only fragments of what it once was. There is a powerful juxtaposition between beauty and disgrace present throughout the entirety of Bestia. The visuals are moving and keep viewers engaged throughout, but the things that occur during Ingrid’s journey remind viewers that life is a fickle thing and Ingrid’s actions tell a story unlike any that has come before.
Covarrubias chooses an array of angles by which to capture the story of Bestia, and it adds to the suspense of the narrative. Viewers are often given the whole story–pulling viewers into said narrative. Yeah, so I’ve already mentioned the fact that I was hypothetically pulled into the film, but the reality is that it felt as if I was being enveloped by Ingrid’s journey on screen. The visuals are a large part of what makes this possible, as viewers are able to see every bit of Ingrid’s story along the way, with nothing left to the imagination.
With a complete absence of dialogue, Bestia’s score and its manipulation of sound are integral to its success. The film is slow moving, but there’s never a dull moment, and the sound present throughout the film helps to drive the story forward, giving viewers just a bit more insight into what is occurring. This is just one of the many aspects that adds to the suspense and success of this wonderfully unique short film. Bestia was recently nominated for Best Animated Short Film at this year's Academy Awards, and as far as I’m concerned it not only deserves the nomination, but the win. This is an all-around spectacular film that deserves the recognition and the praise.
Directed by Hugo Covarrubias.
Written by Hugo Covarrubias & Martín Erazo.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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