Belle is marketed as fantasy horror, the exposition is far too thin to transport viewers to another world, and its moments of suspense are generally toothless.

The actors are spot-on in a hypnotic, sometimes violent take of a classic.

Ultimately, Belle is disappointing not because its base elements are lacking but because the director had everything within reach to create a memorable film.

Melding the intimations of fantasy and horror, "Belle" gets down to the nitty-gritty of the classic saga’s dramatic center and its truthfully terrifying undercurrents.