The leads deliver affecting, nuanced performances, which gives heft to the psychological insights.

The tonal shift undoes what amounts to one of the more interesting origins of a serial killer in the making. A thriller without much thrills, Beast is a thought-provoking character study and sort of a dark fairy tale.

Beast is a skilful debut from Pearce and a mostly satisfying example of suspense created out of mundane incidents and everyday events.

An intriguing and atmospheric gem.