Ari Aster's Latest A24 Feature 'Beau is Afraid' Reveals a Zany, Horrific Trip through Decades with Joaquin Phoenix

by Darian Scalamoni

    Ari Aster is one of the most synonymous names with horror since his releases of Hereditary and Midsommar, however, his latest has been described as a "tragi-comedy" by the director himself. The latest film from the breakout director is Beau is Afraid and released its first trailer this morning.

    Beau is Afraid, which was formerly titled Disappointment Blvd. is said to be a decades-spanning portrait of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all-time, however, it's evident from the trailer that the movie will surely be a head trip similar to Aster's previous works. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix (Her, Joker) as the lead character, Beau through multiple different versions of himself learning to deal with the relationship he has with his mother over the course of his life. As he anticipates a visit to his mother, it seems that Beau is nervous to venture through a world that's "not safe" to see her. As he embarks on this journey, there are tons of misdirects and intentional confusion set by Aster which include Beau being hit by a car driven by Amy Ryan's character, a housing arrest device and multiple animated set pieces that feature Phoenix in an array of appearances and new environments. 

    Though many may look to this film as filled with extremes, the trailer has sold me more so on the ethos that Aster has created with a force such as Phoenix leading the way. Beau is Afraid looks more surreal, zany and otherworldly in comparison to other upcoming movies, so I am sold. Beau is Afraid will be released in theaters on April 21, 2023 and stars Phoenix, Ryan, Nathan Lane, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Parker Posey and Patti LuPone. 

    Check out the trailer below for Beau is Afraid!