by Mark Murton

Original title: As Bestas

Directed by: Rodrigo Sorogoyen

Synopsis: In this tense and gripping Spanish-French co-production, expatriate French couple Antoine (Denis Ménochet) and Olga (Marina Foïs) attempt to establish an organic farm in the Spanish countryside but constant clashes with local villagers spiral towards violence. Based on a true story.

Purr Blur: At the start of the film, after suffering a barrage of barracking from the townsfolk, lead by his neighbour Xan (Luis Zahera), Antoine leaves the local pub, passing a tuxedo kitten sitting on a green recycling bin on the way. The kitten cries at him as he passes. This is possibly meant to serve as a precursor to a later scene at the pub where Xan’s brother Lorenzo tries to convince Antoine that the meat he is eating is cat.

Final Mewsings: Cats are smart enough to stay out of local conflicts . . . and meals.

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