Films Similar to Beau Is Afraid

This week on Scary Monsters And Super Geeks radio show on Voodoo Radio Online I had a chat about Ari Aster’s film Beau Is Afraid. Which if you have seen, you’ll know it’s not a straight forward film or is the director calls it a ‘comedy’ . The following list the films have been considered bonkers like Beau Is Afraid or shares similar themes, such as parental and societal influences, anxiety, taking control of your life. As ever this list isn’t complete or in any order, it’s only a selection of what is out there….

I’m Thinking Of Ending Things (2020)

Like Beau Is Afraid, Charlie Kaufman’s film is not a horror in the traditional sense, it does have elements that could be. Kaufman’s film is convoluted, arduous watch, it’s also surrounded with paranoia which Aster’s film is too. You’ll probably struggle to try understand the film’s plot or you’ve simply gave up trying and just enjoyed the ride to see what was happening next. A film gifted with metaphors and stellar performances all around in a world that plays on your mind in what’s reality and what’s fiction. Jessie Buckley stars as a woman who goes to her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) parents (David Thewlis, Toni Collette) only for things to become unsettling pushing to lose grip of reality.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

You can’t have a list like this without at least one entry from David Lynch. Possibly his most accessible commercial film, this one pushes the boundaries of ‘dream cinema.’ If I go by my understanding, it’s an avenue of escapism and disconnecting from reality. Is your mind protecting you from something? Could something be a bad influence on you? Themes of guilt and legacy emerge as a disturbed, suicidal woman (Naomi Watts) is paralyzed with guilt due to her involvement in the murder of her estranged lover.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Another film that influenced one of Ari Aster’s previous films (Hereditary) is the obvious influences of the occult. Like Aster’s latest film, it covers the theme of tragedy and how that event can destroy and rip you apart. However, this film is not as surreal as the previous one; it’s all about the struggles women go through with their bodies and motherhood. Additionally, Rosemary’s desire to take charge of her life serves as a metaphor for feminism in an oppressive society of that time.

Synecdoche, New York (2008)

Charlie Kaufman has had a lot of influence on Ari Aster’s career, particularly in crafting characters dealing with existential crises. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden Cotard, a theatre director who receives a large sum of money to create his theatrical masterpiece. However, things spiral out of control, causing Caden to struggle with distinguishing between reality and fiction. This cult film delves into the deepest caverns of humanity and occasionally ventures into dark territories.

Brazil (1985)

Terry Gilliam’s dystopian tale, which one could argue highly resembles Beau Is Afraid, explores themes of oppression and bureaucracy in a nightmarish future, infused with dark humor and satire. Jonathan Pryce portrays a low-end administrative assistant whose mistake leads to the wrongful arrest of an innocent individual.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

Luis Buñuel’s tale is a bizarre, surreal, dream-like story of a group of wealthy friends attempting to enjoy a meal together. The film portrays the shallow and pretentious nature of the wealthy guests, who possess minimal or no redeeming values. It is considered one of the significant films of surrealist cinema.

Sorry To Bother You (2018)

Boots Riley‘s directorial feature debut could easily be considered a prequel of sorts in terms of the weirdness found in Beau Is Afraid. It presents an alternate vision of modern-day society, with LaKeith Stanfield portraying a telemarketer who discovers the key to success, which transports him into a nightmarish corporate world. This discovery opens the door to ethical implications, as he must decide whether to accept the company’s sinister agenda or reject it. The film is a dark comedy that tackles themes of racism, capitalism, and social commentary, presenting a highly imaginative and surreal critique of modern society.

Paperhouse (1988)

Many of the films on this list focus on the anxiety within adults, but Bernard Rose‘s chilling horror jumps right into children’s fears and gives us a dark tale of innocence, where the young girl’s sketchbook manifests those nightmares. Despite its low-budget production, we are treated to a highly effective film.

Coraline (2008)

Another fine film that taps into a child’s anxiety, which flips the family unit upside down. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel (The Sandman) we have a muted dark fairytale that’s atmospheric that’s genuinely creepy. A story of a 11 year old girl (Dakota Fanning) who finds a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, all thanks to a secret door, its a version with sinister secrets.

Notables: Inland Empire (2006), The Truman Show (1997), Lost Highway (1997), Inception (2009), Black Swan (2010), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), A Matter Of Life And Death (1946), Midsommar (2019)