Review of Beasts of No Nation (2015) by James M — 01 Jan 2016

An interesting look at child soldiers in an unnamed, war-torn African country. Visually gorgeous but at the same time unapologetically gruesome, it is at times as uncomfortable a watch as "12 Years a Slave", although not quite as unsettling as that film.

Idris Elba is quite good and deserving of his best supporting actor nomination at the GGs, but even Abraham Attah in the lead role carries himself well. The mix of subtitles and strong accents won't appeal to everyone, and nor will the subject matter, but if you can appreciate an unsettling film this is worthwhile.