Dear Beasts (2023) by Andrea Malandra: A Fable of Digital Deception and Identity

Short Summary: The Unmasking of a Digital Darling

This Italian surreal comedy tells the story of Trudy, a social media influencer who gains fame by promoting the well-being of pets. However, her insincere love for animals is exposed when a video of her mistreating a homeless person and their dog goes viral, threatening to destroy her carefully curated online persona and forcing her to confront the real-world consequences of her digital life.

About movie: https://filmfreeway.com/andreamalandra681

Link to watch: https://www.indiecinema.co/dear-beasts

Detailed Summary: The Perils of a Perfect Persona

• The movie introduces us to Trudy, a popular influencer who has built her brand around animal welfare. Her life seems to be a perfect, heartwarming series of posts and videos.

• The core of the film's conflict begins when an unflattering video surfaces. It shows Trudy treating a homeless man, Narco, and his dog with cruelty, a stark contrast to her public image.

• This viral video shatters her reputation and online following, leading to a public backlash that forces her to reckon with the disconnect between her virtual and real-world identities.

• The narrative, set in a dystopian world, uses surreal comedy to explore themes of online interaction and the loss of individual identity in the digital age.

• The movie examines how the digital world can blur the lines between reality and fiction, impacting not only people's lives but also their relationship with the natural and animal world.

Director's Vision: A Surreal Scrutiny of the Digital World

Andrea Malandra's vision for Dear Beasts is to create a surreal comedy that serves as a modern-day fable. The film aims to be a reflection on the dangers of the internet and social media, particularly how it can lead to a loss of identity. Malandra uses a dystopian setting to exaggerate the consequences of living a life dictated by online trends and public opinion, creating a commentary on the superficiality of influencer culture and the disingenuousness that can exist within it.

Themes: The Digital Self, Authenticity, and The Human-Animal Bond

• The Loss of Identity: The film explores how the constant performance required by social media can lead individuals to lose touch with their authentic selves, becoming a mere reflection of their online persona.

• The Interactivity of the Web: Dear Beasts delves into the power of the internet and its ability to both create and destroy reputations in an instant, highlighting the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of viral content.

• Authenticity vs. Performance: A central theme is the conflict between genuine compassion and a performative love for animals. The movie scrutinizes the commodification of empathy and the potential for digital fame to mask a person's true character.

• The Dystopian Digital Landscape: The surreal and dystopian tone of the film serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting a future where our identities and values are entirely determined by our online presence.

Key success factors: Topicality and Genre-bending

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film's exploration of influencer culture, cancel culture, and the role of social media in modern life makes it highly relevant and topical for today's audiences.

• A Unique Genre Blend: By combining elements of surreal comedy with a dystopian setting, the film offers a fresh and unconventional approach to a familiar subject, setting it apart from other films that tackle the same themes.

• A Distinctive Filmmaker's Voice: Andrea Malandra, known for her previous works with a similar tone of surreal comedy, brings a unique and established style to the project, attracting viewers interested in independent, arthouse cinema.

• Character-Driven Story: The focus on Trudy's journey and her internal struggle with her dual identities provides a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that grounds the film's more surreal elements.

Why to watch this movie: A Quirky Commentary on the Digital Age

• For Fans of Arthouse Cinema: If you appreciate films that are unconventional, surreal, and thought-provoking, Dear Beasts offers a unique viewing experience.

• A Modern-Day Fable: The film uses its quirky, comedic tone to deliver a serious message about the pitfalls of social media, making it an engaging and memorable way to explore these issues.

• To See a Fresh Perspective: The movie offers a non-traditional take on the true crime and social media genres, focusing less on sensationalism and more on the psychological and societal implications of living in the digital era.

• To Support Independent Film: Watching Dear Beasts is a great way to discover and support the work of independent filmmakers who are pushing creative boundaries and exploring new storytelling techniques.

Movie Trend: Satirical Social Commentary

Dear Beasts is part of a growing movie trend of satirical social commentary, using humor and often surreal or dystopian elements to critique modern society. This trend includes films and shows that poke fun at everything from influencer culture and online behavior to political extremism and consumerism, using comedy as a way to engage audiences in serious discussions about the world.

Social Trend: The Influencer Economy and "Cancel Culture"

The film directly addresses the social trends of the "influencer economy" and "cancel culture." It examines a world where a person's livelihood and social standing are tied to their online persona and the fickle nature of public opinion. The story of Trudy's fall from grace is a powerful allegory for how a single misstep can lead to a digital "cancellation" and the immense pressure that comes with maintaining a flawless online image.

Final Verdict: A Strange and Sincere Warning

Dear Beasts is a strange and sincere warning about the dangers of living a life dictated by the internet. While its surreal tone may not appeal to all viewers, it is a highly original and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the modern digital landscape. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate independent cinema and are interested in a fresh, unconventional take on the social trends that define our time.