Movie Discovery of the Day: Twice the beast (2025) by Luis Esguerra Cifuentes
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/twice-the-beast
Detailed Summary
On the outskirts of a city, a strange moss begins to proliferate in the forest. Despite warnings about its supposed danger, a group of friends decide to travel to this location in a gesture of transgression and freedom. In the forest, the group engages in activities like playing, singing, and freely exposing their bodies. As they spend time in this unusual environment, the line between reality and their stories, dreams, and fantasies gradually blurs and eventually merges.
Plot Summary
A group of friends ventures into a forest infested with a strange moss, despite warnings. Their experiences there lead to a blurring of reality and their inner worlds.
Director's Vision
Luis Esguerra Cifuentes, in his first feature film, aims to explore themes of freedom, transgression, friendship, and sensuality within a unique setting. The forest in the film serves as both a refuge and a metaphor for cinema itself, envisioned by Esguerra as a "biotope" where the hybrid, the queer, and the trans exist in radical love and tenderness.
Themes
Freedom and Transgression: The friends visit the forest as an act of rebellion against warnings and restrictions.
Friendship and Sensuality: The interactions among the group highlight bonds of friendship intertwined with sensuality.
Blurring of Reality and Fantasy: The strange environment of the forest leads to a merging of the characters' perceptions of reality with their inner lives.
Exploration of Identity: The presence of "the hybrid, the queer, and the trans" suggests themes related to exploring identity.
Key Success Factors
The film was selected for the Official Selection at the 2025 Cartagena Film Festival (FICCI), indicating recognition for its unique approach and storytelling. It also won last year's post-production prize at the same festival.
Summary Short
A group of friends seeking freedom venture into a forest with strange moss, where reality and fantasy intertwine as they explore their identities and relationships.
Awards and Nominations
"Dos Veces Bestia" was selected for the Official Selection at the 2025 Cartagena Film Festival (FICCI), where it also won the post-production prize in the previous year.
Production
"Dos Veces Bestia" is a 72-minute avant-garde film directed by Luis Esguerra Cifuentes, a co-production between Colombia and Spain.
Production Companies
Bruma Cine (Colombia)
Valentina C. Goelkel (Colombia)
Crisálida Cine (Colombia)
Archipiélago Sonoro (Colombia)
Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola - EQZE (Spain)
Theatrical Release
The film was presented at the 28th Málaga Film Festival in March 2025. It had its world premiere at the 64th FICCI (Cartagena International Film Festival) which was held from April 1-6, 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Unique and Avant-Garde Style: The film promises a distinct and experimental cinematic experience.
Exploration of Themes of Freedom and Identity: The narrative delves into relevant and engaging topics.
Recognition at Film Festivals: Its selection and win at FICCI highlight its artistic merit.
Why to Watch Movie
To Experience a Different Kind of Cinema: For viewers interested in avant-garde and experimental filmmaking.
To Explore Themes of Youth and Identity in a Unique Setting: The forest provides a metaphorical backdrop for the characters' journeys.
To Support Emerging Filmmakers: Luis Esguerra Cifuentes is a new voice in cinema.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Avant-Garde and Experimental Cinema: The film's description and genre place it within this trend.
Coming-of-Age with a Focus on Identity: The themes suggest an exploration of youth identity, possibly within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Youth Exploring Sexuality and Identity: The film's themes align with the social trend of young people exploring their sexuality and gender identity with more freedom.
Desire for Escape and Connection with Nature: The friends' journey to the forest could reflect a broader desire to escape urban life and connect with nature.
Final Verdict
"Dos Veces Bestia" appears to be a unique and experimental film that blends drama with avant-garde elements, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and sensuality within an unusual setting. Its recognition at film festivals suggests a thought-provoking and potentially visually striking cinematic experience.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Embrace Experimental Storytelling: The film's avant-garde nature indicates a willingness to push cinematic boundaries.
Use Setting as a Metaphor: The forest in the film serves as a powerful symbol for the characters' inner worlds.
Explore Themes of Identity and Freedom: These are relevant and resonant topics for contemporary audiences.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Independent and Experimental Filmmaking: Films like "Dos Veces Bestia" contribute to the diversity of cinematic expression.
Recognize and Promote Emerging Filmmakers: Luis Esguerra Cifuentes shows promise as a new voice in international cinema.
Provide Platforms for Diverse and Inclusive Storytelling: Films that explore themes of identity and sexuality in nuanced ways are valuable and important.
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