<\/p>\n
“Beast” made a quiet entrance and an even more silent exit in theaters a few months back.<\/p>\n
Maybe this solid film will earn an audience on streaming platforms. I hope so \u2013 it deserves to be seen.<\/p>\n
Russell Crowe, who is among the ensemble in a small but pivotal role, also co-wrote the screenplay with David Frigerio (“Land of Bad”) in this Australian-made movie about a retired fighter’s desperate attempt at a comeback<\/p>\n
Director Tyler Atkins keeps things moving inside and outside the ring. Patton (Daniel MacPherson, who also was in “Land of Bad”)<\/p>\n
Patton was a real star as an MMA fighter 10 years before the main story is set, and Sammy (Crowe) was his trainer. Now Patton, who works on a fishing trawler, where he ekes out an existence, has a wife (Kelly Gale,) a little girl, and a baby on the way. He hasn’t been in the ring in years.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, Patton’s estranged brother (Mojean Aria) is knocked out and injured by Patton’s former rival, Xavier (Bren Foster.) Now his brother can’t repay a debt that’s due.<\/p>\n
Xavier’s manager (Luke Hemsworth) offers Patton a kingly sum to take on Xavier again in a well-publicized fight.<\/p>\n
And the kicker? He has to be in shape within seven weeks to do it.<\/p>\n
I like the intricate relationships that unfold between the characters in this sports-centered drama. Frigerio pulls no punches when it comes to the violence of the competition \u2013 this is a dangerous contest,. We understand how and why Patton is pulled back in the ring because of his circumstances. \u00a0<\/p>\n
This is the kind of movie that’s somewhat familiar. But it’s well-acted, well-written, and just plain entertaining. It’s fresh enough to be engaging and easy to enjoy \u2013 a worthy contender for an audience it earns.<\/p>\n
3 stars<\/p>\n
Running time: One hour and 54 minutes.<\/p>\n
Streaming on various platforms.<\/p>\n
Watch the trailer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n