From time to time, we notice patterns or common threads in the feedback we're getting from our audiences. Recently, we've been incredibly touched by the responses from parents and children with whom Wink and Hushpuppy's relationship resonated. Below are some of the voices we've encountered that seemed almost in dialogue with one another. If any of the stories you read below ring true (or don't!) we encourage you to share your story and join the conversation, we're all ears. Jason from Boston, MA
We went to "Beasts" Sunday and really loved it. Still think about it every day. My 10-yr old was especially quiet after. She said she really liked it a lot, and she mentioned it was the first non-animated movie she'd ever seen in a theater. I hadn't realized that. I asked why she was so quiet and she said ".... I think I want to cry, but I don't think I'm sad?" I totally knew what she meant.
Later that night she was trying to unscrew a cap from a bottle of water and for millionth time asked me to do it for her, I said "Come on, just give it a little effort, then if you can't I'll do it for you." For the first time in the 10 year ongoing battle of trying to get her some confidence, she actually gave it her all. Little fingers clenched on the cap, her face turned red, a vein in her forehead became visible and finally it opened. She slammed it down on the counter and yelled "I'm the man!"
Best laugh I had in a long time.
Kathy from Brattleboro, VT
My father was both hugely flawed an hugely caring, strong, protective. Even though, I’m not six years old, well, your dad is your dad. So I sat in the theater and watched this beautiful, spiritual, horrible story and I cried. You know, one of those good cries.
So on behalf of all daughters being chased by monsters, thank you.
Katie Calautti & Mark and Joe Pezzula, Twitter
Screen shot 2012-07-27 at 12.05.51 PM
Todd from Los Angeles, CA
I'm a single dad so there was much resonance in the film for my daughter and me. She loved the character of Hushpuppy and remembers a few of the lines from the film.
Rebecca from Seattle, WA
After many months of anticipation, I finally saw this outstanding film last night. I will surely see it again before it leaves the theater here. I was utterly captivated not only by the remarkable performance of Quvenzhane Wallis but by the depiction of the utter devastation that a child perceives when a parent disappears or dies. The deep connection that Hushpuppy has to the “universe”, both in literal and metaphorical terms, and the sense that even in the face of destruction one can be a survivor, a beast, and even have a little immortality, touches something deeply human. Adults know it cognitively, but children do in their own way. Bringing those two together as they were in the film was a true tour de force. To find a girl who can embody that was an incredible stroke of luck and turning her into that little, wonderful beast was directing at its finest.
Ellen Sweets, Blog Commenter
This film is so effin’ brilliant, so effin’ moving that i can’t believe the whole world won’t weep when hushpuppy faces down the aurochs…anyone unmoved by this film has a hole in his/her soul. my daughter and i have never — repeat — NEVER agree on a movie since “E.T,” "Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou.” We can’t stop talking about “Beasts.” There will be a second viewing. Maybe a third. we’ll look for hushpuppy at the Oscars….and don’t mess with her hair too much.