Beastly

In a contemporary retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale, a New York teenager is thrust into a life-altering journey that forces him to confront his flaws and understand the true meaning of love. This modern adaptation, which blends elements of fantasy and real-world issues, explores the struggles of a young man who must find genuine love in order to break a curse that has transformed him into a hideous creature.

The story follows Kyle Kingston, a privileged and handsome high school student who lives in the bustling city of New York. He’s popular, rich, and adored by his peers, but beneath the surface, Kyle is arrogant, shallow, and selfish. His world revolves around his appearance, social status, and superficial relationships, and he often judges others based on their looks. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with a mysterious young woman named Lindy, who sees beyond his outward appearance and offers him a different perspective on life.

Kyle’s transformation begins after a cruel prank he plays on Lindy backfires. He insults her and mocks her for being different, but unbeknownst to him, Lindy is more than she appears. She is a witch, and in retaliation for his hurtful actions, she curses him, turning him into a grotesque monster. As he looks into the mirror and sees his new, terrifying form, Kyle’s initial shock and horror give way to a deep sense of despair. The once-gorgeous teenager is now forced to face the consequences of his shallow, materialistic behavior.

The curse comes with a chilling condition: Kyle must find someone who will love him for who he truly is, not for his looks or wealth, within a year. If he fails, he will remain a monster forever. With time running out, Kyle retreats to a secluded apartment, isolated from the world and shunned by the very people who once adored him. His struggle to find true love forces him to confront the reality of his past actions and reexamine his views on beauty, kindness, and self-worth.

As Kyle adjusts to his new life, he begins to connect with Lindy, the very person he once mistreated. Over time, he learns about her life, her struggles, and the challenges she has faced in a world that often judges her based on her appearance. Lindy, who has her own complex backstory, sees past Kyle's monstrous exterior and recognizes the potential for kindness and change within him. As their relationship deepens, Kyle starts to shed his former arrogance and selfishness, realizing that love isn’t about appearances but about acceptance, trust, and mutual respect.

Throughout the narrative, the story addresses issues of body image, self-esteem, and the superficiality of societal expectations. It emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface and embracing the inner qualities that define a person. As Kyle’s journey unfolds, he learns that true love is not about perfection but about acceptance, understanding, and the willingness to change. The tale becomes a powerful message of redemption, highlighting the transformative power of love, self-reflection, and growth.

In the end, Kyle learns that love is not something that can be demanded or forced—it must be earned and nurtured. By opening his heart to Lindy and letting go of his past prejudices, he discovers a love that is real and pure. This modern reimagining of "Beauty and the Beast" shows that sometimes, the most beautiful things are found not in outward appearances, but in the depths of the heart.

Director: Daniel Barnz

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Cristina Franco, Dakota Johnson, David Francis, Devin Mroz, Erik Knudsen, Gio Perez, Jonathan Dubsky, Julie Dretzin, Justin Bradley, Karl Graboshas, LisaGay Hamilton