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MMA Drama ‘Beast’ Opens in Theaters With Strong Fights and a Familiar Story

Early notices call the action polished, with complaints about a familiar comeback plot.

Overview

  • The Tyler Atkins film, distributed by Lionsgate and starring Daniel MacPherson with Russell Crowe, is now playing in U.S. theaters.
  • MacPherson’s character returns to the cage to protect his brother, with the filmmakers centering family ties and ideas of modern masculinity.
  • To heighten realism, the production staged sequences at a live ONE Championship event in Bangkok before roughly 10,000 fans.
  • Reviews single out slick choreography and Crowe’s scene-lifting presence, while noting a draggy runtime and well-worn beats; MMAmania graded it 6/10.
  • Crowe co-wrote the film with David Frigerio, and MacPherson says their real-life mentor–pupil bond shaped the on-screen trainer–fighter dynamic.