Netflix adds 'weird' Joaquin Phoenix thriller that left viewers asking 'What am I watching?'

Netflix has just added a 2023 dark comedy that left viewers' minds 'racing' to its catalogue. Penned and directed by renowned filmmaker Ari Aster, Beau Is Afraid is now available for subscribers to stream at no extra cost.

Aster is famed for his unique style in films such as the 2019 thriller Midsommar, starring Florence Pugh, and 2018 hit horror film Hereditary, led by Toni Collette. In his 2023 release, the director brings A-list actor Joaquin Phoenix to the forefront.

The story follows Beau (played by Phoenix), a paranoid middle-aged man who is forced to confront his deepest fears before he travels back home to visit his mother. Across its three-hour run time, the dramedy delves into poignant themes including anxiety, maternal control and abandonment issues.

Phoenix, who bagged his first Oscar in 2020 for The Joker, is joined by Patti LuPone (Agatha All Along) as his on-screen mother. The leading cast is completed by Amy Ryan (Only Murders in The Building), Nathan Lane (The Gilded Age) and Parker Posey (The White Lotus).

Upon its debut, viewers and critics shared concerns about the thriller's plotline, with many stating that it was confusing. Even so, most moviegoers 'respected' the R-rated flick, reports Surrey Live.

At the time of writing, critics on Rotten Tomatoes award Beau is Afraid a 68 percent score, while audiences grant it a more generous 71 percent rating.

The audience consensus explains its rating, stating: "It's very long, very confusing, and definitely not for everyone - but love it or hate it, it's hard not to respect Beau Is Afraid's ambition."

Fans of the film echo this sentiment in their reviews, praising the film for having their minds 'racing.' One fan titled their review 'I feel like I just got punched in the face' and explained: "What do I even say? I don't know. This movie broke my brain. I'm seriously stuck. It's been two hours and my mind is still racing."

They added: "[...] Much of what I say may sound negative, but I mean it in the best possible way. This movie is indescribably weird, outlandish, absurd and insane. So many times I thought to myself, 'What am I watching?' This is dark comedy at it's finest. It's so messed up. And I was cracking up. Like everything else in this movie, it takes it to the extreme."

Another viewer recommended the drama: "[...] If you're a film buff who likes to watch all movies, I recommend it," but warned: "But to any casual viewer, I would say stay far, far away, it's probably not for you. It's a fantastic film to look at and follow along with, but it's simply not great otherwise in my opinion."

Meanwhile, a Google reviewer expressed their amazement: "I left this at 4 stars but honestly I could give it 5 after a second watch. One of the most confusing journeys I have ever been on but at that an unforgettable one."

Beau Is Afraid is streaming now on Netflix.