'Behemoth!' Review: Pedro Pascal Strikes a Chord in This Bold, Intelligent Drama
A musician facing his past
Alex Serian, played by Pedro Pascal, once showed promise as a cello prodigy in Chicago. He left an orchestra career behind and moved to Los Angeles to work as a musician on film scores.
The career change had several motives, many connected to members of Alex’s fractured family. As he works on film projects, he tries to uncover answers about his life. The review keeps major plot details undisclosed, noting that the story is designed for viewers to connect clues themselves.
A story told across timelines
Writer-director Tony Gilroy returns to directing for the first time since The Bourne Legacy in 2012. Rather than lay out every detail, Behemoth! uses a non-linear structure, with flashbacks appearing through much of its first half.
Small details help indicate when scenes occur instead of explicit labels for each place and year. The approach gives Alex’s history room to unfold gradually, and the film trusts viewers to infer characters’ thoughts and intentions.
Music shapes the film
The flashbacks let Alex compose music alongside significant moments in his life. His work ranges from a Bourne-like action thriller to a sweeping romance, allowing the film to shift between musical styles.
Nine composers, credited as the Behemoth! Collective, contribute to the score. They include Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino and Henry Jackman. The review sees the large group as fitting a film that celebrates how movie music is made, though it wishes the musical sequences appeared more often.
Pascal leads, supporting cast varies
Pascal conveys Alex’s feelings through physical performance and visual storytelling, despite the film’s limited dialogue. He also gives a convincing impression of playing the cello, even if instrument experts may judge his technique differently.
Some supporting characters contribute meaningfully to Alex’s journey, while others have less to do. Olivia Wilde and Will Arnett receive substantial screen time, but the review finds their storylines build toward a gag that feels like a missed opportunity.
Key points
- Behemoth! follows a former cello prodigy seeking answers about his family in Los Angeles.
- The film uses flashbacks and visual details to reveal Alex’s past gradually.
- Nine composers, including Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino and Henry Jackman, contribute to its music.
- Pedro Pascal’s performance stands out, while some supporting characters feel underdeveloped.