"Beast" is a psychologically driven short film exploring accountability, power, and the consequences of unchecked violence within an intimate rural setting. The film follows Cole, an abusive husband, as he begins to face the consequences of his violent behavior after his wife, Amber, decides to cut ties with him. As Cole’s internal world fractures, he is confronted by a nightmarish creature—both a physical presence and a symbolic manifestation of his inner demons—forcing him to reckon with the destructive patterns.
I portray Amber, a hardened trauma survivor with a quiet, unbreakable spirit. A final snap in Cole’s behavior compels her to reclaim her agency and take decisive action to protect herself and the safety of her son.
The film was created in conjunction with Montana State University in association with Grasshopper Productions. Matt Wheat produced the project and, following his studies at Montana State University in 2014, went on to become an Emmy-winning Director of Photography. His work includes the Montana series Under the Big Sky, the documentary On the Mountain, and contributions to the camera department on the independent feature Certain Women (directed by Kelly Reichardt).
Beast screened at the Montana State University and received accolades from faculty and audience for its acting work and originality.
Stills from the film, along with a Vimeo link to the short, are included below.
I portray Amber, a hardened trauma survivor with a quiet, unbreakable spirit. A final snap in Cole’s behavior compels her to reclaim her agency and take decisive action to protect herself and the safety of her son.
The film was created in conjunction with Montana State University in association with Grasshopper Productions. Matt Wheat produced the project and, following his studies at Montana State University in 2014, went on to become an Emmy-winning Director of Photography. His work includes the Montana series Under the Big Sky, the documentary On the Mountain, and contributions to the camera department on the independent feature Certain Women (directed by Kelly Reichardt).
Beast screened at the Montana State University and received accolades from faculty and audience for its acting work and originality.
Stills from the film, along with a Vimeo link to the short, are included below.
Clicking/tapping the image below will take you to the
Vimeo landing page to watch the film
Rating PG-13 for: language, violence, dark content
Vimeo landing page to watch the film
Rating PG-13 for: language, violence, dark content
