Fantastic music and endless close-up shots of Pedro Pascal – what more would you want from a film?
Tony Gilroy's Behemoth! has often been called a "love letter to movie music". It stars Pedro Pascal as Alex Serian, a cellist who returns to Los Angeles after years of touring. He reconnects with his dysfunctional family and their complicated relationships with music while trying to piece together his past.
The performances are the standout element of this film and probably what will get the most praise. Pedro Pascal has a great confused face, which, with a supporting cast as eccentric as this, gets a lot of use. One such character is Carol Spedding (Olivia Wilde), Alex's unhinged ex-lover who just can't seem to leave him alone no matter where he goes. Wilde lights up every scene she is in, and, as deranged as her character is, you find yourself missing her presence for much of the film. Her introduction sows the seeds of a compelling subplot, but it doesn't go very far and she is heavily underutilised. Especially her scenes with Pascal are some of the best in the film. They make a hilarious duo and deserve much more screen time together.
The plot of Behemoth!, while not being very high-stakes, is quite captivating. Of course the music plays a big part in it, and the orchestra scenes are the clear standout, but even the quieter scenes in which we learn more about the Serian family are compelling and emotional. Sadly, the non-linear structure of the film lets it down. As engaging as the story is, it's at times confusing and unclear when things take place. I wouldn't be surprised if some viewers didn't even manage to piece the narrative together at all. Things feel like they just happen without any prior or later context. It's as if scenes are missing from the movie.
At the end of the day, Behemoth! is a great demonstration of Pedro Pascal's acting skills and a genuine love letter to film scoring. While it may be a bit messy, it is by no means incomprehensible, and if nothing else, Behemoth! is worth a watch simply for its beautiful score. It lends emotional weight to pivotal moments and reflects the inner world of the characters effectively. It's just a treat to listen to.
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