What is 'Beau Is Afraid' about? Plot of A24's horror comedy explained

The film is about an anxious man with decent looks who sets off on an epic odyssey to get home following his ailing mother's death
UPDATED APR 21, 2023
Joaquin Phoenix as Beau in 'Beau Is Afraid' (A24)
Joaquin Phoenix as Beau in 'Beau Is Afraid' (A24)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Beau Is Afraid' is an A24 surrealist horror comedy about a man named Beau, who is described as anxious but decent looking man. He sets off on an epic odyssey to get home to his mother following her death.

Ari Aster, known for critically acclaimed films like 'Midsommar' and 'Hereditary' directed 'Beau Is Afraid.' He also wrote the screenplay, and co-produced the film with Lars Knudsen. The film was originally titled 'Disappointment Blvd.' but has since been renamed 'Beau Is Afraid.' Distributed by A24, the film's executive producers are Elisa Alvares, Timo Argillander, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, and Ann Ruark.

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What is ‘Beau Is Afraid’ about?

Beau, who is characterized as an anxious man with decent looks, has a fraught relationship with his mother and is unaware of who his father is. When his ailing mother dies, he embarks on an epic journey home, confronting his greatest fears along the way, including escaping from what appears to be a mental hospital, being hit by a car, and fleeing gunfire within a dark forest, as well as repeatedly wandering through animated scenes. 'Beau is Afraid' has the tagline, "From his deepest fears comes the greatest adventure."

Ari Aster had been working on the project for a while now, beginning with his 2011 short film called ‘Beau’, which would later become the foundation for a sequence in the said movie. A 2014 draft of the script even circulated on the Internet. Now, audiences will have a chance to see it in theaters.

‘Beau Is Afraid’ will release theatrically in the United States on April 21.

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