In the eye-opening documentary "Beest," directors Joost Laperre and Jillis Schriel take us on a journey through the life of Walter Arfeuille, a guy whose unyielding quest for strength and toughness ultimately leads to his downfall. Set in the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium, the film dives deep into one man's obsession with being the best, regardless of the consequences.
The title "Beest," which means "Beast" in English, perfectly captures the film's exploration of the fierce nature of ambition and competition. We meet Walter, who has dreamed of being the strongest and toughest since he was a kid, seeing himself as a hero. His rival, the muscular John Massis, becomes the benchmark for Walter's self-worth.
While this might resonate with the local audience in Belgium, I found it to be a portrayal of someone who doesn't fully consider the fallout of his choices. The directors skillfully blend archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to create a vivid narrative of Walter's life, but at times, he comes off as just an old man struggling to catch his breath while pushing his bike.
"Beest" doesn't shy away from the darker sides of Walter's life, revealing his battles with heroin and run-ins with the law. It highlights the lengths he goes to in his pursuit of greatness, from intense training routines to dubious methods of boosting his physical abilities. The documentary raises tough questions about the cost of fame and the dangers of obsession.
Despite its darker themes, there are moments that reveal Walter's humanity. The filmmakers approach his story with empathy, portraying him not just as a cautionary figure but as a tragic hero. His journey reflects a heartbreaking blend of passion, determination, and the universal quest for acknowledgment. However, it doesn't quite deliver a gripping experience or a moving depiction of a man pushed to his limits by ambition; instead, it tells the story of someone who lost his path and never achieved the dreams he chased.
