Beat

As a lecturer who teaches media and social issues, I'm constantly searching for works that not only inform but inspire and Beat by Jye Currie has left me deeply impressed.

Jye demonstrates a remarkable ability to tackle complex, often uncomfortable social topics with nuance and care. What struck me most is how he manages to hold the audience's attention throughout, blending creative storytelling with authenticity, without ever resorting to sensationalism.

Having recently watched The Promise, his powerful documentary on suicide prevention, I was curious to see how Beat would compare and it exceeded my expectations. Jye isn't afraid to take on big themes, and his unique approach challenges viewers to engage thoughtfully with issues that matter.

I walked away from Beat feeling both moved and inspired, reminded of why we, as educators and citizens, need to keep amplifying voices like Jye's. This is bold, important filmmaking, and I look forward to seeing what he creates next.

Beat is about a homeless man and an aspiring musician brought together by fate, with a surprising ending.

I love the idea of the story, it's a new idea to me and has the potential to be inspiring and uplifting.

However, throughout the film there is some very odd dialogue which stood out enough to spoil the flow of the movie. There are also some scenes which go on too long, and as they are at that point unexplained, they just serve to make me impatient and bored.

There is some great acting throughout by Jensen but apart from her the roles are mediocre all the way down to Dr Mordon, who's acting and dialogue are both abysmal.

If you go into this film expecting a decent B movie you won't be disappointed.

This movie shows us what can be born when someone takes a risk, when someone creates a story they believe should be told, when someone expresses to the world a part of themselves. I applaud the director for creating an original story, one of depth and clarity. At times I did feel the independent story but for a debut it's a very solid piece. The acting is world class and the cinematography complements the performance in a way that is grounding.

The music is the heart of this film. Ellie (the lead actress) expresses her inner struggles, challenges and emotions to the audience through her musical performances. We know exactly what she is feeling and where she is emotionally from this and I think it's very clever.

A big fan of Alexandra Jensen. First stumbled across her as an actress in the Australian hit talk to me.

Now watching all her movies. I really loved her performance in Beat, very captivating. She grounded the story and made the film her own.

This story is very unique and original. I can't say there would be many films out there that have themes of homelessness, heart transplants and classical music all in the one story. It was bold and worth it.

At times I had to look past some of the actors with smaller roles but keeping that this is an indie film in the back of my mind I am quite impressed.

Absolutely loved this movie.

The music that drives the story is spectacular, I found the way I connected to Ellie was very unique and not like other films, she didn't have a moment that made me fall in love with her yet I feel so connected with her (perhaps through her imperfections) I can somehow see myself in her.

I didn't quite like how the world treated the homeless man, I'm not sure how accurate that is in real life but it's a fiction and a story and for an independent film, it's spectacular.

So glad I watched this movie, a little hidden gem that should have a lot more attention!

Watch it!