Review
Beauty, a film by Oliver Hermanus takes a look at the disturbing and turbulent world of Francois van Heerden (Deon Lotz), a middle aged man whose secret desires and fantasies become irrepressible no more. Francois is a well regarded member of the conservative Afrikaans community, a devoted father and loving husband who holds a forbidden obsession for his friend’s son. Set in the beautifully picturesque South Africa, this challenging yet disturbing film leaves the audience torn; wanting on one hand to sympathise with the man who lives in a community that may shun his sexuality and trapped in an unfulfilling marriage whilst on the other hand we learn to hate the man for his unforgivable actions.
Lotz’s portrayal of the lost soul van Heerden is impressively intense, the character’s anger and self-loathing was portrayed in an overly subtle way, just as one would perhaps expect from such a masculine figure struggling to accept their sexuality.
Charlie Keegan played Christian Roodt, the tempting and tantalising object of van Heerden’s affections. Keegan’s character, a trainee lawyer and part-time model is everything that Lotz’s character wants to be; beautiful, youthful and confident, making him all the more appealing to the film’s lead. The rape scene towards the end of the film, somewhat reminiscent and as uncomfortable to watch as Mysterious Skin leaves the audience on the edge of their seats and angry for the remainder of the film. 
The lack of a clear conclusion to the film is somewhat frustrating, with many of the audience disappointed that the consequences of van Heerden’s actions omitted from the film. However, the symbolic conclusion to film, suggesting the viscious cycle that many of these closeted men find themselves in is particularly effective. Despite being slow-paced at various points throughout the film, director Oliver Hermanus’ piece is largely thought provoking and a well depicted unfortunate tale of lust, anger and simple desperation.
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