As Bestas is a Franco-Spanish dramatic thriller directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. The film focuses on a French couple living in a remote village in Galicia, who are confronted with a neighborly conflict that turns tragic. Starring Denis Ménochet and Marina Foïs, it explores the human tensions, xenophobia and latent violence of rural life. Luis Zahera completes this intense cast. The film was presented at the Cannes Film Festival and won the César for Best Foreign Film.
As Bestas will be broadcast on France 5 on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 9:05pm.
Here's a sneak preview of As Bestas, a realistic tension film by Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
Synopsis: Antoine and Olga, a French couple, have long since settled in a small village in Galicia. They have a farm and are restoring abandoned houses to facilitate repopulation. Everything should be idyllic, but a serious conflict with their neighbors escalates the tension to the point of irreparability...
As Bestas could appeal to viewers who appreciate stories rooted in reality, where tension builds gradually. The film is reminiscent of works such as Calvaire or Ruth & Alex, but with a dramatic intensity and inspired direction. It would appeal to those interested in territorial dynamics, marginalization and cultural conflict.
The film was presented in the Cannes Première section at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. It won several awards, including the César for Best Foreign Film in 2023. Rodrigo Sorogoyen 's direction and Denis Ménochet 's performance were particularly well received. As Bestas continues the director's focus on psychological tension and social confrontation.
As Bestas is a rural thriller in which tension mounts as a conflict between neighbors in a remote rural setting escalates. With a pair of powerful French actors and taut direction, Rodrigo Sorogoyen delivers a powerful psychological drama that tackles human violence in all its complexity.
Our opinion on As Bestas:
Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Spain's most popular filmmaker of the moment, is back with another hard-hitting film. As Bestas was awarded the César for Best Foreign Film on Friday, February 24. This hard-hitting film was one of our favorites at Cannes 2022, where it was presented in the Cannes Première section. However, the film would have been more than worthy of a place in the official competition, and even on the prize list!
After filming a Spanish woman in France in Madre, the director goes in the opposite direction, focusing on a French couple in Spain. Antoine and Olga, played by Denis Ménochet and Marina Foïs, are farmers in a small village in the Galician countryside, but their presence displeases the remaining locals. They'll do anything to make life difficult for them. Behind this simple pitch lies a suffocating thriller. As usual, Sorogoyen builds tension over time. His long sequences arouse the viewer's anguish with simple details, often in the background.
As Bestas is an immense slap in the face from which one cannot escape unscathed. Undoubtedly one of the best films of the year. Denis Ménochet proves once again that he's one of the best French actors of his generation, and Marina Foïs that she has a lot to offer beyond comedy. The two Spanish actors who play the awkward neighbors, Luis Zahera and Diego Anido, are not to be outdone, and manage to be terrifying with their simple looks. As well as being a great director's film, this is a great actor's film, not to be missed under any circumstances!
TV Schedule from March 2 to 8, 2026: Our Top Picks of the Week
Discover our TV guide for March 2 to 8, 2026: the best movies, series, and shows airing on television this week. [Read more]
Don't know what to watch? To find your way around the endless catalogs of streaming platforms, rely on our guide! Netflix, Disney +, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Max... Here's a quick roundup of films and series to watch right now. [Read more]
Today's new streaming releases: movies and series added today to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and VOD. [Read more]
TV Schedule from March 2 to 8, 2026: Our Top Picks of the Week
The top new movies and series to watch on streaming platforms in March 2026
What to watch today on streaming? Today's new releases
