Beastly (film)
A modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in New York City.
Beastly is a 2011 American romantic fantasy drama film. It is loosely based on Alex Flinn's 2007 novel of the same name. The movie updates the fairy tale *Beauty and the Beast* to a modern New York City setting. Daniel Barnz wrote and directed the film. The cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate Olsen, Peter Krause, LisaGay Hamilton, and Neil Patrick Harris.
The story follows Kyle Kingson, the arrogant and vain son of news anchor Rob Kingson. After he bullies a girl named Kendra Hilferty—not realizing she is a witch—she curses him. She transforms him into a bald, scarred, heavily tattooed version of his former self. Kendra tells Kyle he will stay this way forever unless he finds someone who loves him by the following spring. Kyle moves into a private house with his maid, Zola Davies, and his blind tutor, Will. Both provide comfort after Kyle’s father abandons him, unable to cope with his son’s new appearance.
As spring approaches, Kyle becomes infatuated with Lindy Taylor, a former classmate he once ignored. He rescues Lindy’s drug-addicted father from two dealers, subduing one with a taser; the other dealer vows to kill Lindy. Kyle convinces Lindy’s father to let her move in with him. At first, Kyle uses the false name "Hunter" and refuses to see Lindy, hiding from her. This angers her so much that she stops speaking to him. Eventually, Kyle reveals his face, and the two begin to grow closer. Kyle writes a letter confessing his love but doesn’t give it to her, fearing rejection. He visits Kendra to ask for more time; she says the spell cannot be undone but agrees to restore Will’s vision and grant green cards to Zola’s three children in Jamaica if Kyle gets Lindy to say 'I love you' to him. Seeing his changed heart, she wishes him luck.
The surviving drug dealer ends up in jail. Kyle and Lindy visit Lindy’s hospitalized father, who has overdosed. Kyle gives her the letter but regrets it when she says she considers him just a good friend. Lindy calls after reading the letter, but a heartbroken Kyle doesn’t answer. Encouraged by Will and Zola, Kyle meets Lindy one last time before she leaves for a school trip to Machu Picchu. He tells her to go, but as she leaves, Lindy says she loves him, breaking the curse. Kyle’s original appearance returns.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Daniel Barnz
- Producer
- Susan Cartsonis
- Based On
- Beastly · Alex Flinn
- Starring
- Vanessa Hudgens / Alex Pettyfer / Mary-Kate Olsen / Peter Krause / LisaGay Hamilton / Neil Patrick Harris
- Music
- Marcelo Zarvos
- Cinematography
- Mandy Walker
- Editing
- Thomas J. Nordberg
- Distributor
- CBS Films
- Runtime
- 86 minutes
- Released
- 4 March 2011
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film follows Kyle Kingson, the arrogant son of a news anchor, who bullies a witch named Kendra Hilferty. She transforms him into a bald, scarred, heavily tattooed version of himself, warning he will remain altered unless someone loves him by the next spring. Abandoned by his father, Kyle lives with his maid Zola Davies and blind tutor Will. He becomes infatuated with Lindy Taylor, a former classmate, and after rescuing her father from drug dealers (subduing one with a taser, not a fatal shooting), persuades her to move in with him under the false identity 'Hunter.' Eventually, Kyle reveals his true face, and the two grow close. He writes a love letter but hesitates to give it. Kendra offers to restore Will's vision and grant green cards to Zola's children if Kyle gets Lindy to say 'I love you' to him.
Reader's Guide
Beastly represents a modernized take on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, shifting the setting to contemporary New York City and telling the story from the beast's perspective. The film was one of the first feature productions from CBS Films, with a budget of $17 million. Its production involved extensive prosthetic makeup for Alex Pettyfer's beast form, consisting of 67 pieces that took up to six hours to apply. The film's score was composed by Marcelo Zarvos, and the soundtrack included songs by Regina Spektor and Natalia Kills. Beastly was filmed in Montreal, Quebec, including locations such as Old Montreal, Laval, and Mount Royal Park. The film's significance lies in its attempt to bring a classic romance to a teenage audience with a focus on inner beauty, though it received mixed critical reception. It is notable as Mary-Kate Olsen's final film role.
Did You Know?
- Mary-Kate Olsen appears in her final film role as Kendra Hilferty.
- Alex Pettyfer's beast makeup consisted of 67 pieces, including 60 tattoos and individual scars.
- An alternate ending was filmed but not used in the official release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beastly (2011) and what is it based on?
Beastly is a 2011 American romantic fantasy drama that transplants the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale into a modern New York City backdrop. The screenplay adapts Alex Flinn's 2007 novel of the same title.
Who wrote and directed Beastly?
Daniel Barnz handled both the writing and the directing duties for the film.
What is the central plot of Beastly?
Kyle Kingson, the entitled son of a TV news anchor, accidentally curses himself by bullying a witch named Kendra, who transforms him into a bald, scarred, and physically grotesque figure. He then has a limited window to genuinely change his personality and earn a girl's love before the spell becomes permanent.
Who are the main cast members in Beastly?
Vanessa Hudgens plays Linda, the girl Kyle must win over, while Alex Pettyfer portrays Kyle himself. The supporting ensemble includes Mary-Kate Olsen, Peter Krause, LisaGay Hamilton, and Neil Patrick Harris.
How much did Beastly cost to produce and market?
The total budget allocated for filming and marketing the movie came to roughly $17 million.
More in Films based on horror novels 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced