The 2015 Netflix war drama Beasts of No Nation, starring Idris Elba, has been hailed by viewers as 'one of the best' of its kind, and it remains available to stream now. The film, which was nominated for a number of Oscars, continues to rank among all-time classics more than a decade after its release.
A Harrowing Story of a Child Soldier
The film follows a young boy, Agu, who is forced to become a child soldier after his family is killed in a brutal civil war in his homeland. Captured and taken under the wing of a manipulative rebel commander, known as the Commandant and portrayed by Idris Elba, Agu is gradually stripped of his innocence and indoctrinated into the rebels' ideology.
Although entirely fictional, the film draws from the 2005 novel of the same name, and the war at its core is fictional, as is the West African setting. It was written after research, human rights reports, and interviews with refugees to authentically portray the realities of conflicts across the region.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
One viewer, moved by the experience, took to Rotten Tomatoes to share their thoughts, writing: "Beasts of No Nation is not just a film-it is an experience. It is a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable work of art that brings light to the often-overlooked plight of child soldiers. A must-watch for anyone who values powerful storytelling and cinema with a conscience."
Another viewer shared: "I don't remember it being this good. This is simply one of the best war movies I've ever seen. Brutally realistic. Nothing is watered down." On the review platform, the film holds an impressive overall score of 91%.
Awards and Elba's Performance
On its release, the film resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, going on to win a host of prestigious awards. Elba was lauded for his portrayal, earning him nominations for the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Spirit awards, though he was notably absent from the Oscar acting category.
One fan said: "Idris Elba was robbed at the Oscars, this was a masterful performance by him. His character is terrifying in ways other evil characters are not, because there is a layer of honesty and realism his performance brings. He is not just a comical evil dictator trope. Amazing movie that everyone should see at least once."
For those who are yet to watch Beasts of No Nation, the film remains available to stream exclusively on Netflix, though be warned that you may find yourself walking away from the screen utterly 'stunned'.
