Thescreescore – Following a recent foray into the expansive Star Wars universe, Pedro Pascal has garnered significant critical acclaim for his latest cinematic endeavor, Behemoth!. The film, which recently premiered at the prestigious New York Film Festival, has immediately secured an impressive 85% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on its initial 13 reviews. This robust reception marks a distinct turn from the mixed critical response to The Mandalorian and Grogu, the Star Wars film where Pascal reprised his iconic role as Din Djarin. While The Mandalorian and Grogu resonated strongly with audiences, earning an 86% Popcornmeter score, critics were less enthused, resulting in a 60% Tomatometer score and a somewhat underwhelming box office performance of $345.8 million against a reported $165 million production budget.
In Behemoth!, Pascal takes on the nuanced role of Alex Serian, a gifted cellist who returns to his Los Angeles roots after two decades of touring. The film boasts another significant connection to the Star Wars galaxy, being helmed by Tony Gilroy, the visionary creator and showrunner behind the critically lauded series Andor, and a key figure in the rewrites for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Gilroy’s multifaceted involvement as director, writer, and producer lends a particular weight to this new project, promising a distinct artistic vision.
Early critical assessments of Behemoth! highlight its intimate narrative and sophisticated craftsmanship. Rodrigo Perez of The Playlist lauded the film for revealing a "more intimate Gilroy" without sacrificing his characteristic intelligence or meticulous artistry, particularly in its exploration of how music can encapsulate a spectrum of human emotions, from joy and shame to love and regret. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman praised the film’s "playful" spirit and its reverent, accurate portrayal of the musical world, describing it as a "scherzo" rather than a symphony. Similarly, Petter Hammond from Deadline celebrated Behemoth! not only as a profound character study of a man seeking his true place but also as a magnificent tribute to the musicians whose art enriches cinematic experiences.
Related Post
However, not all critics were equally captivated. Owen Myers of The Guardian expressed a degree of disillusionment with Alex Serian’s journey and Pascal’s portrayal. Myers found Pascal to be a "frustratingly insubstantial anchor," suggesting that Alex often felt like a detached observer of his own life, a characteristic that, in Myers’ view, diminished the film’s overall engagement.
Despite this singular dissenting voice, the overwhelming positive critical consensus for Behemoth! positions it as a significant achievement for both Pascal and Gilroy. With a runtime of 124 minutes and a scheduled release date of December 4, 2026, the film, produced by Sanne Wohlenberg, John Gilroy, and Tony Gilroy, is poised to offer audiences a deeply resonant and artfully crafted cinematic experience, further cementing Pedro Pascal’s reputation as a versatile and compelling leading man.
Leave a Comment