Everything in this action treat seems real. So, of course, that makes the chills extra chillier. I found myself yelling at the screen in certain scenes or pulling my blanket up tighter in others. It’s a good thing my husband and I saw this offering in our living room while sitting safely on our couch.

Although Martin, Nate’s friend from the past, is happy to see Nate and the teenage girls (they call him Uncle Martin), things get dangerous when he takes them to see a pride of lions. Unfortunately, it seems poachers have been doing a lot of poaching -- and one angry rogue lion is out for revenge.          

Lions, poachers and kids, oh my!

BEAST, a film you ought to try,

holds your interest to the end.

This story might become legend.

 A lion stalks for poacher prey        

 and kills anyone in his way.

Nate and his two daughters are

charged by him while in a car.

From that point on excitement grows.

The movie offers highs and lows.

Never boring as it spins by.

A thrill-filled movie. Would I lie?

Supporting cast members give Elba fine support. The daughters, played by Leah Jeffries and lyana Hawley, may have their squabbles but it’s clear they care for each other. And Sharlto Copley who portrays Martin, comes across as a very good friend indeed – even to the lions. The emotional interactions between Elba and the daughters showcase how hard Nate is trying to make up for not being with them when their ill mother was alive.  And I have to mention those majestic lions!  Whether CGI or the real stuff, they look great – and one VERY ferocious.

Cinematography and other production values rate high marks. It’s uncanny how we actually feel like we’re in the car and terrified when the lion attacks.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur from a story by Jaime Primak Sullivan adapted by Ryan Engle, Beast goes on my list of best scary films released this year.

Do not try to fight a lion unless you are one yourself. --- Anonymous

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated “R” by MPAA. Available now on Peacock. )