Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!' Celebrates Film Scores But Sidelines Female Characters
Pedro Pascal stars as a cellist in a film praised for its music but criticized for its shallow portrayal of women.
Tony Gilroy's latest film, "Behemoth!," which premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 2, is a complex exploration of a renowned cellist, Alex Serian, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. The film, written and directed by Gilroy, known for his legal thriller "Michael Clayton" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor," delves into Serian's return to Los Angeles for his ailing mother, though he also takes a less prestigious job as a studio musician.
Gilroy employs a non-linear narrative, using visual cues like weather and political signage to transition between locations and years. This intricate structure gradually reveals Serian's past and motivations. Pascal's performance effectively conveys the enigma of his character, with some of his most impactful moments occurring without dialogue, as Serian reacts to powerful musical pieces.
The film's score is a notable feature, with nine different composers contributing a diverse range of styles. This collaborative approach creates a rich auditory experience, effectively celebrating various forms of orchestrated music. One standout scene depicts Serian's awe as a young piano prodigy performs a composition for her late mother.
However, "Behemoth!" has been criticized for its treatment of its female characters. Olivia Wilde plays Carol, Serian's ex-girlfriend, whose scenes are described as intense and at times comedic, but ultimately reductive to the trope of a "crazy ex-girlfriend." Despite Wilde's impactful performance, the character's depth is limited, failing to evolve beyond this portrayal.
Similarly, Eva Victor appears as Nadia, another of Serian's former partners, in a role that is too brief to fully explore her character's potential. Victor's sharp observation that Serian is drawn to "crazy" because it absolves him of blame could have offered a significant character arc, but the film does not revisit this theme.
While "Behemoth!" excels in its musical presentation and visual style, the narrative's failure to adequately develop its female characters has drawn criticism. The film is slated for a limited theatrical release starting December 4, 2026.