Beasts of No Nation

2015 • Drama, War • R

Based on the experiences of Agu, a child fighting in the civil war of an unnamed, fictional West African country. Follows Agu's journey as he's forced to join a group of soldiers. While he fears his commander and many of the men around him, his fledgling childhood has been brutally shattered by the war raging through his country, and he is at first torn between conflicting revulsion and fascination.

Runtime: 2h 17m

Before immersing yourself in the harrowing visuals of Beasts of No Nation on screen, consider delving into Uzodinma Iweala’s powerful novel. The book offers a literary experience that goes beyond the surface. Written in a raw, visceral style, it captures the haunting journey of Agu, a child soldier, with an intimacy that translates his internal struggles, fears, and resilience. Iweala’s prose intimately connects readers to Agu’s voice, offering a compelling exploration of innocence lost amidst the brutal realities of war. By reading Beasts of No Nation, you engage with the nuances and depth of Agu’s experiences and the devastating effects of conflict. The novel's vivid and evocative language allows for a personal and immersive reflection that can often be diluted in visual media. This intimate portrayal encourages readers to pause, reflect, and understand the complexity of the human spirit under duress, making every page a poignant testimony to the lingering impacts of violence on young lives.