The creature central to the narrative of Beast Within is a werewolf.
The Nature of the Beast
In the film Beast Within, the titular "beast" refers to the werewolf that inhabits Willow's father. This creature is portrayed not just as a literal monster but also serves as a potent metaphor for the insidious abuse and cruelty her father inflicts. Willow, the protagonist, initially imagines her father as a victim of this internal beast, rather than the perpetrator of his own actions.
Dual Interpretation of the Werewolf
The werewolf in Beast Within functions on two significant levels within the film's narrative:
- Literal Entity: It is depicted as a monstrous, supernatural being that resides within the father, suggesting a cursed or inherited affliction that causes him to transform. This provides a direct horror element to the story.
- Metaphorical Representation: More profoundly, the werewolf symbolizes the father's inherent abuse and cruelty. Willow's initial fantasy of her father being a victim to this beast allows her to psychologically cope with and escape the grim reality of his actions. It is only when she can no longer maintain this pretense that the true, harsh reality of his nature becomes undeniable.
This dual interpretation highlights how the supernatural can be utilized to explore very real, human horrors, specifically the psychological impact of domestic abuse on a child's perception of their world. The beast within ultimately represents the uncontrollable, destructive tendencies of the father.
