La belle bête

Based on the novel by Marie-Claire Blais, La belle bête is the story of one family ruled, as if by the mythological hydra, by three heads. Each acts under the influence of the love, but each also tries to escape from the world of violence that love has created. Following the death of the father, who was the unifying force of the family, each surviving member changes as it adjusts to a new form of isolation. The family is made up of Louise, a rich and conceited woman; Patrice, her son that she idolizes because of his handsome good looks, and her dangerously jealous daughter, Isabelle-Marie. Alone together and far from the prying eyes of society they are released from the normal taboos that govern most behavior between strangers, let alone family members. Their extreme feelings begin to take form and we watch as the three lead characters start down a path where the consequences will be tragic. Only one member of the family will make it no matter what the consequences.