Beat the Devil 2021
In *Beat the Devil (2021)*, BAFTA-winning director David Hare crafts a gripping drama that unfolds like a real-time account of resilience and reflection. Ralph Fiennes delivers a standout performance as the playwright at the center of this intimate, pandemic-era story.
Director: David Hare
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Beat the Devil (2021)* about?
*Beat the Devil* follows a playwright (Ralph Fiennes) who contracts Covid-19 on the very day the UK announced its first lockdown. The film captures his emotional and physical struggle as the world around him freezes in uncertainty, blending personal drama with the collective anxiety of a pandemic.
Who directed *Beat the Devil*?
The film was directed by David Hare, an acclaimed British writer known for his sharp political dramas and biographical films, including *The Hours* and *The Crown*.
Who stars in *Beat the Devil*?
The cast centers on BAFTA winner Ralph Fiennes, with additional roles played by a supporting ensemble reflecting the film's pandemic-era setting.
Is *Beat the Devil (2021)* worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, the film's intimate scale and Hare's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas. Its timely themes and Fiennes' performance add emotional weight, though its brevity might limit its impact for some viewers.
How long is *Beat the Devil*?
The film has a runtime of 51 minutes.
About Beat the Devil (2021) — Ralph Fiennes in a pandemic-era drama by David Hare
In *Beat the Devil (2021)*, BAFTA-winning director David Hare crafts a gripping drama that unfolds like a real-time account of resilience and reflection. Ralph Fiennes delivers a standout performance as the playwright at the center of this intimate, pandemic-era story. Shot with a documentary-like urgency, the film captures a single day when the world ground to a halt—lockdown in the UK was announced just as the protagonist fell ill with Covid-19. The atmosphere is tense yet introspective, blending personal crisis with broader societal anxiety.
Hare's razor-sharp screenplay transforms a fleeting moment into a meditation on creativity, mortality, and the fragility of human plans. As the protagonist grapples with isolation and uncertainty, the film asks what it means to fight not just a virus, but the forces of chance itself. With its stark realism and emotional depth, *Beat the Devil (2021)* is a quietly powerful addition to Hare's filmography, offering a slice-of-life snapshot that resonates far beyond its 51-minute runtime.