Few things can mend fractured father/daughter relationships better than a fight for survival in a South African game reserve against a bloodthirsty lion. Such is the family bonding experience in which recent widower Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) and his children Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Jeffries) find themselves in during much of Beast after a visit to their dearly departed matriarch’s village doesn’t exactly go as planned.

Everest director Baltasar Kormákur’s latest obsession with Man vs. Nature fares far better than his 2018 dud Adrift thanks to convincing special effects and an impressive series of Steadicam-aided long takes that nicely capture a sense of place while ratcheting up the tension. Nate’s generally realistic skillset against a dedicated killing machine (and Elba’s charm) help overcome some frustrating character choices and predictable plotting, as does yet another winning supporting turn by Sharlto Copley, who continues to select quality projects.

Grade: B. Rated R. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande.

(Photo: Universal Pictures)