Welcome to the enchanted world of Beastly, where beauty is only skin deep, and true love can break the strongest curse.
This comprehensive guide delves into the book and movie, providing a detailed summary, character guide, and a glimpse into the captivating world created by author Alex Flinn and director Daniel Barnz.
Whether you are a fan of the book, the movie, or both, this guide will undoubtedly satisfy your curiosity and help you appreciate the story even more.
So, sit back and let yourself be transported to the magical world of Beastly, where you will discover its many secrets, curiosities, and enchantments.
Book Summary: A Brief Overview
Beastly is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast.”
Written by Alex Flinn and published in 2007, the novel is set in New York City and follows the story of Kyle Kingsbury, a popular and handsome high school student who is transformed into a beast by a witch named Kendra after he humiliates her in front of their classmates.
The curse can only be broken if Kyle finds true love within two years.
To make matters worse, Kyle’s father, a wealthy and vain news anchor, is ashamed of his son’s appearance and banishes him to a secluded mansion in Brooklyn.
There, Kyle meets Lindy, a kind and beautiful girl who is the daughter of a drug addict.
As they grow closer, Kyle learns the true meaning of love and inner beauty, ultimately breaking the curse and returning to his human form.
Movie Summary: A Quick Rundown
Released in 2011 and directed by Daniel Barnz, the Beastly movie stars Alex Pettyfer as Kyle, Vanessa Hudgens as Lindy, and Mary-Kate Olsen as Kendra.
The film closely follows the plot of the book, with a few minor changes, such as the appearance of the beast and certain character dynamics.
The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising the performances and the modern twist on a classic tale, while others criticized the lack of depth in character development and the overall execution of the story.
The Parent Guide: What to Know Before Watching or Reading Beastly
Beastly is a story that appeals to both teenagers and adults, as it touches on themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
The book and movie are generally suitable for ages 13 and up, as there is some mild violence, occasional profanity, and references to drug use.
Parents should be aware that the story deals with the consequences of bullying and the importance of inner beauty, making it an excellent conversation starter for families to discuss these topics.
Additionally, the book and movie can serve as a great opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the original “Beauty and the Beast” story and discuss the similarities and differences between the two.
When and Where Beastly Takes Place
The events of Beastly take place in present-day New York City, specifically in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The setting adds a modern twist to the classic fairy tale, providing a relatable backdrop for the characters and their struggles.
Film Locations: Exploring the World of Beastly
The Beastly movie was filmed in various locations throughout Montreal, Canada, with some scenes taking place in the city’s historic Old Port area.
The beautiful and picturesque settings used in the film add to the enchanting atmosphere of the story.
Who’s Who: Character Guide
Here are the key character:
- Kyle Kingsbury (Beast): A popular and handsome high school student who is transformed into a beast by a witch after he humiliates her. He must learn to love and be loved in return to break the curse.
- Lindy Owens: A kind and beautiful girl who becomes the object of Kyle’s affections and ultimately helps him discover the true meaning of love and inner beauty.
- Kendra Hilferty (Witch): A witch who places the curse on Kyle, teaching him a lesson about vanity and the importance of inner beauty.
- Rob Kingsbury: Kyle’s father, a wealthy and vain news anchor who is ashamed of his son’s appearance and banishes him to a secluded mansion.
- Will Fratalli: Kyle’s blind tutor, who helps him navigate his new life as a beast and encourages him to embrace his true self.
- Zola Alpert: Kyle’s housekeeper, who provides him with support and guidance throughout his journey.
Memorable Quotes from Beastly
Here are some of the best quotes:
- “Those who do not know how to see the precious things in life will never be happy.” — Alex Flinn, Beastly
- “Love is never ugly.” — Kyle Kingsbury
- “True beauty is not how you look but how you act.” — Kendra Hilferty
- “Love is the most powerful magic of all.” — Alex Flinn, Beastly
- “It’s not what you look like that matters, it’s who you are on the inside.” — Lindy Owens
The Captivating Soundtrack by Marcelo Zarvos
The soundtrack for the Beastly movie was composed by Marcelo Zarvos, who has also worked on films such as “The Words” and “Remember Me.”
The enchanting and emotional music perfectly complements the themes of love and transformation present in the story.
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
Did You know that?
- Alex Flinn wrote Beastly after being inspired by her daughter’s love for fairy tales and her own experiences with bullying in high school.
- In the movie, the appearance of the beast is different from the book. In the book, the beast is more animal-like, while in the movie, he has tribal tattoos and scars.
- Mary-Kate Olsen, who plays the witch Kendra, wore heavy makeup and prosthetics to achieve her character’s unique look.
Tips for Beastly Cosplay and Dresslike the Characters
Beastly has a unique and captivating aesthetic that is perfect for cosplay and dressing up as your favorite characters.
Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect Beastly look:
- For Kyle’s human form, wear preppy clothing such as polo shirts, khaki pants, and boat shoes. For the beast form, add fur and claws to your outfit and use makeup to create a more animalistic appearance.
- For Lindy’s look, wear casual and comfortable clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies. Add a touch of femininity with accessories such as earrings and bracelets.
- For Kendra’s look, go all out with heavy makeup and prosthetics, as well as a flowing black dress and a long black wig.
Alex Flinn: Bio and Works
Alex Flinn is an American author who is best known for her young adult novels, many of which are modern retellings of classic fairy tales.
In addition to Beastly, some of her other notable works include A Kiss in Time, Cloaked, and Bewitching.
Flinn was born in Syracuse, New York, and currently resides in Miami, Florida.
She has a degree in English from the University of Miami and has worked as a lawyer, a teacher, and a paralegal.
The Ending Explained: Beastly’s Resolution
In the end, Kyle breaks the curse by falling in love with Lindy and showing her the true meaning of love and inner beauty.
The curse is broken, and Kyle returns to his human form, while Kendra is redeemed and becomes a witch of good.
The resolution of Beastly reinforces the themes of the story, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty and the transformative power of love.
Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-Offs: Expanding the Beastly Universe
Although there are currently no plans for a sequel or remake of the Beastly movie, the story has inspired several spin-offs and adaptations in other media.
For example:
- A graphic novel adaptation of the book was released in 2012, with artwork by Steve Uy.
- A stage musical adaptation of the story premiered in 2013, featuring music and lyrics by Neil Berg and book by Burg and Eliot Lawrence.
- The Beast Within, a novella that serves as a prequel to Beastly, was published in 2012. It tells the story of Kyle’s father, Rob Kingsbury, and his own encounter with a witch.
- A 2019 Chinese drama series, titled The Demon Master, was loosely based on Beastly.
Other Media by Daniel Barnz: Exploring His Works
Daniel Barnz is an American director and screenwriter who has worked on several notable films and TV shows.
In addition to Beastly, some of his other works include:
- Cake (2014): A drama film starring Jennifer Aniston as a woman struggling with chronic pain and addiction.
- Phoebe in Wonderland (2008): A drama film about a young girl with Tourette syndrome who discovers a passion for acting.
- Valiant (2020): A TV series based on the comic book character of the same name.
Similar Media to Beastly: For Fans of the Book and Movie
If you enjoyed Beastly and are looking for similar media to explore, here are some recommendations:
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: A young adult novel that is a retelling of Cinderella, with a twist. Like Beastly, it emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and self-acceptance.
- Wicked by Gregory Maguire: A novel that tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, providing a darker and more complex perspective on the classic tale.
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: A series of young adult novels that are retellings of classic fairy tales, set in a futuristic world. Each book focuses on a different character and adds new twists to the stories.
Other Works by Alex Flinn: Delving into Her Literary World
If you enjoyed Beastly and want to explore more of Alex Flinn’s works, here are some recommendations:
- A Kiss in Time: A modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty, in which a teenage boy wakes up a sleeping princess and must navigate the challenges of a medieval world.
- Cloaked: A romantic comedy that combines elements of The Frog Prince, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and The Little Mermaid. It follows the adventures of a young shoemaker named Johnny Trott, who falls in love with a mysterious girl named Sabrina.
- Bewitching: A reimagining of the classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” in which a teenage witch named Kendra helps two siblings navigate the challenges of high school and family drama.
Book Club Questions to Spark Discussion
If you are reading Beastly with a book club or discussion group, here are some questions to help guide your conversation:
- How does the story of Beastly compare to the original “Beauty and the Beast” tale? What are some of the similarities and differences?
- What do you think the story is trying to say about the importance of inner beauty? Do you agree or disagree with this message?
- What role do the secondary characters, such as Zola and Will, play in the story? How do they help Kyle on his journey?
- How does the setting of modern-day New York City add to the story? Would the story be different if it were set in a different location?
- What do you think of the resolution of the story? Do you think Kyle and Lindy’s love is believable and well-developed?
Beastly in the Gaming World: Video Games Inspired by the Story
While there are no official video games based on Beastly, the story has inspired several fan-made games and mods. For example:
- The Sims 4: Beastly Challenge: A custom challenge in which players create a sim based on Kyle’s beast form and must complete various tasks related to the story.
- Skyrim: Beastly Mod: A mod for the popular game Skyrim that adds a new character based on Kyle’s beast form, as well as new quests and items related to the story.
- Beastly Dating Sim: A fan-made dating sim that allows players to romance characters from the Beastly universe, including Kyle, Lindy, and Kendra.
A Travel Guide to Visit Beastly’s Real-Life Locations
If you are a fan of Beastly and want to experience the story in real life, here are some locations to visit:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden: This beautiful and serene garden is where Kyle takes Lindy on a date in the book and movie.
- New York Public Library: The iconic library is featured in the movie as the location of Kyle’s father’s news broadcast.
- Old Port, Montreal: The historic area of Montreal served as the primary filming location for the Beastly movie, providing a picturesque backdrop for the story.
Conclusion: The Lasting Enchantment of Beastly
Beastly is a timeless story that continues to captivate and enchant readers and viewers around the world.
Its themes of love, inner beauty, and self-acceptance are universal and relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you are a fan of the book, the movie, or both, the world of Beastly is one that will stay with you long after you finish the story.
So, embrace the enchantment and let yourself be swept away by the magic of Beastly.
