Netflix’s ‘The Beast in Me' Review

The novel follows Rachel Watson, a 33-year-old alcoholic who is reeling from the end of her marriage. She commutes to London daily and fantasizes about a perfect couple she sees, whom she names 'Jess and Jason'. However, when the woman she calls 'Jess' (actually Megan) goes missing, Rachel becomes deeply involved in the investigation, revealing a complex web of relationships, betrayals, and dark secrets. The story is told through the perspectives of three women: Rachel, Megan, and Anna, Tom's new wife, each with their own struggles and unreliable narratives.

Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio. However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery. The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society. The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver. Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.