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'Tragic' war film based on a best-selling book makes viewers 'stomach the brutality'

The adaptation has been hailed as 'one of the best' war films ever made with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, but by no means is it an easy watch

[Beasts of No Nation]

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It was nominated for Golden Globes and BAFTA awards(Image: Netflix)

The award-winning book was brought to life on screen, ten years from its release, and yet the story remains as harrowing as ever.

The narrative is fictional, yet for audiences it feels remarkably real, based on the harsh realities of warfare across Wes Africa.

Beasts of No Nation is a 2005 novel by the Nigerian -American author Uzodinma Iweala, exposing the life of children growing up in civil wars across Africa. It stems from thorough research, human rights documentation and conversations with refugees to authentically portray the realities of regional conflicts.

Although the writer was initially inspired by the things he was learning in his own youth, reading the news coverage of war across Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Taking the groundbreaking story, the book was then adapted to the screen in 2015, and both critics and viewers agree, it is a "devastating depiction" of the lives lived in West Africa.

[Beasts of No Nation]

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Viewers described it as a 'sobering' experience(Image: Netflix)

The film centred on the tale of a young boy who found himself with little option but to become a child soldier after his family's death, in an unnamed country in West Africa. As he battles in a brutal civil war within his homeland, he confronts the grim truths of combat, doing everything possible to stay alive as the circumstances work against him.

Agu, the newfound orphan is seized and recruited by a calculating rebel commander, known as the Commandant, played by Idris Elba, and compelled to join the struggle. He surrenders all his childhood innocence and becomes progressively indoctrinated into the rebels' ideology.

After viewing the film, one audience member visited Rotten Tomatoes to share their thoughts. It reads: "A tragic and emotionally devastating depiction of child soldiers in West Africa. The cinematography is captivating as it contrasts the beautiful green jungle with the horrific abuse and war crimes that fester.

"The child acting is really impressive and they're able to match the energy of Idris Elba's diabolical performance as the Commandant. "

Playing the role of Agu was child actor Abraham Attah, who made his acting debut in the film, and has been heavily praised for his performance.

[Beasts of No Nation]

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The film was adapted from a 2005 novel(Image: Netflix)

Another viewer shared: "The movie is amazing, but you have to stomach the brutality. It shows how horrible and devastating war is, especially with child soldiers in Africa. The child actor playing Agu is astonishing, so is Idris Elba as the Commandant."

Upon its release, the film resonated deeply with countless viewers, and subsequently garnered multiple honours. Elba particularly earned widespread acclaim for his performance, securing nominations for the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Spirit awards, though he was controversially overlooked in the Oscar acting category.

One fan said: "A stark, sobering, sombre tale of manipulation, brainwashing, abuse, and corruption, all in pursuit of a misunderstood, genocidal lust for power. The subsequent crippling of generations is given little thought, and is shown here brilliantly on the shoulders of a young cast, supported by a strong performance from Elba."

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive overall score of 91%, sufficiently close to perfection to attract even more cinema enthusiasts.

Cinema aside, many fans come with high recommendation that you pick up the book that inspired it all, or consider reading more of Iweala's work as he writes about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria and the gay experiences of Nigerian- Americans.

For those who haven't yet experienced Beasts of No Nation, the film remains available to stream exclusively on Netflix.

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