Beastly 2011
Directed by
Daniel Barnz
Made by
CBS Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Beastly (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Kyle Kingson, portrayed by Alex Pettyfer, is a self-absorbed and conceited heir to a wealthy family, including his equally arrogant father, Rob Kingston (Peter Krause). His life takes a drastic turn when he is elected student body president and quickly bullies the uniquely eccentric Kendra Hilferty, played by Mary-Kate Olsen, for her unconventional looks during the after-party. In a fit of disgust, Kendra casts a spell that transforms Kyle into a grotesque version of himself—bald, heavily tattooed, and scarred, a stark contrast to his former good looks. The only way he can revert to his original self is to earn genuine love from someone before the season changes to spring.
Sent away by his father to a luxurious condo with only a maid named Zola (Lisa Gay Hamilton) and a blind tutor, Will Fratalli (Neil Patrick Harris), Kyle faces growing neglect from Rob as the time ticks away. Despite the heartache, he finds solace and understanding in the company of Will and Zola as he navigates his new reality. As the spring deadline approaches, Kyle finds himself drawn to the beautiful Lindy Taylor, who is played by Vanessa Hudgens. Initially, he had kept his distance from her, just as he had treated Kendra.
Their lives intertwine violently when Lindy and her father almost fall prey to two muggers; her father’s desperate action leads to a deadly threat from the surviving mugger, putting their lives at risk. To protect her, Kyle brings Lindy to his home, where she initially resents the confinement that interrupts her plans to visit Machu Picchu. However, as she discovers Kyle’s true identity—he now calls himself “Hunter” around her—the walls between them begin to dissolve.
Kyle pens a heartfelt letter to Lindy but struggles with the fear of rejection, keeping his emotions hidden. With the encouragement of Will and Zola, the two gradually find love, culminating in a poignant moment where they both share Frank O’Hara’s poem “Having a Coke with You.” As spring looms nearer, Kyle strikes a deal with Kendra: if he wins Lindy’s love, she will restore Will’s sight and grant Zola’s children citizenship.
Lindy receives news that the criminal is in custody, prompting a heartwarming day spent at Rob’s lake cottage. Just as they prepare to share a kiss, a call about her father’s overdose shatters the moment. Kyle gives Lindy his letter, only to heart-wrenchingly watch her leave, viewing him merely as a friend.
Distraught but inspired by Will and Zola’s support, Kyle goes to offer an explanation. He reveals that he thought Lindy only saw him as a friend, but Lindy confesses her love just before flying off to Machu Picchu. After Kendra’s curse is broken, Kyle regains his handsome looks, but the search for “Hunter” leads Lindy back to Kyle, culminating in a romantic street encounter where they finally share a kiss.
In a touching conclusion, Will awakens to find himself miraculously able to see, and Zola receives green cards for her children. Kendra, now an intern with Rob, hints that history may repeat itself. The credits roll as nostalgic photos reveal Kyle and Lindy exploring the world together, including her dreams at Machu Picchu.
Timeline
Track the key events of Beastly (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kyle's Arrogance
Kyle Kingson, a wealthy and self-absorbed young man, flaunts his privileged life without concern for others. His arrogance is highlighted especially during his election as student body president, which sets the stage for his eventual downfall.
Bullying Kendra
At a party celebrating his election, Kyle mockingly bullies Kendra Hilferty for her unconventional looks. This moment is pivotal as it leads to Kendra casting a spell in retaliation, forever changing Kyle's life.
The Transformation
As a result of Kendra's spell, Kyle is transformed into a grotesque figure, losing his handsome appearance completely. This shocking change serves as a harsh lesson for Kyle about the value of inner beauty and true character.
Sent Away by Father
In the aftermath of his transformation, Kyle's father, Rob Kingston, sends him to a luxurious condo away from society. There, Kyle is left with only a maid and a blind tutor, further emphasizing his isolation and the neglect from his family.
Finding Solace
As Kyle grapples with his new reality, he begins to bond with Zola and Will, who understand his struggles. Their support offers him a glimmer of hope, even as he faces the ticking clock to regain his former self.
Meeting Lindy
Kyle discovers his interest in Lindy Taylor, an attractive girl who is initially unaware of his true identity. This attraction becomes a driving force in his quest to break Kendra's spell and reclaim his life.
The Mugging Incident
A life-threatening event occurs when Lindy and her father are targeted by muggers. Kyle intervenes to save them, showcasing his growth from a self-centered youth to someone willing to protect others.
Confinement and Discovery
After the mugging, Kyle takes Lindy to his home for her protection. It is here that Lindy begins to discover Kyle's true nature and identity, leading to a growing connection between them.
The Letter
Kyle experiences a surge of emotions as he writes a heartfelt letter to Lindy, yet hesitates to share it due to his fear of rejection. This inner conflict highlights his vulnerability and desire for genuine love.
Building a Connection
Encouraged by Zola and Will, Kyle and Lindy slowly develop a romantic bond, culminating in a significant moment where they share a poem. This serves as a pivotal step in Kyle's quest for redemption and love.
The Deal with Kendra
In a desperate attempt to win Lindy's love, Kyle strikes a deal with Kendra. He promises to win Lindy’s affection in exchange for restoring Will's sight and granting Zola’s children citizenship.
The Heartwarming Day
A sense of relief washes over Kyle and Lindy when they learn that the criminal has been caught. They share a beautiful day at Rob's lake cottage, which is marred by a heartbreaking phone call about Lindy's father.
Misunderstanding and Rejection
In a painful turn of events, as Kyle gives Lindy his letter, she leaves him believing that he is merely a friend. This moment is crucial, as it showcases the fragility of their connection amid confusion and misunderstanding.
Confession of Love
After feeling utterly lost, Kyle gathers the courage to confront Lindy and express his feelings. To his surprise, Lindy confesses her love for him just before she departs for Machu Picchu, reigniting his hope.
Breaking the Curse
Kendra's curse is finally broken, restoring Kyle's handsome looks. The story culminates in a romantic encounter between Kyle and Lindy, where they embrace their love, solidifying their journey together.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Beastly (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kyle Kingson
Kyle is a wealthy and arrogant young man whose life is turned upside down when he is cursed to become physically unattractive. This drastic change forces him to confront his shallow nature and seek redemption through love. His journey of transformation is marked by self-discovery and personal growth.
Lindy Taylor
Lindy is a kind-hearted and resilient young woman who becomes the object of Kyle's affections. Initially skeptical of Kyle, their relationship evolves as she sees his true character beneath the surface. Her strength and empathy play a crucial role in helping Kyle understand the essence of love.
Kendra Hilferty
Kendra is an eccentric and powerful figure who curses Kyle after being bullied. Despite her initial role as an antagonist, her character has depth, as she ultimately seeks redemption and plays a key part in Kyle's transformation and the resolution of the story.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Beastly (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The movie takes place in the contemporary world, where themes of beauty, love, and personal transformation are set against a backdrop of modern technology and societal expectations. The issues of bullying and self-acceptance resonate strongly with today’s youth.
Location
Luxurious condo, Machu Picchu, Rob’s lake cottage
The luxurious condo serves as Kyle's temporary refuge after his transformation, representing both isolation and the potential for growth. Machu Picchu, a historical site in Peru, symbolizes adventure and the dreams Lindy holds dear. Rob's lake cottage provides a serene backdrop for key emotional moments, contrasting the chaos of their lives.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Beastly (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Acceptance
The film explores deep themes of love and acceptance, as Kyle embarks on a journey to redeem himself and find true love despite his outward appearance. It highlights the importance of looking beyond physical beauty and valuing genuine connections. This theme is central to Kyle’s transformation and the relationships he forms.
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Transformation
Kyle’s transformation from a self-centered individual to someone capable of love and kindness is a pivotal theme of the story. It underscores the idea that true beauty comes from within and that personal growth often arises from challenging experiences.
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Confronting Fears
The story involves characters confronting their fears, from Kyle’s fear of rejection to Lindy's struggle against the muggers. These moments of danger and vulnerability force them to grow and emerge stronger, emphasizing the courage required to face life's challenges.
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