Pedro Pascal's 'Behemoth!' Divides Critics as Oscar Contender

Key points

• Pedro Pascal stars as Alex Serian, a cellist returning to Los Angeles after 20 years, in a non-linear drama directed by Tony Gilroy.
• The film features a score by nine prominent composers, including Michael Giacchino, James Newton Howard, and Alan Silvestri, posing a potential issue for Oscar eligibility.
• Critical reception is sharply divided: Variety calls Pascal’s performance 'Oscar-worthy,' while The Guardian finds the film 'aimless' and 'whiplash-inducing.'
• The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 4, 2026.
• Variety notes the film’s significance for Latino actors, as Pascal could become the first Latino to win Best Actor since José Ferrer in 1951.

Background

Our earlier coverage noted that 'Behemoth!' premiered at the New York Film Festival to mixed reviews, with critics split on its pacing and emotional depth. The film’s nine-composer score was already flagged as a potential obstacle for Oscar eligibility, given Academy rules that typically limit entries to three composers. The film is Tony Gilroy’s first feature since 'The Bourne Legacy' in 2012.

How outlets are covering it

Variety’s Clayton Davis argues that 'Behemoth!' is a breakthrough for Pedro Pascal, comparing his restrained performance to Jude Law in 'Cold Mountain' and suggesting it could finally earn him an Oscar nomination. The Guardian’s review, however, is scathing, calling the film 'fatally undone' by its disorienting structure and criticizing Pascal’s performance as 'insubstantial.' Slant Magazine takes a middle ground, praising the film’s 'novelistic character study' and its tribute to film scoring, but noting that its ending may be too sentimental. All three outlets agree on the film’s ambitious structure and the involvement of nine major composers, but they differ sharply on its execution and emotional impact.

Why it matters

'Behemoth!' is significant for several reasons. First, it represents a potential Oscar breakthrough for Pedro Pascal, who has been a major TV star but has not yet won a Best Actor nomination. Second, the film’s nine-composer score raises questions about Academy rules and the future of the Best Original Score category. Third, the film’s polarizing reception highlights the ongoing debate about non-linear narratives and restrained performances in contemporary cinema. Finally, the film’s release during Hispanic Heritage Month adds a layer of cultural significance, as Pascal could become the first Latino to win Best Actor since José Ferrer in 1951.

What to watch

The film is set for a wide theatrical release on December 4, 2026. The outcome of the Oscar race for Best Original Score will be a key indicator of how the Academy handles the nine-composer entry. Pascal’s performance will be closely watched as a potential Best Actor contender, especially given the historical significance for Latino actors. The film’s box office performance will also be a measure of its commercial viability, given its polarizing critical reception.