Tony Gilroy’s 'Behemoth!' Premieres at NYFF, Dividing Critics on Its Non-Linear Structure
Tony Gilroy’s return to feature filmmaking after 14 years, 'Behemoth!', premiered at the 2026 New York Film Festival. The film stars Pedro Pascal as Alex Serian, a cellist returning to Los Angeles after 20 years. It features a non-linear narrative structure and a score by nine prominent composers. While the film is set for a December 4 release, critical reception is sharply divided, with some praising its emotional depth and others criticizing its disjointed pacing.
Key points
- The film 'Behemoth!' is directed by Tony Gilroy, marking his first feature film since 'The Bourne Legacy' in 2012.
- Pedro Pascal stars as Alex Serian, a cellist who returns to Los Angeles to work as a session musician.
- The film utilizes a non-linear, flashback-heavy structure to explore Alex’s past relationships and family dynamics.
- The musical score was composed by a collective of nine major composers, including Alan Silvestri and Michael Giacchino.
- The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release by Searchlight Pictures on December 4, 2026.
Background
Tony Gilroy is known for directing 'The Bourne' series and the TV series 'Andor.' Pedro Pascal has been active in various projects, including voice work for 'LEGO Star Wars' and live-action roles. The film's development was discussed in earlier coverage regarding Pascal's commitment to learning the cello for the role.
How outlets are covering it
IndieWire and Deadline offer largely positive assessments, describing 'Behemoth!' as a sophisticated character study and a love letter to film scoring. IndieWire praises the film's elegant structure and Pascal's subtle performance, while Deadline highlights the strong ensemble cast and the quality of the musical score. In contrast, The Guardian provides a critical review, arguing that the film's non-linear structure is disorienting and that the plot feels aimless. The Guardian criticizes Pascal's performance as insubstantial and notes that the film fails to generate significant emotional impact despite its weighty themes.
Why it matters
The film represents a significant return for Tony Gilroy to the director's chair after a long hiatus. It also showcases Pedro Pascal's versatility in a dramatic role requiring musical proficiency. The critical divide highlights the risks and rewards of experimental narrative structures in contemporary cinema.
What to watch
The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 4, 2026. Critics will continue to debate its artistic merits as it opens in theaters.
- ‘Behemoth!’ Review: Pedro Pascal Plays a Wayward Cellist in Tony Gilroy’s Movingly Atonal Character Study About How People Conduct Themselves IndieWire
- Behemoth! review - Pedro Pascal classical music drama hits all the wrong notes The Guardian
- A-List Star’s Career-Best Performance Is Pitch Perfect The Daily Beast
- ‘Behemoth!’ Review: Pedro Pascal Hits All The Right Notes In Tony Gilroy’s Lyrical Love Letter To The Music Of The Movies – New York Film Festival Deadline
- Pedro Pascal Says Learning Cello for Behemoth! Was ‘Hell and Heaven’: He Took It ‘Everywhere’ People.com
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