Beastly

Beastly

Year: 2011

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Daniel Barnz

Budget: $17M

DramaFantasyRomance

Kyle Kingson, a handsome and entitled teenager, maintains his popularity through intimidation and mocking those he deems unattractive. After cruelly rejecting Kendra, a Goth classmate, she uses a curse to transform him into a monstrous creature, forcing him to experience the pain he has inflicted on others. Now hideous in appearance, Kyle must learn the meaning of inner beauty and compassion to break the curse and return to his former self.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Beastly yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Beastly (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Beastly (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

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.

🏢 Condo 🏔️ Machu Picchu 🌊 Lake

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:50

Main Characters – Beastly (2011)

Meet the key characters of Beastly (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

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.

💰 Wealthy ✨ Transformed 😠 Arrogant

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.

❤️ Kind 🌸 Strong 😊 Empathetic

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.

🔮 Sorceress 😡 Eccentric ✨ Redeemed

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:50

Major Themes – Beastly (2011)

Explore the central themes of Beastly (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 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.

🌟 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.

🦹‍♂️ 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.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Modern Magical Redemption Movies like Beastly

A magical curse forces a selfish character to find love and true happiness.If you enjoyed the fairytale transformation in Beastly, you'll like these movies where a modern-day character is magically cursed and must find inner beauty and love to be redeemed. These stories blend fantasy romance with a steady, hopeful journey of personal growth.

redemptiveromantictransformativemelancholichopefulmagicalisolatingyearning

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically begins with a cruel or superficial act that incurs a magical punishment. The protagonist is then isolated and physically transformed, forcing them to confront their inner flaws. The central journey involves forming a genuine connection, often romantic, that teaches them the true meaning of beauty and compassion, culminating in a race against time to lift the curse for a happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a specific 'curse as a teacher' premise set in a recognizably modern world. They consistently balance romantic yearning with themes of redemption, feature a steady pacing with a clear countdown structure, and deliver an emotionally satisfying, hopeful conclusion.

Inner Beauty Transformation Stories like Beastly

Characters learn that true worth comes from within after facing harsh consequences.For viewers who liked the personal growth in Beastly, this list features movies about characters who start out shallow and learn about inner beauty through hardship. These dramas and romances explore redemption, social rejection, and the transformative power of love and compassion.

transformativeredemptivehopefulemotionalcharacter-drivenintrospectiveromanticmelancholic

Narrative Summary

The journey follows a clear emotional structure: a fall from grace caused by the protagonist's own superficiality or cruelty, followed by a period of isolation and reflection. Through a pivotal relationship, they are challenged to develop empathy and selflessness. The conflict is internal—overcoming pride and learning vulnerability—resulting in a cathartic personal victory that redefines their identity.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by a powerful and specific character arc that prioritizes emotional growth over plot complexity. They share a medium emotional weight, balancing the sadness of consequences with the hope of change, and feature a straightforward, character-focused narrative that leads to a fulfilling emotional resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of Beastly

Don't stop at just watching — explore Beastly in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Beastly is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Beastly Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Beastly, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Beastly Summary

Beastly Timeline

Track the full timeline of Beastly with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Beastly Timeline

Beastly Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Beastly that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Beastly Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Beastly

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Beastly: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Beastly

Similar Movies to Beastly

Discover movies like Beastly that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.