Beauty

François van Heerden is a successful timber businessman living in Bloemfontein. Outwardly he projects a comfortable life, but privately he is openly racist and homophobic. He also harbors a hidden attraction to men, which flares whenever he encounters same-sex desire.

At his daughter's wedding reception, François meets Christian Roodt, the son of longtime family friends. He is drawn to the young man, and his fascination grows as he learns about Christian—his studies and budding acting career. The attraction unsettles François, who struggles to keep his feelings hidden. This encounter marks the start of a dangerous longing.

François becomes increasingly jealous when Anika starts dating Christian. He tries to control the situation and even schemes to punish her because of the perceived threat. The tension deepens as his private desires conflict with his public life. His thoughts turn toward manipulation to protect his own secret.

During a routine check-up, François shows signs of psychological strain and health issues related to his unresolved sexuality. The doctor hints that stress and internal conflict may be taking a toll. These medical concerns reflect the turmoil simmering beneath his outward success.

François tells his wife that he needs to go to Cape Town on business for a few days. The trip is framed as professional, but it also provides the opportunity to pursue actions connected to his fixation on Christian. The departure marks a shift from inward turmoil to external pursuit.

In Cape Town, François visits the Roodts, hoping proximity to Christian will satisfy his craving. He asks for Christian's phone number under the pretext of discussing a legal matter, signaling the start of his calculated efforts to reach him. His actions reveal a growing obsession that blends manipulation with desire.

One night, François gets drunk in a gay bar and dials Christian, asking him to come and collect him. Christian obliges, and the two share a meal as the evening unfolds. The tentative closeness feeds François's fantasy and sharpens the underlying tension.

Christian arrives, and they share a meal together. François, energized by the private setting, invites Christian back to his hotel room for another drink. The secrecy surrounding their meeting amplifies the risk of exposure and consequence.

During their time together, Christian questions François about investing in his plans, testing intentions beyond desire. François makes a clumsy attempt to kiss Christian, who gently rebuffs him. The moment reveals François's blend of obsession and desperation, straining their fragile boundary.

When rebuffed, François erupts into a violent rage and rapes Christian. The act shatters the illusion of mutual consent and exposes the depth of François's dangerous fixation. The assault marks a brutal turning point in both men's lives.

Days later, François returns home and asks Anika if she is still seeing Christian. Anika reveals she hasn't heard from him in a while, underscoring the secrecy and distance that now define François's life. He returns to his routine, seemingly unrepentant about what happened.

During a lunch out, François spots two men in a loving relationship, and the sight distresses him, revealing his own loneliness and unresolved inner conflict. The moment underscores the emptiness of his carefully curated life and his inability to reconcile it with his desires. He remains isolated, even amid public settings.