Pedro Pascal Leads Music-Industry Drama "Behemoth!" Directed by Tony Gilroy

Tony Gilroy returns to feature filmmaking after a 14-year hiatus with "Behemoth!," a drama that follows virtuoso cellist Alex Serian, played by Pedro Pascal. The film traces Alex’s return to Los Angeles after two decades of work in orchestral recording studios, as he confronts a demanding past and seeks new opportunities in Hollywood’s scoring stages.

The narrative interweaves Alex’s strained relationships, including a volatile affair with arts patron Carol Spedding (Olivia Wilde) and a brief romance with violinist Nadia (Eva Victor). After Nadia’s death, Alex encounters her daughter Viviana, a prodigiously talented composer, prompting a personal investigation into his possible paternity.

"Behemoth!" showcases a series of performances by the "Behemoth! Collective," a group of nine established film composers whose original scores accompany scenes ranging from drama to action. The film’s visual style, captured by cinematographer Damián García, emphasizes the sensory experience of music production, enhanced by Dolby Atmos sound technology.

While the ensemble cast, including Will Arnett, JoBeth Williams, and Kaya Ralls, delivers solid performances, critics note that the script provides limited depth to Alex’s character and his familial background, which may affect audience engagement with the central storyline.