It’s a selfish month here at Fully Booked, because we’re talking about one of our favourites: Young Adult Fantasy. Throughout the month of May, we’ll be talking about the genre that keeps on giving. Arguably one of the most popular- at least according to the world of social media – YA fantasy continues to dominate bookshelves across the world. We’re tackling themes, popularity, and some lesser-known adaptations to expand your horizons and hopefully continue your love of the young adult fantasy universe.
Your hosts Meaghan and Shirin have brewed up a discussion on the supernatural 2013 YA film Beautiful Creatures. This southern gothic teen romance is adapted from the 2009 novel of the same name by co-authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. On popular review sites, Beautiful Creatures has only modest ratings – a 6.1 on IMDB and 47% on Rotten Tomatoes. We believe this underrated film deserves more praise.
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At the center of the story is Ethan Wate, an easygoing and bookish teenager stuck living in the small, conservative southern town of Gatlin. Still grieving his mother’s recent death, Ethan yearns for adventure and escape. When the mysterious Lena Duchannes arrives, seemingly the niece of local shut-in Macon Ravenwood, Ethan quickly falls into a star-crossed romance with her.
The Duchannes and Ravenwoods belong to the town’s oldest families, owning much of Gatlin’s land yet shunned for their paranormal powers. On Lena’s upcoming 16th birthday, she faces the Claiming – when all casters like her are fated to be claimed for either light or dark magic. Lena fears she will turn dark like her dead mother Sarafine. Ethan vows to help Lena fight her destiny.
Ethan and Lena are haunted by strange dreams and visions of their ancestors – lovers during the Civil War era whose affair ended in tragedy. The flashbacks reveal how their families have always been intertwined by mystical forces and fatal attraction.
Sarafine Duchannes, played deliciously by Emma Thompson in a dual role, is in fact not dead but rather scheming to lure Lena to the dark side. She often possesses the body of Mrs. Lincoln, wife to Ethan’s best friend and the town’s self-righteous pastor. Sarafine utilizes Lena’s cousin Ridley, played by Emmy Rossum, who became an alluring yet deadly siren on her 16th birthday. Ridley uses her powers to seduce Ethan’s friend Link and manipulate him against Ethan.
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Lena only has a few days left until her Claiming. With guidance from her wise warlock uncle Macon Ravenwood, played against type by the dashing Jeremy Irons, Lena scrambles to uncover a path toward the light. As her birthday arrives along with a pivotal lunar eclipse, all magic in Gatlin comes to a dangerous turning point.
Beautiful Creatures stands out among mediocre YA adaptations through its charming lead actors, fun fantasy elements, and supportive Southern Gothic atmosphere. Newcomers Alden Ehrenreich and Alice Englert have an offbeat, witty chemistry as Ethan and Lena. Their romance carries emotional weight because they act like actual goofy, bookish teenagers – not brooding cardboard cutouts.
Supporting roles by Emma Thompson, Viola Davis, and Jeremy Irons provide gravitas and comedic moments. The varied supernatural powers of the casters are more inventive than standard vampire fare. In particular, Ridley’s siren abilities create palpable tension. The glimpses into Civil War era Gatlin through flashbacks and ghosts create a rich sense of place and sigil. From sprawling plantations to haunting graveyards, the setting drips in Spanish moss and secrets.
There are some drawbacks that prevent Beautiful Creatures from achieving greatness. As the convoluted plot careens towards the climax, tension gives way to camp. Lena’s character becomes whinier versus her initial strength. Some supporting players like Link’s girlfriend slip into southern caricature. But on the whole, the script has wit, and the direction complements the gothic atmosphere.
Beautiful Creatures stands the test of time even on rewatch thanks to the charm of its leads, fascinating world of casters, and an immersive gothic setting. It made us curious to read the books and see how the adaptation handled the story and characters. Let us know if you’ve read the series and your thoughts!
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