Story perspectives

Tyler Atkins' 'Beast' Explores MMA, Identity at Film Festival

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australian director Tyler Atkins debuts Beast, premiering at the Gold Coast Film Festival on April 23.
The story centers on Patton James, a working-class MMA fighter portrayed by Daniel MacPherson, who returns to save his brother.
Russell Crowe plays Sammy, who guides James, as the film balances brutal fights with emotional depth.
Beast examines the struggle between personal identity and societal expectations in the MMA world and Port Kembla’s backdrop.

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Story summary

Australian director Tyler Atkins debuts Beast, premiering at the Gold Coast Film Festival on April 23.
The story centers on Patton James, a working-class MMA fighter portrayed by Daniel MacPherson, who returns to save his brother.
Russell Crowe plays Sammy, who guides James, as the film balances brutal fights with emotional depth.
Beast examines the struggle between personal identity and societal expectations in the MMA world and Port Kembla’s backdrop.