The 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, directed by Bill Condon, was met with a great deal of anticipation and excitement as Disney sought to reimagine one of its most beloved animated classics. Released 26 years after the original animated film, this remake aimed to capture the magic of the original while adding new elements and providing a modern take for a contemporary audience. The animated Beauty and the Beast was a landmark in Disney’s animation history, celebrated for its storytelling, stunning animation, and timeless musical numbers. As the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, its legacy set a high bar for this remake to live up to.
From the outset, it’s clear that the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast is trying to strike a balance between staying faithful to the animated classic and offering something new. This approach is evident in everything from its production design to its musical arrangements. While the core story remains unchanged, Condon’s version adds layers of backstory, new songs, and updates to character motivations that attempt to flesh out the world of Belle, the Beast, and the enchanted castle. These changes are ambitious, but they don’t always land as effectively as they might have been intended.
The plot follows the same familiar beats: Belle, a young woman living in a provincial French town, longs for adventure beyond her small, quiet life. She is considered odd by the townspeople for her love of books and her independent spirit, and she resists the advances of the vain and egotistical Gaston. When her father, Maurice, is imprisoned in a mysterious castle by the fearsome Beast, Belle offers to take his place. Over time, she comes to see past the Beast’s frightening exterior to the kind and gentle soul within, falling in love with him and breaking the curse that had turned him and his servants into enchanted objects.
Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle is perhaps the most anticipated element of the film. Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, was seen as an ideal choice for the bookish and strong-willed Belle. Watson brings a grounded and determined energy to the character, and her Belle feels more empowered than the original. This version of Belle is an inventor like her father, and her desire for freedom and knowledge is emphasized more than her romantic dreams. However, while Watson’s Belle is admirable in her intellect and independence, her performance occasionally lacks the warmth and vulnerability that made the animated version of Belle so endearing. In scenes that require emotional depth, her delivery can feel somewhat restrained, preventing the audience from fully connecting with her journey.
On the other hand, Dan Stevens as the Beast delivers a strong performance, despite the heavy use of CGI that masks much of his physicality. Stevens captures the Beast’s inner turmoil and gradual transformation from a bitter, angry recluse to a more compassionate and understanding figure. His scenes with Belle are among the most effective in the film, as they build a believable bond that goes beyond the traditional fairy-tale romance. The CGI that brings the Beast to life is impressive, though it occasionally falters in conveying subtle facial expressions, which can detract from the emotional impact of certain moments.
The supporting cast is a veritable who’s who of celebrated actors, and for the most part, they shine in their roles. Luke Evans as Gaston is a particular standout, bringing both charisma and menace to the role. His Gaston is less cartoonishly evil than his animated counterpart, but this makes him more believable and, in some ways, more terrifying. His obsession with Belle feels more rooted in entitlement and toxic masculinity, which makes his eventual downfall all the more satisfying. Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, offers comic relief and brings a surprising amount of depth to a character who was largely a buffoon in the original film. Gad’s LeFou is given a more complex arc, as he grapples with his loyalty to Gaston and his own moral compass.
The enchanted objects that inhabit the Beast’s castle—Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and the others—are brought to life through a combination of CGI and motion capture, voiced by an impressive cast including Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, and Emma Thompson. While the design of these characters is more realistic than their animated counterparts, this choice sometimes works against them. The hyper-realistic look can make them feel less expressive, and in some cases, their movements come across as uncanny. Despite this, the actors behind the voices do their best to infuse the characters with warmth and personality. McGregor’s Lumière, in particular, brings a sense of fun and flamboyance to the film, and his rendition of “Be Our Guest” is one of the film’s highlights.
One of the most noticeable changes in this version of Beauty and the Beast is its extended runtime, clocking in at over two hours compared to the animated film’s tight 84 minutes. This additional time allows for the inclusion of new songs, written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, as well as expanded backstories for both Belle and the Beast. While some of these additions are welcome—particularly the exploration of the Beast’s past and the reason for his cruelty—others feel unnecessary and slow down the pacing of the film. For instance, a subplot involving Belle’s mother adds little to the overall narrative, and the new songs, while beautifully composed, don’t quite reach the heights of the original’s iconic numbers.
The musical numbers themselves are a mix of old and new, with some reimagined arrangements of classic songs like “Belle,” “Gaston,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” These moments are among the most nostalgic and enjoyable parts of the film, particularly for fans of the original. However, the live-action format sometimes works against these musical set pieces, as the choreography and staging lack the fluidity and magic of animation. “Be Our Guest,” for example, while visually impressive, feels overstuffed and frenetic compared to the more whimsical animated version. That being said, Emma Thompson’s rendition of the title song “Beauty and the Beast” is a poignant and heartfelt moment that beautifully captures the emotional core of the story.
Visually, Beauty and the Beast is a feast for the eyes. The production design is lush and detailed, with the enchanted castle standing out as a particularly impressive set. The film’s aesthetic draws heavily from French Rococo architecture and design, lending a sense of grandeur and opulence to the Beast’s world. The costumes, designed by Jacqueline Durran, are equally stunning, with Belle’s iconic yellow ballgown being a particular standout. The attention to detail in the film’s visual elements helps to create an immersive and magical atmosphere, even if the CGI can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
Thematically, this version of Beauty and the Beast attempts to address some of the critiques that have been leveled at the original over the years, particularly regarding the nature of Belle and the Beast’s relationship. The filmmakers have made an effort to emphasize Belle’s agency and choice in staying with the Beast, as well as his growth and remorse for his past actions. However, despite these attempts, the central dynamic of their relationship remains problematic for some viewers, as it can still be interpreted as a case of Stockholm Syndrome. The film doesn’t fully succeed in dispelling this critique, but it does make strides in presenting a more balanced and mutually respectful relationship between the two leads.
Ultimately, Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a visually stunning and well-acted adaptation that captures much of the magic of the original, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same heights. Fans of the animated film will likely appreciate the nostalgia and the care taken to preserve the story’s core elements, while new audiences may be drawn in by the modern updates and expanded backstories. However, the film’s reliance on CGI and its extended runtime may not appeal to everyone, and some of the emotional depth of the original is lost in translation. That being said, there’s no denying the film’s ambition and the talent involved in bringing this classic tale to life once again.
In the broader context of Disney’s live-action remakes, Beauty and the Beast stands as one of the more successful efforts, largely due to its strong cast, iconic source material, and lavish production values. While it may not surpass the original animated film in terms of emotional resonance or creativity, it offers a satisfying and visually impressive retelling that will likely be enjoyed by fans of the story for years to come.