Beasts of No Nation is a harrowing and unforgettable war drama directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. Set in an unnamed West African country, the film follows Agu (played with heartbreaking intensity by Abraham Attah), a young boy whose life is torn apart when civil war erupts and he is forced to become a child soldier.

What makes this film extraordinary is its unflinching portrayal of the brutality of war through the eyes of a child. Fukunaga’s direction is masterful—he immerses the viewer in Agu’s world with stunning cinematography, raw realism, and emotionally charged storytelling. The violence is graphic and deeply disturbing, but never gratuitous. Instead, it serves as a powerful commentary on the loss of innocence and the human cost of conflict.

Idris Elba delivers one of the best performances of his career as the Commandant, a charismatic yet manipulative leader who exploits Agu’s vulnerability. Elba’s presence is both magnetic and menacing, blurring the lines between protector and predator.

Abraham Attah is a revelation. His performance is both subtle and deeply affecting, capturing the inner turmoil of a child caught between survival and morality. The emotional weight he carries throughout the film is remarkable for such a young actor.

Beasts of No Nation is not an easy watch, but it is a necessary one. It shines a light on a horrifying reality many prefer to ignore and forces viewers to confront the tragic consequences of war on the most vulnerable.