The Behemoth told a story when a creature suddenly emerged from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It's indescribable, and no one knew the origin of it. The creature, which the media named The Behemoth, barely done anything or hurt anyone, but walk slowly across the state. The world just watched the creature, as well as fifteen years old Madyson, whom is our main narrator of the podcast.
Like a classic alien story, it depicted how humankind, million years old as we are, is still inept when dealing with the unknown. Maddie, with her detached parents, and she herself already resigned to her unacknowledged existence, was only too understand of the creature's situation. She then form a strange connection with The Behemoth, when she joined him in its journey through the forest, and they ended up, in a way, protecting each other.
The writing is, of course, great. Because anyone who could fill my heart with warm goo just in less with three hours time and making such steady story pace out of 8-minutes individual episodes, is a great writer. Simple as that. There's one thing that stuck in my mind though; the size of Max. At the beginning, he was described as tall as a house, then his feet is as big as a bridge's column, hand with size of a car, and an antler that at least as tall as a 15 years old girl?? I don't if my ears/brain wronged me, or it's just a matter of perspective or figure of speech–but it's a loophole that kinda nags.
Like a classic alien story, it depicted how humankind, million years old as we are, is still inept when dealing with the unknown. Maddie, with her detached parents, and she herself already resigned to her unacknowledged existence, was only too understand of the creature's situation. She then form a strange connection with The Behemoth, when she joined him in its journey through the forest, and they ended up, in a way, protecting each other.
The writing is, of course, great. Because anyone who could fill my heart with warm goo just in less with three hours time and making such steady story pace out of 8-minutes individual episodes, is a great writer. Simple as that. There's one thing that stuck in my mind though; the size of Max. At the beginning, he was described as tall as a house, then his feet is as big as a bridge's column, hand with size of a car, and an antler that at least as tall as a 15 years old girl?? I don't if my ears/brain wronged me, or it's just a matter of perspective or figure of speech–but it's a loophole that kinda nags.
The actress, Lizbeth Liu, is also really good. I usually have several doubt when faced with teen stories; because, well, being already in the ancient age, teenage nowadays (ohgodIcan'tbelieveIfinallyusethephrase) pretty much sound like spoiled brat who talk like they have a serious case of loose jaw because of bubble gum over-chewing. So imagine my sigh of relief when finding out how 'normal' Madyson sounds. The acting not over the top, and the good news is, even though she practically narrated the whole story, it doesn't sound like a robotic script reader.
The
soundscape design of this podcast is quite good. You would still hear
several sound effects in background, just a few and not too loud, enough
too build the visual image of Maddie's story setting, but not too much
to take the attention away from the narration. All in all, we are still
inside Maddie's head, listening to her stories as well as her feelings.
It's easy to say that this podcast raise the theme on individual struggle on socially imposed values. I don't want to lead anything to anyone, but from the first episode alone this podcast instantly reminded me of the movie Colossal. It's clear to see why: a girl, a creature, and the link between them, not to mention the metaphors of it. However though, later on, the difference between Maddie and Gloria–character from the movie–would be clearly seen. This would be a bit spoiler-y for both: Gloria's monster was her own manifestation, who hurting herself but also trampling and causing pain to other people; while Maddie's, it's her dealing with outside life and finally decided to create changes for herself.
Huh. Let me think that again, probably rather than Colossal, this podcast is closer to the film A Monster Calls. It kinda have the same tone, albeit not as dark. It won't really gave you emotional turmoil or deep anguish, but you can feel how Madyson really feel helpless about her loneliness, and Max, despite his complete silence and unknown plan, managed to create a sense of purpose that somehow could heal Madyson. This podcast would make you stop and think, not feeling sad or pity–but just hoping the best for Maddie, and maybe, for all us silent loner too.
•••
Note:
- The Behemoth could also be found in the same feed as all Rick Coste's other eleven audio drama podcasts (ohgodIthinkI'mhavinganeargasmalready), one of it called Izzy, which actually is a sequel to The Behemoth. Search for Modern Audio Drama in the usual pod-catchers, or download the exclusive Modern Audio Drama application in Apple Store.
- The Behemoth on Rick Coste's official website
- The Behemoth on Stitcher and iTunes
- recommended for: light yet nutritious binge, heartfelt simple young adult story
- genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
- caution for: not much, the content is safe enough for all age levels.
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