Project Detail

As The Beast Sleeps

Synopsis

A native son of north Belfast, award winning playwright, Gary Mitchell, speaks the language of working-class Protestants in the unflinching realist drama that tells the story of the lifelong friendship between two Loyalists blown apart by political change.
As The Beast Sleeps is a hard-hitting film about friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
The political leadership of the UDA have placed a ban on paramilitary activity which may damage their position in the peace process. The men this affects are the young teams groomed for fighting. For some, the new rules mean a drastic change in lifestyle, a loss of stability and identity.
Kyle is caught between loyalty to the UDA and loyalty to Freddie, his best friend. Freddie wants to carry on doing what he was groomed for.
They are drawn into conflict when Kyle is reluctantly recruited to head a punishment squad to deal with renegades. When Freddie breaks the ban, personal and political loyalties collide violently.
This powerfully-acted BBC film offers a sombre reflection on the peace process.

Details

Year
2002
Type of project
Features
Running time
90 mins
Format
Beta Sp
Director
Harry Bradbeer
Producer
Tony Rowe
Editor
Paul Endacott
Screenwriter
Gary Mitchell
Director of Photography
Mark Garret
Sound
Mervyn Moore
Principal cast
Stuart Graham, Patrick O' Kane, Laine McGan, Daniel O'Grady, Colum Convey

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

BBC Northern Ireland

Room C403, Centre House
56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK

Sales Company

BBC Northern Ireland

Room C403, Centre House
56 Wood Lane
White City
London W12 7SB
UK

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

Let It Come Down Let It Come Down

Director: Anna Fredrikke Bjerke

Year: 2026

A couple travels to a secluded family home to restore it ahead of an appraisal survey. But their weekend is interrupted by an unexpected visitor whose presence tests the limits of mutual desire and causes passions to collide, leading to fatal consequences.

A man is performing a song at a karaoke bar. Life of the Party

Director: Joseph Cummings

Year: 2026

A lonely, aging karaoke bar-owner attempts to make friends with a group of young men that enter his club. As his advances fall flat, his behaviour grows increasingly desperate.

Two women hold each other's gaze and hands with a gift box between them. Fish & Chips

Director: Macadie Amoroso

Year: 2026

Fab plans a surprise for Cassie on their first anniversary, but Cassie's rough day, coupled with a party popper mishap, leads to a heated argument over dinner options. What starts as a takeaway tiff over Caribbean or pizza spirals into an identity battle, revealing deep-seated resentments about their racial and queer identities. With half of the film shot in one take, FISH & CHIPS is a tender, unflinching exploration of mixed-heritage identity, queer love, and the fine line between connection and conflict. Official Selection BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2026