This unforgettable war film is now streaming on Netflix and was the first film to be released directly on the platform. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the 2015 war drama tells the story of Agu, a young boy forced to become a child soldier as his country is engulfed in a brutal civil war. Filmed in Ghana and featuring a powerful cast including Idris Elba, Abraham Attah, Ama K. Abebrese, and Grace Nortey, Beasts of No Nation is based on Uzodinma Iweala’s 2005 novel.

Idris Elba plays the Commandant, a manipulative and charismatic leader of a guerrilla unit who takes the young protagonist, Agu, played by Abraham Attah, under his wing. Elba’s performance earned him the Spirit Award and the SAG Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as nominations for the BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards.

The Netflix synopsis reads: “When civil war tears his family apart, a young West African boy is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transform into a child soldier.”

The film premiered in the main competition at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival, where Abraham Attah won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for his breakthrough performance

Writing for the BBC, Owen Gleiberman said at the time that the film has a “haunting, indelible quality”, while Mark Kermode of The Observer described it as “harrowing and heartbreaking” and added that Elba’s portrayal of the Commandant is “terrifyingly charismatic.”

At the Express, the film was described at the time by Allan Hunter as a “harrowing, heart-rending viewing” and a “powerful adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala’s acclaimed novel.”

An English fan said on Rotten Tomatoes that Beasts of No Nation is the “best movie of all time” with an “amazing” story, music and cinematography, and stated that they have watched it not once, not twice, but a whopping six times.

They added: “It also made me realise how much I am babyfed in the environment I live in in England, and opened my eyes to the reality of what really goes on in the world. Please watch it, it can be tough to watch at times but I’ve watched it 6 times already and I haven’t got bored yet. You won’t regret watching it trust me.”

One fan also wrote: “Beasts of No Nation is not just a film—it is an experience. It is a brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable work of art that brings light to the often-overlooked plight of child soldiers. A must-watch for anyone who values powerful storytelling and cinema with a conscience.”

Another viewer said the film is “one of the most well-made, difficult to watch movies of all time.” They added: “It is a travesty that Idris Elba was not even nominated for an Academy Award. Simultaneously harrowing and gripping, Cari Fukunaga has secured himself a position amongst the best directors of the modern era.”

Someone else called the film “outstanding” and said it has a “remarkable” storyline. He went on to say: “An outstanding film featuring a remarkable storyline. Filming and assembling such a movie is a daunting task, but they executed it in a remarkable and impressive manner. I strongly recommend this film; you won’t be disappointed!”