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"Creatures of Beauty: A Puzzle That Never Quite Fits"

Creatures of Beauty immediately sets itself apart with a gripping and unconventional opening. The Doctor and Nyssa find themselves under interrogation on an alien world, accused of crimes they don’t fully understand. This premise creates an intimate, uneasy atmosphere, as the story promises intrigue and peril. Nicholas Briggs crafts a layered narrative that piques curiosity, leaning into the potential of its mysterious setup.

An Experiment in Structure

The story unfolds through a non-linear format, jumping between timelines and perspectives. While this approach is ambitious, it often feels more like an unnecessary gimmick than a storytelling necessity. The fragmented structure disrupts the flow, making it harder to fully engage with the plot or its characters.

Similarly, the cliffhangers, which should inject momentum and suspense, fall flat. They lack the urgency needed to propel the listener forward, leaving the transitions between parts feeling less compelling than they ought to be.

Strong Performances and Character Focus

At its core, Creatures of Beauty thrives on its character-driven approach. The separation of the Doctor and Nyssa allows each to forge new dynamics with the supporting cast, enriching the story's emotional texture. Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton rise to the occasion with thoughtful performances, effortlessly conveying the depth and complexity of their respective arcs.

The guest cast is equally strong. David Daker, familiar from The Time Warrior and Nightmare of Eden, delivers a nuanced performance, while Jemma Churchill, later seen in Village of the Angels, brings a layered intensity to her role. Together, they enhance the world-building and provide much-needed texture to the narrative.

Themes and Execution

The story’s exploration of ecological disaster and a deadly disease offers moments of tension and moral reflection. These themes, paired with excellent sound design and atmospheric direction, create a haunting backdrop for the characters’ struggles. However, while the ideas are compelling, their execution lacks the emotional heft needed to leave a lasting impact.

The dialogue-heavy scenes, while well-written, occasionally falter under the weight of a disjointed narrative. The plot feels scattered, with its core themes and emotional beats struggling to coalesce into a cohesive whole.

Production and Sound Design

Big Finish’s production values shine as always. The soundscape effectively immerses the listener in the alien world, and the performances are consistently strong. Yet even the high-quality production cannot entirely salvage the story’s uneven pacing and lack of focus.

A Puzzle Worth Solving?

Creatures of Beauty is a story that might reward repeat listens, as its layered approach reveals nuances upon closer inspection. However, on a first pass, its ambition is overshadowed by a narrative that never quite finds its footing.

While the strong performances and intriguing premise make it an admirable experiment, the story ultimately struggles to rise above its structural flaws. For all its potential, Creatures of Beauty leaves an impression of missed opportunities rather than a truly unforgettable experience.

The Verdict: Flawed Brilliance

Creatures of Beauty offers an intriguing blend of mystery, character drama, and high-concept themes, but its non-linear storytelling and lack of narrative cohesion detract from its impact. A fascinating but flawed entry in the Big Finish catalogue.

📝50/100