The Beastly Thing is as difficult to watch as it is absolutely necessary to see. In this short yet extremely capacious performance, the protagonist (played by Zakiah Shana Dumansky) explores the endemic and pernicious presence of self-loathing and shame in our lives.

Although it was heartbreaking to watch Zakiah's character struggle with an eating disorder and body image issues, the show emphasized the universality of the struggle and the importance of finding support networks and opening up to others. Lois Warwick was absolutely incredible as the titular monster—her movements were fantastically expressive and fluid, often appropriately chilling.

While (due to the sheer emotional weight of it) I don't know whether I could see this show again, I think that it's an incredibly important work. I strongly recommend it to one and all, particularly to young women who are just beginning their self-image gauntlet.