During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Koverchenko (Jason Patric), a young Russian soldier, is caught between his country and his conscience when his ruthless commander (George Dzundza) destroys a village. As the their tank lies trapped near the village, Koverchenko is labeled a traitor and left to die. After run-ins with wild dogs and rock-throwing Afgan women, he is rescued by an Afghan leader (Steven Bauer, TRAFFIC). The two unlikely allies then set out to destroy the Russian commander and his tank. Based on William Mastrosimone's stage play, THE BEAST is a haunting and unusual war film that has developed a fervent cult of admirers despite very limited theatrical play.