The Animal Kingdom

An unusual phenomenon is spreading in the world. Humans randomly start mutating into animals. The cause of this process is unknown, and the treatments do not give results. The film focuses on a high school student who lives with his father, while his mother is in the process of mutation in a specialized institution.

"The Animal Kingdom" is a coming-of-age drama with elements of fantasy and horror and some humor. It can be interpreted in various ways, literally and metaphorically, but I don't want to get into that multitude of interpretations, let everyone judge for themselves. I will present only my impressions, positive and negative.

The film is visually beautiful. Cinematography, make-up, and effects are superb, and for much less money than in Hollywood. The creatures, for lack of a better term, are striking and endearing. Romain Duris is good in the role of the father, and Paul Kircher in the role of the son gave an Oscar-worthy performance. I like the messages that the film sends, and the main asset is certainly the originality of the premise and the approach to it.

However, in my opinion, the script is too weak for such an original and interesting idea. The story is insufficiently developed, especially for a film of over two hours. You will not find out how and why these mutations occur and on what scale. If humans devolved into lower primates, the film would fall into the realm of sci-fi, but as they randomly mutate into literally anything and everything, not just mammals, but insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, I'd rather classify it as fairy tale fantasy, which conflicts with the very realistic tone of the film. I get the impression that "The Animal Kingdom" got dissolved in trying to cover too many themes and send too many messages across too many genres, and as a result, it felt sketchy and tepid. The authors bit off more than they could swallow and failed to fulfill the big potential of the project they embarked on.

Overall, a technically good but essentially disappointing film. Still, it's worth watching, if for no other reason than for the contrast to the garbage America is showering us with, the original ideas and performance of Paul Kircher.

7/10.

I was really looking forward to watch this movie since it had such a unique idea with some decent budget behind it. The movie looks beautiful and we are introduced to a fascinating world where some people start to mutate into wild animals or some would say beasts. It's an interesting coming of age story told in a unique fashion. However I think there are definitely some pacing issues and the final result is way too long. I enjoyed spending time in this world but after some while I repeatedly stared at the clock to see how long the movie still runs and that is never a good sign. Also I think the movie was pretty tame and could have delved deeper into its dark side. In the end it's certainly a unique movie but it also is not without its flaws. [5,8/10]

Caught this gem at Leeds Film Festival 2023-mind-bending sci-fi! Ingenious ecological themes, subtly tackling modern issues. The father-son bond, portrayed flawlessly, lingers. Perfect casting, especially the son-raw angst and joy. Fellow cast members ace their roles, loved Fix and Froggy. Plot spoilers aside, it's a rare cinematic marvel. A satire, coming-of-age, and ecological fable in one, redefining our connection to the world. A fantasy film with mind-blowing creatures and imagery on an average budget. The return of a specific creature shifts perceptions artfully. A film that might inspire future filmmakers and change lives-it's truly magical. The potential realism adds another layer. The acting, effects, and classroom dynamic-stellar. An absolute must-see, seamlessly blending reality and fantasy.

The animal kingdom is a film that does good, already it is a new proof that when French fantasy cinema dares, it is. Imperfect also, yes, some dialogue and situation are not perfectly credible with some biases in the history a little steep and fast, But we easily forgive him so much to see the real staging and endearing characters all in a scenario that surprises and surprises, offers a real breath of fresh air. Full of poetry, the story managed to do what we have been waiting for so long: a real fantasy film, not an American film antic.

My only regret, even if the casting is interesting, remains the director of actor who at times is a really little right especially with the character of Émile and Julia (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Romain Duris is as for him and as often, impeccable. So yes the dialogues are not always well written and it's even quite surprising, because the film is doing very well at other times. In short, it is a bit irregular and it is a bit of a shame, like its history which does not always sound very realistic in the treatment of bugs in our society.

But the heart is elsewhere, the Animal Kingdom also chooses to be more poetic than realistic and it is little to be for better to avoid some discomfort that could occur for the benefit of what it tells. He catches up in every way with a treatment much smarter than it seems, full of meaning with his quality staging. The special effects are superb, the story offers an intelligent look that takes the guts (personally I really hooked from half) with a touch of humor well dosed. A little like the main character who assumes himself, the film seems to follow the same path, when he becomes himself, he touches with the finger what we hoped for more with French fantasy cinema: to tell something powerful and authentic without overbidding. Sign of our time, emphasis of our time on our own metamorphosis, it is a real moment of unexpected freedom that makes a crazy good.

No pun intended - with all the cloning going on ... it might just be a matter of time, that some of what we see in this movie actually happens. Of course this is more than just our animalistic side - hidden inside us, now quite obvious (at least in the movie). It also shows how we discriminate - against anything we deem ... not "normal". Who decides what is normal you ask? Good question ... it changes and shifts a lot.

The acting is really good and the effects are great too. The movie works really good and the ideas are well done. Also it may have the best class room dynamic scene you have seen in a while ... realistic while being fantastic? Yes it is possible .. see this movie for more ...