'Animal Kingdom' Reviewed by Aliena Haig

Rating: 7/10

Don’t be fooled by the title. Animal Kingdom is not a movie about wild animals roaming around, defending their place within their environment. That is only the metaphor on which it is based. Set in Melbourne, Australia, the film tells the chilling story of Joshua Cody’s fight against his family. After the death of his mother due to a heroine overdose, “J” is left surrounded by criminals when moving to live with his family comprising of his diabolical grandmother and his three drug dealing and murdering uncles. When a detective who tries to relieve him from his situation is thrown into the mix, the storyline develops into one of intrigue and tension and the film follows Josh’s survival among the criminal world down under.

Though it is yet another film about good versus evil, it is nothing like a typical Hollywood blockbuster. Directed by David Michod, Animal Kingdom is down to earth and paints a much more realistic and believable picture of what goes on between the villains and the police, focusing on the story behind the events rather than action within them. With moving scenes and a strong dialogue, each member of the cast, including names such as Guy Pearce and Sullivan Stapleton, puts on a great performance. Bringing out a variety of emotions, this film evokes not only anger, but also has you close to tears. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, there are all sorts of surprises and shocks as the truth and the reality of the events begin to be revealed.

Animal Kingdom is Michod’s debut film as a director and it is one to generate discussion. Though it starts slow, the ending is certainly one to remember. If anything however, it is not for the faint hearted. Then again, it’s always about the survival of the fittest.