Animal Kingdom 2010

Animal Kingdom

Critics Consensus

With confident pacing, a smart script, and a top-notch cast, Animal Kingdom represents the best the Australian film industry has to offer.

94%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 163

83%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 29,829

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Movie Info

In this gritty Australian crime drama, young Joshua "J" Cody (James Frecheville) is taken in by his extended family after his mother dies of an overdose. This branch of the Cody clan, overseen by J's scheming grandmother, Janine (Jacki Weaver), is heavily involved in various criminal activities, and they quickly indoctrinate the boy into their way of life. However, J is given an opportunity to take a different route when a cop named Leckie (Guy Pearce) seeks to help him leave the family fold.
  • Rating:
    R (Pervasive Language|Drug Content|Violence)
  • Genre:
    drama, crime
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    David Michôd
  • Producer:
    Liz Watts
  • Writer:
    David Michôd
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $1.0M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Porchlight Films, Showtime Australia, Film Victoria

Cast & Crew

Ben Mendelsohn
Andrew "Pope" Cody
Joel Edgerton
Barry "Baz" Brown
Guy Pearce
Det. Senior Sgt. Nathan Leckie
Luke Ford
Darren Cody
Jacki Weaver
Janine "Smurf" Cody
Sullivan Stapleton
Craig Cody
James Frecheville
Joshua "J" Cody
Dan Wyllie
Ezra White
Anthony Hayes
Det. Justin Norris
Laura Wheelwright
Nicky Henry
David Michôd
Director
David Michôd
Screenwriter
Liz Watts
Producer
Bec Smith
Executive Producer
Vincent Sheehan
Executive Producer
Adam Arkapaw
Cinematographer
Luke Doolan
Film Editor
Antony Partos
Original Music
Josephine Ford
Production Design
Janie Parker
Art Director
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Critic Reviews for Animal Kingdom

All Critics (163) | Top Critics (36) | Fresh (154) | Rotten (9)

  • Animal Kingdom is skilfully lit and edited and the performances are remarkable.

    February 28, 2011 | Full Review…

    Philip French

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • Writer/director David Michod handles his material with great confidence, allowing some powerful acting.

    February 25, 2011 | Rating: 4/5

    Derek Malcolm

    London Evening Standard
    Top Critic

  • Utterly thrilling, Animal Kingdom exudes stunning depth and complexity.

    February 24, 2011 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

    Jason Wood

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • This is maybe the nearest we're going to get to an Australian GoodFellas.

    February 24, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • Pungent scene by scene and bracing in its cumulative impact, Michôd's movie suggests what Aeschylus might have had in mind, if the House of Orestes had been fond of seafood barbeques.

    February 24, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Tim Robey

    Daily Telegraph (UK)
    Top Critic

  • A small part of us finds this family endearing - revolting but endearing.

    February 23, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Nigel Andrews

    Financial Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (163)

Audience Reviews for Animal Kingdom

  • Jan 10, 2016
    Damn fine Aussie crime drama
    Super Reviewer
  • Jul 25, 2013
    Many directors wish they could give birth to their feature length careers like Michôd could with <i>Animal Kingdom</i>, an intense look to a criminal world seen through the eyes of a 17 year old confused soul. The decision of choosing his perspective instead of using anybody else's remains clear since the first 15 minutes: "When my mom died, this is the world I just got thrown into". The introductory voiceover opened the entire film; I just wished it also had finished it, so that we did not forget who's perspective we were dealing with since the beginning, and to see whether if 'J' had developed a new mentality in this disturbing world. Several films have been done about crime families in the past, but not in this fashion, because whereas they treated the members as family members, the "family" concept had seldom been portrayed in such a literal and realistic way, even suburban, so the whole mood seemed more familiar rather than alien to us. That makes it all the more scary. 76/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
  • May 11, 2013
    An intense, gritty depiction of a family whose life is dominated by crime and drugs, and how the youngest of the bunch (James Frecheville) is unfortunately faced with turning his uncles in after they commit a violent crime in retaliation to a corrupt police force. A cold-blooded Aussie thriller that features some powerful acting, especially Jacki Weaver as the matriarch of the bunch, and Ben Mendelsohn as one of the brothers who possesses a psychotic streak. It is a film that contains a lot of interesting twists and subtlety, as well as some pretty violent actions that successfully catch the viewer off guard. A simply riveting film that remains arresting throughout, with one of the more shocking endings I can recall.
    Dan S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 03, 2012
    An intriguing tension filled film, 'Animal Kingdom' is a strong debut feature from David Michod that draws you in with its darkly brooding characters. The film itself felt like a mix between 'Snowtown' and 'The Wire'. It was similar to 'Snowtown' with its central idea and setting but the constant feeling that no one is safe is reminiscent of 'The Wire'. The film is shot rather conventionally but is filled with imagery revolving around the title. Although the idea isn't original what is original is Animal Kingdom's spin on it, relating a criminal family to a pack of lions. Overall, although unoriginal 'Animal Kingdom' is a worthwhile watch with strong performances and an interesting spin on a much used subject.
    Cameron S Super Reviewer
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