
Animal Kingdom
2010, Drama/Crime, 1h 52m
163 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
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. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesAnimal Kingdom Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Andrew "Pope" Cody
Barry "Baz" Brown
Det. Senior Sgt. Nathan Leckie
Darren Cody
Janine "Smurf" Cody
Craig Cody
News & Interviews for Animal Kingdom
Critic Reviews for Animal Kingdom
All Critics (163) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (154) | Rotten (9)
-
Wild, gritty, and sharp, Animal Kingdom has a ticking bomb for a heartbeat that pulsates through every scene.
September 9, 2017 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
Seldom is a debut feature handled with such assurance and intelligence
November 13, 2013 | Full Review… -
Seldom is a debut feature handled with such assurance and intelligence
November 13, 2013 | Full Review… -
An ambitious and effective thriller.
March 1, 2011 | Full Review… -
Animal Kingdom is skilfully lit and edited and the performances are remarkable.
February 28, 2011 | Full Review… -
Writer/director David Michod handles his material with great confidence, allowing some powerful acting.
February 25, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Audience Reviews for Animal Kingdom
-
Jan 10, 2016Damn fine Aussie crime drama
-
Jul 25, 2013Many 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. 76/100Edgar C Super Reviewer
-
May 11, 2013An 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, 2012An 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
Animal Kingdom Quotes
Joshua 'J' Cody: | After my mom died, this is just the world I got thrown in. |
Janine 'Smurf' Cody: | [crying] I'm having trouble trying to find my positive spin. I'm usually very good at it. Usually it's right there, and I can just have it. But I'm having trouble finding it now. |
Andrew 'Pope' Cody: | It's a crazy f*ckin' world. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified