Animal Kingdom (2010)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Carlos M

  
  An intense thriller about a teenage boy who gets pulled into a lair of dangerous lions - his own criminal family. With an intelligent script and a superb direction, this well-paced drama is absorbing and has great performances, especially Jacki Weaver as the matriarch of the Codies.

• paul s

  
  I don't know why this Indie "Goodfellas" didn't strike a chord with me, but I felt that it spent too much time with inanities and not enough in character development. Essentially the story is of a teen boy who is taken in by Grandma after his mother dies of an… More
  I don't know why this Indie "Goodfellas" didn't strike a chord with me, but I felt that it spent too much time with inanities and not enough in character development. Essentially the story is of a teen boy who is taken in by Grandma after his mother dies of an overdose. The boy, Joshua comes off as somewhat wooden, full of "I dunno" and shrugs that, while typical of a teen, don't really amp up the drama; though you kind of feel for him as his situation becomes something where he's caught between the rock and the proverbial hard place. Since I've already mentioned "Goodfellas" it won't be giving anything away to tell you that this is about a small to mid level crime family, obstensively run by Grandma (though while she seems to have fingers in many a pie, it is obvious that she cannot control her four sons, especially Pope, who is convincing as some kind of amoral loose canon. It is his actions that move the film... and that's the problem. For a family who has been successfully running several criminal operations for many a year, Pope sure does some really stupid things - the kind of things that make you wonder why he wasn't caught and put behind bars years ago. The coppers here are portrayed as being hamstrung by the system - they keep making arrests, but the family keeps getting released, if for no other reason than it suits the ultimate plot setup, which has Joshua being cajoled into narcing on his family... all the while being coached by the family's lawyer in how to double deal. This part of the film is compelling, as the cops put him into a kind of witness protection, where Joshua finds out that there are elements within the police force who want him dead. The motivation for their desires is obvious to the viewer, but we're left wondering if Joshua can figure it all out. It's a nice cat and mouse game, but, once again, Joshua doesn't seem convincing in the part. The film also spends far too much time setting a mood - showing us way too many "normal" scenes of the family, or Joshua's girl friend's family having a meal. To what end are all these eating scenes - there's little dialog of purpose here, so unless (and this could be a big reach) director/writer David Michod is giving some kind of oblique nod to the film's title, there can only be the underlying message that the members of this crime family are really just regular blokes... but then why show the girl friend's family meals? As for the girlfriend, Michod missed a real opportunity to develop a fascinating character -she remained a mere means to an end, and her tale unexplored. This film was a winner at Sundance, and sadly, though there are some nice elements, I just couldn't get emotionally involved with Joshua's plight, nor did I find Pope, as the enforcer part of the family, convincing - except as a crazed buffoon doing the kind of things that no longstanding criminal with any brains would tolerate.

• Anthony L

  
  Animal Kingdom is engrossing, unsettling and pulls no punches - exactly the right criteria for the perfect crime film. The Cody family display traits of violence, unpredictability, ignorance and cold-heartedness, led by the distinctly sweet and deliciously evil Grandma Smurf who… More
  Animal Kingdom is engrossing, unsettling and pulls no punches - exactly the right criteria for the perfect crime film. The Cody family display traits of violence, unpredictability, ignorance and cold-heartedness, led by the distinctly sweet and deliciously evil Grandma Smurf who orders the murder of her own grandson with a smile on her face. The realistic way this is film only adds to the uncomfortable but engrossing entertainment value, it's edge of your seat but peering through your fingers stuff. It's a great debut from David Michôd and the young James Frecheville should get credit for playing the dumb silent teenager brilliantly. It deserves the praise it received.

• Jens S

  
  This Australian crime thriller works like a well timed punch into the guts. By killing off one of the supposed main characters after 15 minutes it clearly states that no one is safe in this tale of family, murder and betrayal. While the police is desperately trying to get the young… More
  This Australian crime thriller works like a well timed punch into the guts. By killing off one of the supposed main characters after 15 minutes it clearly states that no one is safe in this tale of family, murder and betrayal. While the police is desperately trying to get the young nephew of a criminal clan to work with them, the family itself works well enough on bringing itself down, and taking everyone close with them. By the middle of this enthralling and uncomfortable film, things get so dire that you're tempted to pause it and watch a Disney movie instead. But you can't help but keep watching. The performances are top notch, especially Ben Mendelsohn is wonderfully menacing. The last minute solution is as consistent as the whole film and leaves you with a world that's simply not as beautiful as it was before. Outstanding movie making but certainly no feel good film.

• Jan Marc M

  
  Loosely inspired by real events circa 1988 in Melbourne, Australia proud of its metaphoric title, Animal Kingdom is remarkably thrilling and compelling story of vengeance and dying innocence. Powerful. Ferocious. Uncompromising.

• Idrees K

  
  Phenomenal. Good acting, great script. Dark and thought-provoking. One of the best crime films I've seen recently.

• Jennifer X

  
  A truly eerie, matriarchal Australian crime drama that curls the fingers over.

• Mark W

  
  Anyone that's familiar with the Australian television show "Neighbours" will know what I mean when I refer to this as the underbelly of 'Ramsey Street'. I'm not a fan of said television show and I'm not entirely convinced by the praise this film has… More
  Anyone that's familiar with the Australian television show "Neighbours" will know what I mean when I refer to this as the underbelly of 'Ramsey Street'. I'm not a fan of said television show and I'm not entirely convinced by the praise this film has critically received either. After the accidental death of his heroin addicted mother, 17 year-old Joshua 'J' Cody (James Frecheville) goes to live with his grandmother, 'Smurf' (Jacki Weaver), and her criminal sons, Craig (Sullivan Stapleton) and Darren (Luke Ford). The sudden arrival of their fugitive older brother, Pope (Ben Mendelsohn), gets the attention of the local cops, kick-starting a turf war that sees 'J' forced to fight for his survival. As the film opens we get a decent introduction to the stoical nature of young 'J' as he shows a real lack of compassion, sitting on the couch watching TV, next to his deceased mother. This persona is no different from most of the characters throughout the film. The majority of them are devoid of any morals and the actors portraying them put in fantastic performances, particularly Mendelsohn as the unstable uncle and especially Weaver as the wicked-witch like matriarch. Despite the performances though, I still stuggled to see what all the fuss was about. Much like "Winter's Bone" from the same year, this has been subject to critics clambering over each other to applaud it's gritty dramatic nature. I found several things to enjoy; the performances and low-key style in which it's shot being the notable ones but it's certainly nothing groundbreaking. Being loosely based on fact, there's a definite feeling of realism but as mentioned earlier, it reminded me of an extended episode of "Neighbours" - with the gloves off - and I pretty much avoid Australian television whenever possible. Not a bad film, in fact it's very good in places but it's been overpraised somewhat. There's no faulting the flawless performances though and it'll be interesting to see what writer/director David Michod comes up with next.

• Nicki M

  
  Kind of underwhelmed by this. It is not a bad movie for the crime genre and the cast are exceptionable, especially considering what Australian films are normally like, but something about it just didn't gel with me. Perhaps just personal taste - the person I watched it with… More
  Kind of underwhelmed by this. It is not a bad movie for the crime genre and the cast are exceptionable, especially considering what Australian films are normally like, but something about it just didn't gel with me. Perhaps just personal taste - the person I watched it with raved over how good it is, and this is also someone who does not enjoy a lot of Australian films! The ending was a little disappointing and I guess I am weary of too many australian films of this genre. Yes, we have a lot of d*heads here. Does every other local film have to feature them?! As I said, though, very good cast and very well made film. I was especially impressed with the young actor it follows - perhaps that is why the ending didn't cut it for me. His portrayal of the character made me care and want better things for this young guy.

• Stella D

  
  consider me blown away. everyone gushing over the town needs to see this. cuz this is how it's done

• Spencer S

  
  Much of this confused me as the volume was low and the Australian was fast, but the finer points are crystal clear. The action thriller is a hard genre to crack while maintaining a dramatic edge and intellectual flair. Instead of the usual romanticized vision of the crime boss… More
  Much of this confused me as the volume was low and the Australian was fast, but the finer points are crystal clear. The action thriller is a hard genre to crack while maintaining a dramatic edge and intellectual flair. Instead of the usual romanticized vision of the crime boss shooting up the place, there isn't anyone I would want to root for. The renegade police officers are unmercilessly brutal, killing off the convicted brothers like boxelder bugs. The only person I felt any pity or regret for was the title character "J", who has to cover for Pope, his uncle, though he murdered his girlfriend using crack cocaine. The tactics with which Smurf manipulates her sons and grandson into doing her bidding and keeping their mouths shut was a tour de force performance for Jackie Weaver. Guy Pearce makes a stunning performance as the detective on the family's case, but it wasn't riddled with overly indulgent cliches. I was surprised with the family dynamic, and the carelessness of the murders of police officers, family members, and rogue strangers who just got in the way. A great film for 2010.

• Shawn E

  
  A slow intensity builds the film about an unfortunate reality of law and moral breaking risks in ones eye to survive.

• Jakey L

  
  As it shocked me in every depth, David Michôd's debutorial film, along with its spot on acting from every member of its cast (special mention to Ben Mendelsohn's chilling portrayal of a man gone way way south), kept me horrified and at the same time, filled me with awe.… More
  As it shocked me in every depth, David Michôd's debutorial film, along with its spot on acting from every member of its cast (special mention to Ben Mendelsohn's chilling portrayal of a man gone way way south), kept me horrified and at the same time, filled me with awe. Every scene kept me literally on edge as to what will come next and satisfied me that what I expected was the very least of what Michôd chillingly saw in every detail of this thought-provoking drama. This film shot straight up to first on my list of great films of all time.

• Lanning :

  
  Son of a freakin gun -- 97% of critics like this?!?! No offense, flixster buds, but<p>Eh, now I know I represent a true minority voice -- like as in 3%. For this one, friends, the tiny 3% say: <p> NObody cares about ANY of these characters. <p>Just my… More
  Son of a freakin gun -- 97% of critics like this?!?! No offense, flixster buds, but<p>Eh, now I know I represent a true minority voice -- like as in 3%. For this one, friends, the tiny 3% say: <p> NObody cares about ANY of these characters. <p>Just my three-cents' worth. Fans -- meaning AT LEAST 3% of viewers -- of, say, <i>The Godfather</i>, need not spend one borating sleepless night worrying about this sucker toppling Number One. <p> However, a 97% positive critics' rating says -- even to little old 3% me -- that you should definitely see this. So please do. And I hope you do enjoy it way more than I did.

• E.J. B

  
  This gritty, disturbing crime picture from Australia has as its best asset the subtle yet gripping performance by Jacki Weaver. Her performance is reason enough to seek out this film, but fortunately, the actual movie is one of the best movies of 2010. The protagonist, a teenager… More
  This gritty, disturbing crime picture from Australia has as its best asset the subtle yet gripping performance by Jacki Weaver. Her performance is reason enough to seek out this film, but fortunately, the actual movie is one of the best movies of 2010. The protagonist, a teenager named Josh, is born into an organized crime family. His mother has just died of a heroine overdose, and he is left in the care of his grandmother (Weaver), who might be more of a danger to him than a guardian. Josh has a girlfriend who he is madly in love with, one of the reasons why he wants to stay away from the life of crime that all his uncles are into, but unfortunately, he keeps getting sucked into it through fear and pressure. Twists and turns aplenty, very few of them contrived, Animal Kingdom is an original take on a tired genre. This is a gripping film about being born into circumstances out of your control, and having to fight yourself, the law, and your own family just to survive.

• jay n

  
  Dark and violent drama revolving around a family of criminal lowlives takes a while to get going but settles into the rhythm of everyday life which makes it all the more disturbing. Jacki Weaver's much lauded performance evolves also as the film progesses and by the end the full… More
  Dark and violent drama revolving around a family of criminal lowlives takes a while to get going but settles into the rhythm of everyday life which makes it all the more disturbing. Jacki Weaver's much lauded performance evolves also as the film progesses and by the end the full vileness of her character is revealed with great skill.

• Randy T

  
  Australian writer-director David Michôd's first feature-length film?! Are you kidding me?! Viscerally fantastic!

• Rico Z

  
  A gritty drama from Australia, Animal Kingdom depicts a family of thugs and drug dealers upheld by a brutal matriarch. Its built-in tension and Oscar-worthy performances had me at the edge of my seat.

• Mike S

  
  Australian crime-dramas is not something I watch on a regular basis, so I was curious to see what this would have to offer. The only cast members recognizable to me, was Guy Pierce and Joel Edgerton, but even so, there were some impressive performances to be found here. The storyline,… More
  Australian crime-dramas is not something I watch on a regular basis, so I was curious to see what this would have to offer. The only cast members recognizable to me, was Guy Pierce and Joel Edgerton, but even so, there were some impressive performances to be found here. The storyline, following the turbulent life of a family full of criminals, is both intriguing as well as original. I think it was good thing in this case to have so many unfamiliar faces, because it added it a lot to the realism-factor. It also holds one of the bone-chilling antagonists ever to be put on screen: a diabolical grandmother, who would rather kill her own grandson, then risk being caught by the police. Despite its convincing acting and sharply written script, however, I had one major issue with the film which came to drag down the overall experience for me. What I'm refering to is the pacing, which is so unbearably slow-going, that I had some serious trouble getting through its second half. Maybe I just don't posses the required patience, but it's something that couldn't be ignored in my rating of the film. A real shame, as it had the potential for greatness. I would still recommend it though, to those who are into the genre. A solid film from "down under", that is well-worth seeing if you can endure it's snail-like rate of progress.

• Manu G

  
  A very good film with an original story never seen before. This movie does not have known actors except one(Guy Pearce) and was filmed in Australia which was epic. You couldn't possibly know what is gonna happen on this movie anytime except when it does happen. After his mother… More
  A very good film with an original story never seen before. This movie does not have known actors except one(Guy Pearce) and was filmed in Australia which was epic. You couldn't possibly know what is gonna happen on this movie anytime except when it does happen. After his mother overdoses on heroin, Joshua 'J' Cody is forced to move in with his estranged grandmother, Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarch of a notorious Melbourne crime family. Also living with J's grandmother are her three sons, the Cody Boys. Her eldest son is an armed robber named Andrew 'Pope' Cody, and is in hiding from a group of renegade detectives. The middle brother, Craig, is a successful but volatile drug dealer, and youngest brother Darren follows the lead of his older brothers. J's uncle Craig takes J for a drive and is insulted at a set of traffic lights by a man in a neighbouring car. After handing J a handgun, Craig follows the man and his accomplice to an alley, where the car pulls up and the man gets out, attempting to provoke a fight between himself and Craig. Instead, Craig prompts J to get out of the car and scare off the assailant. Later, Pope's best friend and partner in crime Barry 'Baz' Brown goes to meet Pope at a shopping center claiming that he wishes to quit the robbery game and settle down with his family, suggesting that Pope join him and the pair take up stock investment. As Baz goes to leave, he is encountered by police. After telling the police that Pope has left, the police shoot Baz dead. The tension between the family and the Police explode, and soon J is asked to steal a car and bring it to the middle of a road. J complies, and two policemen are drawn to the scene, where they are ambushed and killed by Pope and Darren. The next day, Pope, Darren and J are arrested and taken in for questioning where J meets Senior Police Officer Nathan Leckie (who also leads the armed robbery squad), who takes interest in J's situation and seeks to relieve him from it. The three are later released from custody. Later, J is arrested by Officer Leckie for underage drinking and is taken to a hotel for temporary housing. There, Leckie proposes that J be moved to a more permanent witness protection. J turns down the offer. The situation becomes more intense. As well as J himself, J's girlfriend becomes entangled in the war between the Codys and the police, and is eventually killed by Pope as Darren watches. This triggers the arrest of Pope and Darren, who are placed in prison. Meanwhile, Craig has escaped to a friend's house in regional Victoria, where he finds that he is being monitored. Despite an escape attempt, police arrive and kill Craig as he runs away. With Craig and Baz dead and Pope and Darren imprisoned, Smurf decides that "J needs to go", as he is the star witness in the murder case and indeed their armed robbery charges. Smurf uses her connections to procure J's address and organize a raid on that address where J will be shot and killed, but J escapes when he sees armed police heading for the building. J then returns to Smurf's house, saying that he "can't live like this", and that he wishes to help free Pope and Darren from prison. To do this, the family's lawyer sets up J's answers so that a hole can be formed in the case, forcing the release of the pair from prison. Directly following the court session, Leckie visits J, asking him if he had found his place in the world. After Pope and Darren's release, J returns to Smurf's home asking to stay. After Smurf lets him in, J goes to greet Pope and Darren before going to his room. Pope enters and begins to talk to him, but is cut off when J shoots him in the head. In the final shot of the film, J returns to the living room to embrace an uneasy and uncomfortable Smurf.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings