by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What do you get when you combine a shark creature feature with a serial killer narrative? Well… a film with lots of horror potential. That is exactly the type of story being told by director Sean Byrne and writer Nick Lepard in Dangerous Animals, a fascinating concept with a wealth of blood, guts, and horror. This Australian film focuses on a shark tours captain who has an eerie penchant for kidnapping women, taking them out to the ocean, dangling them for sharks, and videotaping all the messed up and demented details of the plan. It is not a film for the faint of heart, and it just might change your perception of Australian export Jai Courtney.
Dangerous Animals is going for a big vibe, with plenty of things to process. First off, it looks good, as the sharks are mostly real. Honestly, they’re some of the best-looking movie sharks in a long time. Cinematographer Shelley Farthing-Dawe does a great job of giving this film an engaging look, maximizing the darkness at night and the unrelenting Australian sun during the day. Sharp blocking and camera work, this is a dynamic feeling film. Kasra Rassoulzadegan’s editing is precise as well, delivering dark humor and horror. Michael Yezerski’s score can be really overbearing at times, but the music itself is still effective. Overall, the slasher elements shine — the film moves well and keeps you hooked from start to finish. There are times later in the film where you might have to suspend your disbelief based on illogical decisions that allow the film to keep going, and there are a few slasher and shark movie clichés, but overall the film is quite clever.
The story starts off with a great cold open that nicely sets up the danger and the antagonist. Then it pivots into setting up a solid romance between our protagonist Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) and her new flame Moses (Josh Heuston). For a newfound connection, they are provided with a solid foundation. Zephyr is an interesting character — she has tenacity, drive, fearlessness, and resourcefulness, which is great, as we watch go through so much. She struggles to build connections as well, which opens the door for her distance with Moses. But our protagonist certainly has a great antagonist to go toe-to-toe with. Bruce (Courtney) is a twisted man who loves to watch people become victims of shark violence and death. His ocean life metaphors and perspective about being a fighter or victim makes him an intimidating and intense presence.
In fact, this is probably the best performance of Courtney’s career. He cuts loose and goes full-blown insane which is fun to watch. Then, his moments of intensity, with his physicality and deep voice, will leave you shaken. Courtney’s performance is darkly funny, and he charismatically delivers.
Meanwhile, Harrison is an amazing lead. Her strength and presence are electric and pull you in. She makes our protagonist tough as nails, and she is believable in every moment. Heuston is rock-solid as Zephyr’s romantic partner. He won’t be part of most conversations about Dangerous Animals,but he works well with Harrison.
Dangerous Animals is one of the best shark movies in a long time. The genre mixing with the serial killer beats just works so well, with shocking and unexpected moments that make it stand out. Byrne injects a confidence and big personality into the film, leaving you thoroughly satisfied with the whole experience.
Rating: Liked It
Dangerous Animals is currently playing in theaters
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