Thomas Keil’s second feature following the highly acclaimed Les Combattants (2014), The Animal Kingdom hits theaters this week (after opening the Un surelite section at the recent Cannes Film Festival).
This French fantasy film, led by a solid cast (Romain Duris, Paul Kircher, Adele Exarchopoulos), has been particularly well received by the press, averaging 4.4/5 for 38 reviews (AlloCiné, October 6, 2023).
Animal Kingdom has even climbed to fourth place among French critics’ best films of 2023, behind Anatomy of the Fall (4.43/5), The Goldman Trial (4.5/5) and the undefeated The Fabelmans (4.9/5). Spielberg.
What are you doing?
In a world filled with a wave of mutations that gradually transforms certain people into animals, François does everything to save his wife, who is affected by this mysterious phenomenon. When the region is populated by a new type of creature, he takes Emil, their 16-year-old son, on a quest that will change their lives forever.
What does the press think?
According to CinemaTeaser:
“Tremendous ambition. Tremendous result: Animal Kingdom impresses, touches the heart and dazzles the retina. Cinema that is afraid of nothing.” (Renan Cross) 5/5
According to La Voix du Nord:
“Out of this strange chrysalis emerges a poetic and moving feature film, ultimately unforgettable. A proposition we can’t refuse.” (Christophe Caron) 5/5
According to Les Echos:
“Thomas Keighley joins director Romain Duris in a genre film that bucks convention. This ambitious fiction about mutations, alienation and father-son relationships stands out as the fall’s most beautiful surprise.” (Olivier de Bruyne) 5/5
According to South West:
“A thrilling, sweeping, metaphorical epic. Thomas Cayle takes a thrilling and exciting look at adolescence, a time of change if ever there was one.” (Julien Rousset) 5/5
According to Defector:
“Weird and brilliant is Thomas Caley’s second Animal Kingdom feature, a fantastic counterpoint to Hollywood blockbusters.” (Dupin of Corentin Detefan) 5/5
Animal Kingdom in theaters: it’s the year’s most ambitious monster movie, it’s French, and it’ll blow your mind
According to the Prime Minister:
“But for now, some advice: find a seat in Romain Dury’s little car, buckle up and prepare to be shocked. Animal Kingdom is a stunning masterpiece.” (Gael Golhen) 5/5
According to L’Obs:
“Confirmation that in France, without denying ourselves and copying the Americans, we can combine spectacle and ambition.” (Nicholas Schaller) 4/5
According to aVoir-aLire.com:
Inventive, prolific, spanning all genres, be it comedy, fantasy or drama, Animal Kingdom is a true success. (Laurent Cambon) 4/5
Based on it:
“A film of crazy energy.” (Françoise Delbecque) 4/5
According to Le Figaro:
“Thomas Cale portrays a remarkable father-son relationship in a world where humans mutate into animals. An intimate and spectacular story, at the crossroads of fantasy and comedy.” (Eric Neuhoff) 4/5
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
