PLOT: The new thriller Dangerous Animals follows Zephyr, a fierce surfer whose adventurous lifestyle takes a dark turn when she is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer. Captured aboard his eerie vessel, she must navigate her way to freedom before he unleashes a terrifying ritual centered around his obsession with these majestic predators.
REVIEW: The moment I saw the trailer for Dangerous Animals, I felt an adrenaline rush. Shark-themed films have flooded the market since the classic Jaws, yet this latest entry aims to carve out its unique niche by delving into the psyche of a chilling antagonist, portrayed by the talented Jai Courtney. He entices unwitting victims into his deadly game, setting the stage for a harrowing encounter with the underwater beasts he reveres.
Zephyr, played by the dynamic Hassie Harrison, embodies the spirit of a wanderer, living on the fringes in her van. This free-spirited existence, however, becomes her downfall when she encounters Tucker, a local guide whose gruesome tactics blur the lines between tourism and terror. As Zephyr fights against time to escape becoming shark bait, the film oscillates between sheer terror and moments that feel frustratingly contrived, particularly a romantic subplot featuring Josh Heuston’s character, Moses. While intended to infuse the narrative with hope, this angle often detracts from the film’s building tension, veering into cliché territory.
The suspense leading up to the first shark encounter is expertly crafted, enveloping audiences in an atmosphere thick with anticipation. Diverging from the norm, Dangerous Animals positions Tucker as the primary antagonist, while the sharks themselves serve merely as unwitting agents of instinct rather than malevolence. This nuanced portrayal invites viewers to reassess their perceptions of these majestic creatures, accentuating society’s twisted fascination with violence.
Courtney’s depiction of Tucker is unnervingly convincing, amplifying the film’s commentary on humanity’s dark curiosity. The integration of actual shark footage throughout the film elevates its visual appeal, showcasing a host of shark species, including the elusive Mako and the notorious Great White. This detail not only boosts authenticity but also sheds light on the beauty of these oceanic hunters, distancing the film from the tired trope of vilifying sharks.
However, despite its ambition, the film falters in its climactic moments, ultimately reverting to a more conventional resolution that undermines its initial message about shark behavior. The shark puppetry is commendably lifelike, enriching critical scenes, though some moments of CGI inadvertently pull viewers out of the immersive experience. Notably, the film’s artistic take on shark attacks feels less graphic, providing an impactful representation of their aftermath—such as a haunting shot of a floating body—that fosters reflection rather than mere shock.
Yet, the boat’s unusual stillness during pivotal scenes occasionally disrupts the immersive maritime experience. A slight camera sway could have better simulated the oceanic environment, thus enhancing viewer engagement.
In summary, while Dangerous Animals excels in delivering thrilling moments and outstanding performances—particularly from Courtney—it ultimately fails to secure its place as a groundbreaking offering in the genre. The romantic subplot feels superfluous, detracting from the intense atmosphere aboard the boat. Nevertheless, the film provides an exhilarating thrill ride for audiences prepared to suspend their scrutiny and embrace its predatory suspense.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS WILL HIT THEATERS ON JUNE 6TH, 2025.
