Animal Kingdom delivers a forceful impact across Australia. The film explores the natural order—a hierarchy where creatures are either predators or prey, dictated by strength—essentially Darwinism in action: the powerful thrive at the expense of the vulnerable. As humans, we instinctively do what’s necessary to survive. For Melbourne's Cody family, a criminal enterprise involved in drug distribution, this means suppressing any signs of weakness. Their success has afforded them a comfortable lifestyle, including a house where seventeen-year-old Josh finds himself living after his mother’s heroin overdose. With nowhere else to go, he joins the Cody family, under the guidance of their matriarch, who is fiercely protective and wants her sons safe. The story draws inspiration from the Pettingill family, whose brothers were found not guilty of murdering two police officers. This creates a palpable sense of tension that questions whether firearms are meant to prevent chaos or cause it, and how far a family will go to maintain its power. The screenplay is intelligent, featuring unexpected character choices that move beyond typical gangster movie clichés. When a major character dies, it happens swiftly and without unnecessary embellishment. It’s a powerful technique that complements the script's concise nature. The Cody family members are richly developed, and their affection for each other is clearly shown. The line between psychopathy and moral behavior becomes blurred through the character of “Pope,” whose criminal actions challenge his brothers’ loyalty while establishing his dominance within the family. While we see events through Josh’s seemingly innocent eyes, Michôd manages to transform these unsavory characters into protagonists. His attention to detail in portraying their familial bonds provides a subtle justification for their crimes—a remarkably clever approach. However, none of this would have been possible without the outstanding performances across the board, with three actors particularly standing out. Mendelsohn demonstrated his ability to portray antagonists with chilling intensity, immediately solidifying his talent. Pearce, playing the “good cop” who tries to dissuade Josh from a life of crime, balances the ethical and moral conflicts that the main character faces with a calm demeanor. And Weaver, leveraging her gentle appearance, powerfully motivates the family through her captivating portrayal of the matriarch—perhaps the Brando of Melbourne? Frecheville’s performance lacked emotional depth, often presenting a one-dimensional character that made his uncles more compelling. Occasionally, Doolan's editing resulted in the story feeling somewhat disjointed, especially during the second act when the tension lessened after the shopping center scene. The introduction of the family’s lawyer before the court hearing also felt abrupt, diminishing Phillips’ performance. Despite these minor flaws, Animal Kingdom is undeniably one of Australia’s finest exports. It's a tightly constructed thriller with explosive performances that give this crime story an animalistic edge—a fresh and modern take on the classic gangster genre.

Source on TMDB