Animal Kingdom-2010

Director David Michod

Starring James Frecheville, Ben Mendelsohn

Scott’s Review #519

Reviewed November 15, 2016

Grade: A-

Animal Kingdom (2010) is an excellent Australian crime drama movie that is in the same vein as Goodfellas (1990), The Godfather (1972), or a myriad of other mafia/mob-type films- only Aussie style, which in itself piques interest.

The film has an indie feel, is raw and not slickly produced, and isn’t over-dramatized with explosions, CGI effects, or other bells and whistles, making it character-driven.

It’s a well-made drama about a seventeen-year-old boy named Joshua, whom his extended family of criminals takes in.

Starting as an innocent, he slowly becomes entangled in the family’s web of corruption. This mirrors Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone in The Godfather.

The plot becomes even more compelling with the arrival of a good-hearted detective (Guy Pearce) who tries to steer Joshua on the straight and narrow.

The acting is top-notch (Jacki Weaver, in particular, is amazing as the diabolical leader of the family), shocking events happen out of the blue, and the operatic music mixed with dramatic moments is well done.

Animal Kingdom (2010) is a diamond in the rough.

Oscar Nominations: Best Supporting Actress-Jacki Weaver