THRILLING PLOT SYNOPSIS: In a gripping tale, Zephyr, a daring and adventurous surfer, finds herself in a harrowing situation when she is kidnapped by a shark-obsessed serial killer. Trapped on his boat, she must use her wits and resourcefulness to devise an escape plan before he executes a horrifying ritual where she is offered as prey to the sharks lurking in the depths below. The stakes are high, and her survival hinges on her ability to outsmart her captor and navigate the treacherous waters of both the ocean and human depravity.
EXCITING FILM REVIEW: The moment the trailer for Dangerous Animals premiered, I was instantly captivated by its premise. There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with shark films, even though only a handful manage to capture the essence of what makes them exhilarating. With numerous entries following a predictable formula, it’s refreshing to encounter a narrative that takes a different path. The concept of a deranged individual, played by Jai Courtney, who lures sharks with abducted women, has all the elements necessary for an exceptional shark horror film.
Dangerous Animals revolves around Zephyr, portrayed by Hassie Harrison, a free-spirited nomad who lives in her van and spends her days riding the waves. Unfortunately, her transient lifestyle makes her an ideal target for Tucker, a local tour guide with a sinister hobby of kidnapping individuals to film their gruesome feeding to sharks. As Zephyr races against time to find a way to escape before she becomes mere chum for the sharks, the film introduces a somewhat unnecessary romantic subplot involving Josh Heuston’s character, Moses. While the intention is to create a sense of urgency through his search for her, this subplot feels clichéd and detracts from the overall tension, leading to melodramatic moments that clash with the escalating peril on the boat.
True to the tradition of classic shark movies, this film expertly builds tension leading up to its first major shark encounter. However, instead of delivering a shocking revelation involving the sharks, the narrative emphasizes Tucker as the true villain of the story. The sharks, depicted as natural predators, are simply acting on instinct when food is present in the water. As the film progresses, we learn about Tucker’s gruesome history of crimes, heightening the sense of dread as it becomes evident he has been evading capture for a long time. The initial ten minutes of the film shine with palpable tension, but the pacing falters whenever Tucker is not in the frame.
Tucker’s character serves as a commentary on society’s obsession with shark violence. Each year, we indulge in Shark Week, inundating ourselves with stories of shark attacks on humans, often sensationalized and exaggerated. In contrast, Tucker’s actions are driven by his twisted desire to create those encounters, highlighting how public perception has been skewed by films like Jaws. This film attempts to challenge that narrative, and Jai Courtney delivers a stellar performance, fully embodying the character and making him one of the most captivating villains in recent memory.
The filmmakers ingeniously incorporate real footage of sharks, resulting in stunning visuals that enhance the viewing experience. While the focus typically falls on the notorious Great White or Tiger Shark, this film introduces audiences to the elegance of Mako sharks, providing a refreshing perspective. The ocean serves as a vast canvas, ensuring that various species coexist, with a formidable Great White taking center stage. This approach adds dynamism to the film as these creatures are not merely portrayed as antagonists. Yet, despite the film’s attempt to convey that sharks do not inherently target humans, the climactic conclusion veers into exaggerated territory, undermining its initial message.
The use of realistic shark puppets adds a layer of authenticity, enhancing the viewing experience, while the CGI employed for the sharks is generally well-executed, with the exception of one noticeable flaw that detracts from the overall quality. Although there are moments of intense gore during the shark attacks, the aftermath scenes are hauntingly brutal, with one particular shot of a dismembered body floating in the water leaving a lasting impression. The filmmakers strive to present sharks in a realistic manner, avoiding the typical jump-scare tropes prevalent in most shark thrillers. These sharks exhibit natural behavior and move at realistic speeds, offering a refreshing departure from the genre’s usual clichés.
However, I found myself distracted by the unnaturally still camera and boat during some of the ocean scenes. While I understand these shots may have been filmed on a sound stage for convenience, the complete lack of movement disrupts immersion, pulling me out of the film’s world. This disconnect may contribute to the ineffective drama, as the staged feel of these moments undermines the film’s tension. A slight sway of the camera could have enhanced the illusion of being on the open sea, but instead, it feels overly contrived.
While I had high hopes for Dangerous Animals, I ultimately found it to be enjoyable rather than exceptional. Jai Courtney shines in his role, delivering a memorable performance, but the film’s concept feels underutilized. The unnecessary romance subplot detracts from the gripping tension aboard the boat, and while its purpose is understood, it comes across as poorly executed. Nevertheless, the maniacal presence of Courtney and the suspenseful atmosphere make for a thrilling ride, even if it requires some suspension of disbelief.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS IS SET TO HIT THEATERS ON JUNE 6TH, 2025.
