At satire, a coming-of-age story, and ecological fable... The Animal Kingdom is all that at the same time. It is also a drama and a comedy, a love story, a father-son story... A hybrid film of crazy ambition, which unfolds gradually to end up as nothing less than a redefinition of our relationship to the world and to nature. Without grandiloquent speeches but with great intelligence in the distillation of its story elements and a great sense of imagery. Because above all else, The Animal Kingdom is a real, big fantasy film, which makes the most of its average French film budget to show creatures and shots never seen before, ones that we'll never forget. Without saying too much, the way in which one specific creature returns in the film and causes a shift in the perception of the characters and the audience simply by the way it is filmed demonstrates an acute science of cinematographic art. It might now work for some people, but I am convinced that for others this film can be a truly foundational experience. People will decide to make films after seeing this film, people will change their lives. I saw it 4 days ago and in moments of doubt or sadness, I think about it and it's like a balm. To be honest, I don't really know how to explain it. There is something magical about this film.
19 Reviews
Too weak for such a powerful premise
Bored_Dragon9 March 2024
An unusual phenomenon is spreading in the world. Humans randomly start mutating into animals. The cause of this process is unknown, and the treatments do not give results. The film focuses on a high school student who lives with his father, while his mother is in the process of mutation in a specialized institution.
"The Animal Kingdom" is a coming-of-age drama with elements of fantasy and horror and some humor. It can be interpreted in various ways, literally and metaphorically, but I don't want to get into that multitude of interpretations, let everyone judge for themselves. I will present only my impressions, positive and negative.
The film is visually beautiful. Cinematography, make-up, and effects are superb, and for much less money than in Hollywood. The creatures, for lack of a better term, are striking and endearing. Romain Duris is good in the role of the father, and Paul Kircher in the role of the son gave an Oscar-worthy performance. I like the messages that the film sends, and the main asset is certainly the originality of the premise and the approach to it.
However, in my opinion, the script is too weak for such an original and interesting idea. The story is insufficiently developed, especially for a film of over two hours. You will not find out how and why these mutations occur and on what scale. If humans devolved into lower primates, the film would fall into the realm of sci-fi, but as they randomly mutate into literally anything and everything, not just mammals, but insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, I'd rather classify it as fairy tale fantasy, which conflicts with the very realistic tone of the film. I get the impression that "The Animal Kingdom" got dissolved in trying to cover too many themes and send too many messages across too many genres, and as a result, it felt sketchy and tepid. The authors bit off more than they could swallow and failed to fulfill the big potential of the project they embarked on.
Overall, a technically good but essentially disappointing film. Still, it's worth watching, if for no other reason than for the contrast to the garbage America is showering us with, the original ideas and performance of Paul Kircher.
7/10.
"The Animal Kingdom" is a coming-of-age drama with elements of fantasy and horror and some humor. It can be interpreted in various ways, literally and metaphorically, but I don't want to get into that multitude of interpretations, let everyone judge for themselves. I will present only my impressions, positive and negative.
The film is visually beautiful. Cinematography, make-up, and effects are superb, and for much less money than in Hollywood. The creatures, for lack of a better term, are striking and endearing. Romain Duris is good in the role of the father, and Paul Kircher in the role of the son gave an Oscar-worthy performance. I like the messages that the film sends, and the main asset is certainly the originality of the premise and the approach to it.
However, in my opinion, the script is too weak for such an original and interesting idea. The story is insufficiently developed, especially for a film of over two hours. You will not find out how and why these mutations occur and on what scale. If humans devolved into lower primates, the film would fall into the realm of sci-fi, but as they randomly mutate into literally anything and everything, not just mammals, but insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, I'd rather classify it as fairy tale fantasy, which conflicts with the very realistic tone of the film. I get the impression that "The Animal Kingdom" got dissolved in trying to cover too many themes and send too many messages across too many genres, and as a result, it felt sketchy and tepid. The authors bit off more than they could swallow and failed to fulfill the big potential of the project they embarked on.
Overall, a technically good but essentially disappointing film. Still, it's worth watching, if for no other reason than for the contrast to the garbage America is showering us with, the original ideas and performance of Paul Kircher.
7/10.
7.2/10. Recommended
athanasiosze27 February 2024
The term "multilayered" is so overused in reviews but this is the first word that came into my mind as i am writing this. This is the definition of a "multilayered" movie. There are so many interpretations for this movie, even contradictory to each other. But it's not even an "open to interpretation" movie, i mean, you can take literally what is happening here, it's not necessary to look for metaphors or allegories. Personally though, i don't think this is a straightforward story. I believe there is a message here, in fact, this is a GREAT message, not like some suspicious and weird Holywood messages. The message here is : UNITY. Don't let powerful people/Governments/International or local Institutions/billionaires and even our inside fears and bad part of ourselves divide us. Power to the people.
Regarding the movie per se : Not just multilayered but even a multiple genre movie. A coming of age dramedy? A drama fantasy? A sci fi thriller? A post apocalyptic movie? A dark comedy/allegory? It's difficult to categorize it. In any case, this was enjoyable, even exciting at times. The biggest flaw here was its running time, this should have been 15 minutes shorter because there were some unnecessary/boring scenes. And the pace was not good at times. But overall, these things were not a distraction. Characters are so likeable that you root hard for them. Duris is a famous, great actor but Kircher was also amazing. Exarchopoulos did also a good job. There were many intense moments, many emotional moments and whilst there were not mindblowing twists, still i couldn't guess exactly where it goes.
The ending was MAGNIFICENT.
More ambitious movies like this, please.
Regarding the movie per se : Not just multilayered but even a multiple genre movie. A coming of age dramedy? A drama fantasy? A sci fi thriller? A post apocalyptic movie? A dark comedy/allegory? It's difficult to categorize it. In any case, this was enjoyable, even exciting at times. The biggest flaw here was its running time, this should have been 15 minutes shorter because there were some unnecessary/boring scenes. And the pace was not good at times. But overall, these things were not a distraction. Characters are so likeable that you root hard for them. Duris is a famous, great actor but Kircher was also amazing. Exarchopoulos did also a good job. There were many intense moments, many emotional moments and whilst there were not mindblowing twists, still i couldn't guess exactly where it goes.
The ending was MAGNIFICENT.
More ambitious movies like this, please.
Sci-Fi Marvel 'The Animal Kingdom': A Cinematic Triumph
peymanearn3 February 2024
Caught this gem at Leeds Film Festival 2023-mind-bending sci-fi! Ingenious ecological themes, subtly tackling modern issues. The father-son bond, portrayed flawlessly, lingers. Perfect casting, especially the son-raw angst and joy. Fellow cast members ace their roles, loved Fix and Froggy. Plot spoilers aside, it's a rare cinematic marvel. A satire, coming-of-age, and ecological fable in one, redefining our connection to the world. A fantasy film with mind-blowing creatures and imagery on an average budget. The return of a specific creature shifts perceptions artfully. A film that might inspire future filmmakers and change lives-it's truly magical. The potential realism adds another layer. The acting, effects, and classroom dynamic-stellar. An absolute must-see, seamlessly blending reality and fantasy.
A French fantasy with heart
watchitwombat18 March 2024
When people start randomly turning into animals, a father and son must keep a secret from a small town.
Firstly this is one of the best opening scenes to a movie I've seen in a while. It sets up the whole premise while circumnavigating your expectations.
It's not a superhero movie but it definitely has the feel of the earlier X-men films. Focusing on teens transitioning into adults/ mutants/ animals.
I doubt The Animal Kingdom had the budget of a Marvel movie but the action is used sparingly and to great effect. Unlike most comic book movies it feels grounded in reality, which makes it even more shocking when a new beast appears.
The relationship between father and son is believable and you want the best for both of them.
Overall, a great coming of age film with a fantasy twist.
If you're new to the 1 inch barrier, than this is a great way to induct yourself into the world of foreign film.
The Animal Kingdom is screening at the French Film Festival now.
@WatchItWombat.
Firstly this is one of the best opening scenes to a movie I've seen in a while. It sets up the whole premise while circumnavigating your expectations.
It's not a superhero movie but it definitely has the feel of the earlier X-men films. Focusing on teens transitioning into adults/ mutants/ animals.
I doubt The Animal Kingdom had the budget of a Marvel movie but the action is used sparingly and to great effect. Unlike most comic book movies it feels grounded in reality, which makes it even more shocking when a new beast appears.
The relationship between father and son is believable and you want the best for both of them.
Overall, a great coming of age film with a fantasy twist.
If you're new to the 1 inch barrier, than this is a great way to induct yourself into the world of foreign film.
The Animal Kingdom is screening at the French Film Festival now.
@WatchItWombat.
We are ... animal
kosmasp25 September 2023
No pun intended - with all the cloning going on ... it might just be a matter of time, that some of what we see in this movie actually happens. Of course this is more than just our animalistic side - hidden inside us, now quite obvious (at least in the movie). It also shows how we discriminate - against anything we deem ... not "normal". Who decides what is normal you ask? Good question ... it changes and shifts a lot.
The acting is really good and the effects are great too. The movie works really good and the ideas are well done. Also it may have the best class room dynamic scene you have seen in a while ... realistic while being fantastic? Yes it is possible .. see this movie for more ...
The acting is really good and the effects are great too. The movie works really good and the ideas are well done. Also it may have the best class room dynamic scene you have seen in a while ... realistic while being fantastic? Yes it is possible .. see this movie for more ...
Superheroes of other universes
olcayozfirat24 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It is a 2023 fantasy drama film of French origin. In the movie, there is an epidemic that turns people into animals. People start killing creatures because they cannot find a cure for this disease.
The film is about a man trying to find his wife, who has transformed due to the epidemic, before anyone else. But the real incident happens between the man and his son. These two don't get along very well. The boy is very headstrong, the man is authoritarian. But when the child also catches the epidemic, they begin to get closer.
The ending of the movie is emotional and the music playing in the background is great. I can say that the relationship between the girl and the boy is suspended.
There is a small sexual scene in the movie.
The film is about a man trying to find his wife, who has transformed due to the epidemic, before anyone else. But the real incident happens between the man and his son. These two don't get along very well. The boy is very headstrong, the man is authoritarian. But when the child also catches the epidemic, they begin to get closer.
The ending of the movie is emotional and the music playing in the background is great. I can say that the relationship between the girl and the boy is suspended.
There is a small sexual scene in the movie.
Really interesting and thought provoking
rlbrock-439855 November 2023
Caught this at the Sci Fi Day of Leeds Film Festival 2023. Like most good Science fiction it's got me thinking and reflecting on the modern issues explored by proxy. It's sort of an ecological anti-othering of different people and a great father and son bonding film.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot which is great. But for me, this film has a rarely seen perfect casting. The son is superb all gangly pout, angst and joy and sympathy. Together his father and him have a spot on relationship and great chemistry.
Every other member of the cast esp his school chums really fit their roles to a T. Ps also loved Fix and Froggy. The make up effects are fantastic too.
This one is going to stay with me for a while.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot which is great. But for me, this film has a rarely seen perfect casting. The son is superb all gangly pout, angst and joy and sympathy. Together his father and him have a spot on relationship and great chemistry.
Every other member of the cast esp his school chums really fit their roles to a T. Ps also loved Fix and Froggy. The make up effects are fantastic too.
This one is going to stay with me for a while.
Unique movie that could have been 30 minutes shorter
aronharde1 April 2024
I was really looking forward to watch this movie since it had such a unique idea with some decent budget behind it. The movie looks beautiful and we are introduced to a fascinating world where some people start to mutate into wild animals or some would say beasts. It's an interesting coming of age story told in a unique fashion. However I think there are definitely some pacing issues and the final result is way too long. I enjoyed spending time in this world but after some while I repeatedly stared at the clock to see how long the movie still runs and that is never a good sign. Also I think the movie was pretty tame and could have delved deeper into its dark side. In the end it's certainly a unique movie but it also is not without its flaws. [5,8/10]
Too many ideas, none fully finished up
gcarpiceci12 October 2023
Le Règne Animal is a bunch of unfulfilled ideas: it might look like an horror movie but it is not scary enough; it might look like a post-apocalyptic story but then again we are not given to understand where it comes from and where it goes; it might even be a father and son story but that would be rather superficial wouldn't it be? Or might it be a moralistic and politically correct story about diversity and gender discrimination?
Since the movie seems to be wanting to pursue each of the above themes, it doesn't fully deliver on any - and the beautiful photography is not enough to save the day.
Since the movie seems to be wanting to pursue each of the above themes, it doesn't fully deliver on any - and the beautiful photography is not enough to save the day.
A breath of fresh air for the fantastic French.
monstergeniusv13 March 2024
The animal kingdom is a film that does good, already it is a new proof that when French fantasy cinema dares, it is. Imperfect also, yes, some dialogue and situation are not perfectly credible with some biases in the history a little steep and fast, But we easily forgive him so much to see the real staging and endearing characters all in a scenario that surprises and surprises, offers a real breath of fresh air. Full of poetry, the story managed to do what we have been waiting for so long: a real fantasy film, not an American film antic.
My only regret, even if the casting is interesting, remains the director of actor who at times is a really little right especially with the character of Émile and Julia (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Romain Duris is as for him and as often, impeccable. So yes the dialogues are not always well written and it's even quite surprising, because the film is doing very well at other times. In short, it is a bit irregular and it is a bit of a shame, like its history which does not always sound very realistic in the treatment of bugs in our society.
But the heart is elsewhere, the Animal Kingdom also chooses to be more poetic than realistic and it is little to be for better to avoid some discomfort that could occur for the benefit of what it tells. He catches up in every way with a treatment much smarter than it seems, full of meaning with his quality staging. The special effects are superb, the story offers an intelligent look that takes the guts (personally I really hooked from half) with a touch of humor well dosed. A little like the main character who assumes himself, the film seems to follow the same path, when he becomes himself, he touches with the finger what we hoped for more with French fantasy cinema: to tell something powerful and authentic without overbidding. Sign of our time, emphasis of our time on our own metamorphosis, it is a real moment of unexpected freedom that makes a crazy good.
My only regret, even if the casting is interesting, remains the director of actor who at times is a really little right especially with the character of Émile and Julia (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Romain Duris is as for him and as often, impeccable. So yes the dialogues are not always well written and it's even quite surprising, because the film is doing very well at other times. In short, it is a bit irregular and it is a bit of a shame, like its history which does not always sound very realistic in the treatment of bugs in our society.
But the heart is elsewhere, the Animal Kingdom also chooses to be more poetic than realistic and it is little to be for better to avoid some discomfort that could occur for the benefit of what it tells. He catches up in every way with a treatment much smarter than it seems, full of meaning with his quality staging. The special effects are superb, the story offers an intelligent look that takes the guts (personally I really hooked from half) with a touch of humor well dosed. A little like the main character who assumes himself, the film seems to follow the same path, when he becomes himself, he touches with the finger what we hoped for more with French fantasy cinema: to tell something powerful and authentic without overbidding. Sign of our time, emphasis of our time on our own metamorphosis, it is a real moment of unexpected freedom that makes a crazy good.
Lacks purpose
apereztenessa-18 April 2024
This film has been a box office success -and to some extent a critic success- in France. Why so much passion for this film there? Because it represents a type of film that France likes to imagine it can do: popular, entertaining, well-crafted including on the special effects side, but ultimately much deeper than an American blockbuster.
And it is true that measured against that standard, the Animal Kingdom is more interesting. But it plays in a different segment. For better or worse, American blockbusters aim at providing "mindless entertainment", target teenagers and have little or no artistic intent. They are to film what McDonald's is to cuisine.
But if you try to cook actual cuisine, or make a real film, then you will be measured against that higher standard. And that's where Animal Kingdom falls short.
The main issue is that the story of the characters never extends beyond an excuse for a long physical transformation, almost as if the transformation scene in a werewolf movie had taken over the full movie. Don't get me wrong: there are some stories and some character development in the film, but it's very clear that they are the accessories of the transformation, as opposed to the transformation being the accessory of the story.
And it is true that measured against that standard, the Animal Kingdom is more interesting. But it plays in a different segment. For better or worse, American blockbusters aim at providing "mindless entertainment", target teenagers and have little or no artistic intent. They are to film what McDonald's is to cuisine.
But if you try to cook actual cuisine, or make a real film, then you will be measured against that higher standard. And that's where Animal Kingdom falls short.
The main issue is that the story of the characters never extends beyond an excuse for a long physical transformation, almost as if the transformation scene in a werewolf movie had taken over the full movie. Don't get me wrong: there are some stories and some character development in the film, but it's very clear that they are the accessories of the transformation, as opposed to the transformation being the accessory of the story.
One of the most stunning films I've seen in years
manuelasaez24 February 2024
While Hollywood is on it's death spiral by focusing on political and feminist nonsense, the rest of the world is pumping out hit after hit. Argentina with When Evil Lurks, Japan with Godzilla Minus 1, and now France with this marvelous film. A film about a father and son who must endure hardships in order to keep their family whole, the type of movie you wouldn't see Hollywood making anymore.
There is so much to take in about this lovely film, from the beautiful directorial work to the wonderful cinematography, but it's the cast that really shines in this movie. Both the father and son were cast perfectly, and even the supporting characters, like the Birdman, really made you care and sympathize with what was transpiring in the film. Interestingly, watching this movie, we followed along with three separate stories; the father looking for his wife, the son whose life has been altered in more ways than one, and the birdman, who simply wants to make his namesake proud. It's the story of three separate men, but it's also the story of manhood, and how it endures even when faced with the harshest trial and tribulations.
I watched this movie in awe, because it's the first time in a long time that I've watched a movie made for people like me. I was just so moved by the struggles of each of the men in this film, and how they each dealt with their hardships and all came out stronger in the end. It's a true testament to the enduring nature of the entire male gender, and really makes a man proud to have XY chromosomes coursing through his body.
One of the best, most original films I've seen in years. Everything from the acting to the CGI worked in harmony to create something that will surely leave a lasting impression. I'd be hard pressed to find a real film buff that would dislike this movie in any way. Yes, it's that well done.
There is so much to take in about this lovely film, from the beautiful directorial work to the wonderful cinematography, but it's the cast that really shines in this movie. Both the father and son were cast perfectly, and even the supporting characters, like the Birdman, really made you care and sympathize with what was transpiring in the film. Interestingly, watching this movie, we followed along with three separate stories; the father looking for his wife, the son whose life has been altered in more ways than one, and the birdman, who simply wants to make his namesake proud. It's the story of three separate men, but it's also the story of manhood, and how it endures even when faced with the harshest trial and tribulations.
I watched this movie in awe, because it's the first time in a long time that I've watched a movie made for people like me. I was just so moved by the struggles of each of the men in this film, and how they each dealt with their hardships and all came out stronger in the end. It's a true testament to the enduring nature of the entire male gender, and really makes a man proud to have XY chromosomes coursing through his body.
One of the best, most original films I've seen in years. Everything from the acting to the CGI worked in harmony to create something that will surely leave a lasting impression. I'd be hard pressed to find a real film buff that would dislike this movie in any way. Yes, it's that well done.
Pulled me right in
flo-mo10 February 2024
I didn't expect much - the story sounded intriguing but more than often the execution is lacking.
Boy, was I wrong. This one pulled me right in. It's a very well rounded film, impressive actors, great storytelling, amazing pictures / camera work and very catchy music. It really felt like I was part of the story.
Is this the best film I've ever seen? Probably not. But it is a great production and I had an exciting evening with a lot of emotions. We even talked about it for quite a while afterwards.
It's very nice to see european film productions on that level. I hope it'll hit the streaming services some day soon.
Boy, was I wrong. This one pulled me right in. It's a very well rounded film, impressive actors, great storytelling, amazing pictures / camera work and very catchy music. It really felt like I was part of the story.
Is this the best film I've ever seen? Probably not. But it is a great production and I had an exciting evening with a lot of emotions. We even talked about it for quite a while afterwards.
It's very nice to see european film productions on that level. I hope it'll hit the streaming services some day soon.
The importance of family strength
Irena_Spa6 February 2024
It has an interesting plot, given for thinking. In some way we can compare it with some movies where the population is divided by species, as humans and witches, or humans and werewolves and vampires, but here we have humans and half human/half animal species, in some way as from the story Swamp thing. It is happening in France and in plot the state forces and the army make some huge concrete fences to cage those halp human creatures, while doctors pursue a cure, which reminds of the concept of concentration camps. The concept of this movie is to show how important in the familiy is love, and the family itself.
Paul Kircher
yusufpiskin10 February 2024
We are in a period when European cinema, which has always been ahead of Hollywood in terms of quality and quantity, has caught up with Hollywood in terms of technique and budget.
While European cinema workers are using this technical skill and budget to serve the script, Hollywood is still looking for a shot.
In this sense, 'Le Regne Animal' is a very valuable production.
It was a movie that entered my radar as soon as I saw its poster at the French Cultural Center affiliated with the French consulate in Istanbul in 2022.
César Award director Thomas Cailley, with the support of his amazing behind-the-scenes team, manages to keep the audience's focus from the first seconds to the last moment of the film.
But the real reason why I'm waiting for this movie with great excitement is Paul Kircher.
Take note of this name, keep an eye on it...
And definitely watch this movie.
While European cinema workers are using this technical skill and budget to serve the script, Hollywood is still looking for a shot.
In this sense, 'Le Regne Animal' is a very valuable production.
It was a movie that entered my radar as soon as I saw its poster at the French Cultural Center affiliated with the French consulate in Istanbul in 2022.
César Award director Thomas Cailley, with the support of his amazing behind-the-scenes team, manages to keep the audience's focus from the first seconds to the last moment of the film.
But the real reason why I'm waiting for this movie with great excitement is Paul Kircher.
Take note of this name, keep an eye on it...
And definitely watch this movie.
A well crafted parable.
plupu6618 March 2024
I would start by stating what this film is NOT about. It is NOT a zombie/mutant flick where you kill them before they eat your brain. It is NOT about goodie good guys fighting the clearly evil baddies. I started this review by stating that this is not the regular fare one finds in theatres or on TV - in order to trim down the unhappy viewers who may give it a low rating.
The mutant premise is just - in my view - a means to present two main topics.
1) How do we - as individuals, as a society - treat those who are different: other sexual orientation, other religion, other life style. How do we treat people with (what we see as) challenges - mental physical, behavioural? How do we deal with people and situations that make us uncomfortable? How do we deal with those who challenge - rightfully or wrongfully - the accepted social norms. Do we also treat them "humanly" or do we throw them at the periphery of society - under lock and key preferably?
2) The heart warming (wrenching?) story of a family. How far does love for and commitment to one's spouse go when circumstances change dramatically? How does a father react when he finds out that his son is "different"? Should he convince his son to stay "in the mold" to avoid trouble with society or does he allow his son to be what he actually is deep inside?
There seems to be a third theme in there - ecological destruction - but it was less clear to me.
The acting and the special effects are also great.
Why I gave only 9 stars instead of 10? It was because the film tried to cram too much into two hours - too many ideas, too many images that one has a hard time catching and internalizing. (maybe i will watch it a second time in slow-mo.)
The mutant premise is just - in my view - a means to present two main topics.
1) How do we - as individuals, as a society - treat those who are different: other sexual orientation, other religion, other life style. How do we treat people with (what we see as) challenges - mental physical, behavioural? How do we deal with people and situations that make us uncomfortable? How do we deal with those who challenge - rightfully or wrongfully - the accepted social norms. Do we also treat them "humanly" or do we throw them at the periphery of society - under lock and key preferably?
2) The heart warming (wrenching?) story of a family. How far does love for and commitment to one's spouse go when circumstances change dramatically? How does a father react when he finds out that his son is "different"? Should he convince his son to stay "in the mold" to avoid trouble with society or does he allow his son to be what he actually is deep inside?
There seems to be a third theme in there - ecological destruction - but it was less clear to me.
The acting and the special effects are also great.
Why I gave only 9 stars instead of 10? It was because the film tried to cram too much into two hours - too many ideas, too many images that one has a hard time catching and internalizing. (maybe i will watch it a second time in slow-mo.)
humans and creatures
dromasca8 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
'Le règne animal' (2023), the second feature film of the French director Thomas Cailley, is a film that may confuse or disturb many of those who dare to see it. It is not recommended for those who do not like 'horror' films, but it is not a classic film in this genre either. It is an ecological and philosophical parable, but it is delivered in a package that is very different from that of art films. It's also a coming-of-age film and a father-son relationship, but these take place under extreme conditions that challenge conventions and overturn generally accepted principles. It is a disturbing, powerful and original film that aims to stay in the memory of those who have seen it without ever trying to be likeable.
The scene that opens the film takes place in a huge traffic jam, something quite common on French roads. A father, François, and his son, Émile, are stuck in a car. However, the reason for the blockage is not at all common. A strange creature, half man - half bird, had escaped from an ambulance. In the world where the story takes place, strange phenomena occur. Some people, touched by a mysterious disease, begin to turn into animals. The process is gradual, at first there are signs, then they become hybrids, they can end up looking like monsters. Those untouched by the disease call them 'creatures' and intern them in special 'centres' surrounded by prison walls and barbed wire. François's wife and Émile's mother is one of those ill. On the way to the south of France, where she had been assigned to such a 'centre', a car accident occurs. We don't know for sure if she survives. Father and son start looking for her in a forest populated by escaped 'creatures'. The teenage son, going through the crises of age and the inherent conflicts with his father, begins to show the first signs of the disease.
We can watch 'Le règne animal' as a horror film, but we can't help but wonder whose behavior is monstrous. Of 'creatures' who aspire to freedom or of people who behave with them as human social groups have often behaved in history with those considered 'foreigners 'aliens': with immigrants, with the natives of newly discovered territories, with those considered as belonging to 'the lower races', with the sick suffering from diseases that inspire fear. The directorial vision accentuates the sense of fantastical dystopia. The scenes that take place in the 'human kingdom' start with an appearance of normality thanks to the settings that are familiar to us (cars, a holiday village, a classroom, a supermarket) but each time a strange element appears that breaks the balance. Paradoxically, the scenes in a natural setting that represent the 'animal kingdom' are the ones that start from the fantastic to insert the emotions. Visually, some of these reminded me of James Cameron's 'Avatar', although the investment was probably several orders of magnitude lower in the French film. Romain Duris and Paul Kircher create a permanent dynamic in the relationship between father and son, presenting us with a family cell that faces the hostile unknown and manages to stay together and understand each other even when words no longer can express feelings. Tom Mercier, whom I noticed in 'Synonyms', also appears in the film in a supporting but important role. 'Le règne animal' is a special movie from many points of view. Many viewers will drop out somewhere in the middle. Those who will remain will be, in my opinion, the winers.
The scene that opens the film takes place in a huge traffic jam, something quite common on French roads. A father, François, and his son, Émile, are stuck in a car. However, the reason for the blockage is not at all common. A strange creature, half man - half bird, had escaped from an ambulance. In the world where the story takes place, strange phenomena occur. Some people, touched by a mysterious disease, begin to turn into animals. The process is gradual, at first there are signs, then they become hybrids, they can end up looking like monsters. Those untouched by the disease call them 'creatures' and intern them in special 'centres' surrounded by prison walls and barbed wire. François's wife and Émile's mother is one of those ill. On the way to the south of France, where she had been assigned to such a 'centre', a car accident occurs. We don't know for sure if she survives. Father and son start looking for her in a forest populated by escaped 'creatures'. The teenage son, going through the crises of age and the inherent conflicts with his father, begins to show the first signs of the disease.
We can watch 'Le règne animal' as a horror film, but we can't help but wonder whose behavior is monstrous. Of 'creatures' who aspire to freedom or of people who behave with them as human social groups have often behaved in history with those considered 'foreigners 'aliens': with immigrants, with the natives of newly discovered territories, with those considered as belonging to 'the lower races', with the sick suffering from diseases that inspire fear. The directorial vision accentuates the sense of fantastical dystopia. The scenes that take place in the 'human kingdom' start with an appearance of normality thanks to the settings that are familiar to us (cars, a holiday village, a classroom, a supermarket) but each time a strange element appears that breaks the balance. Paradoxically, the scenes in a natural setting that represent the 'animal kingdom' are the ones that start from the fantastic to insert the emotions. Visually, some of these reminded me of James Cameron's 'Avatar', although the investment was probably several orders of magnitude lower in the French film. Romain Duris and Paul Kircher create a permanent dynamic in the relationship between father and son, presenting us with a family cell that faces the hostile unknown and manages to stay together and understand each other even when words no longer can express feelings. Tom Mercier, whom I noticed in 'Synonyms', also appears in the film in a supporting but important role. 'Le règne animal' is a special movie from many points of view. Many viewers will drop out somewhere in the middle. Those who will remain will be, in my opinion, the winers.
Good intentions but finally lame
searchanddestroy-113 April 2024
I think this film was more or less inspired by the David Cronenberg's filmography, or even Robert Altman's BREWSTER MC CLOUD, or ISLAND OF LOST SOULS - DOCTEUR MOREAU, most of them speaking of mutation, yes, mutations of all kinds. Physically and psychologically. There are many details here, very clumsy, lousy, but the overall topic plot, if of course daring, bold. For instance, the glance, eyes, of the creature do not match with the rest of the make-up..he has the eyes of a simple extra hired the morning in a cafe to play the creature...It is French and corny with such details. The master David Cronenberg would have offered us something far far better. But it's still worth watching.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
