Dangerous Animals – Review

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: I hate the idea of being in water with sharks, much less being digested partially or in full by one. And to be fair, I don’t even like the idea of being in water with large sea creatures of any kind. So basically, the ocean is out for me. Yes, partly this is due to seeing Jaws while young, and also partly due to me having a rational brain.

SO, why so I still watch movies about sharks and/or sharks eating people? Well, I still like to feel anxious and thrilled by crazy multi-toothed creatures, especially if it’s through the screen and not through the tiny and fragile cage.

Dangerous Animals introduces us to blood and sharks right off the bat, before moving on to Zephyr (Harrison), a free-spirited American surfer who is in the Outback hitting up amazing waves and get as far away from her past as possible. There is not much for her on land, so she spends her time driving her van between beaches and hitting up new locales. She doesn’t allow herself to get tied down, even when meeting young beaus like Moses Markley (Heuston).

She decides to hit a late-night rip and heads to the beach for a night surf. She is warned that it can get pretty hectic by a local man Bruce Tucker (Courtney) who lets her borrow a fin key from his truck. He gives it to her as he has heaps, then drives off in his raggedy vehicle. She wants to hit early barrels on her board, and makes a quick breakfast. Moses asks to join, and she considers it at first.

Then, enter CHAOS. Zephyr is put to the test with a violent man, and treacherous waters. Dangerous Animals combines serial killers and sharks to a devious result. It is a well done and fast-paced thriller about an insane killer and his obsession with underwater carnage makers.

I mean, is the story really that good you ask? Well, okay, let’s be honest, there is only so much real estate for the set-up to work with, but this one does a good job. The setup is good enough, and unfortunately believable as well as in reality people can get a bit nutty. The actors make their characters sympathetic enough, and they are not total idiots, which adds to the tension. The killer is a psycho, and decently scary, so if thrillers are your thing this one should fit the bill. This is a good role for Jai Courtney, who leans into the right aspects.