Movie No. 151 (2013): ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Director: David Michod
Cast: James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Joel Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn
The basic story is familiar. A teenager (Josh Cody or J) suddenly finds himself alone; his mother has just died of heroin overdose. His grandmother comes to the rescue. He's taken into her 'lair.' He's now in a household whose 'inhabitants' are his uncles who are involved in different illegal trades. In fact, the whole family is a mid-level crime syndicate that operates in Melbourne. And her grandmother is a party in these activities. Jacki Weaver, playing the grandmother, gives a stunning performance as a demonic and scheming mother to J's uncles.
Director: David Michod
Cast: James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Joel Edgerton, Ben Mendelsohn
The basic story is familiar. A teenager (Josh Cody or J) suddenly finds himself alone; his mother has just died of heroin overdose. His grandmother comes to the rescue. He's taken into her 'lair.' He's now in a household whose 'inhabitants' are his uncles who are involved in different illegal trades. In fact, the whole family is a mid-level crime syndicate that operates in Melbourne. And her grandmother is a party in these activities. Jacki Weaver, playing the grandmother, gives a stunning performance as a demonic and scheming mother to J's uncles.
The film is dark. The mood it creates is menacing. I'm quite surprised of the effective use of Air Supply's All Out of Love as background music in one important scene. David Michod, as a first-time director, does things that makes this film extraordinary despite the familiar premise or storyline. The film is made stylish without sacrificing content. Performances are noteworthy, with special mention to Jacki Weaver who earned an Academy Award nomination for her work here.
This is one of the truly outstanding films I've seen in years. Some say it's Australia's Goodfellas; they have a point.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: August 18, 2013
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