Exploring the Thrills of Dangerous Animals
Since its emergence in 1970, the genre known as Ozploitation has produced various intriguing films, with Dangerous Animals drawing notable comparisons to the notorious 2005 terror tale, Wolf Creek. However, this time, the horror unfolds in the unforgiving landscape of the ocean. Both films delve into the psyche of a deranged killer stalking unsuspecting travelers, delivering graphic violence and brutal terror that may appeal to fans of horror and exploitation cinema. Directed by Sean Byrne, this film doesn’t fully capitalize on the campy charm that could elevate it to the heights of some recent shark-centered thrillers such as The Shallows and The Meg, yet it remains engaging with its compelling narrative and a formidable lead character in distress.
The Australian Shark Thriller Landscape
Australia has a deep-rooted fascination with sharks, particularly along its picturesque beaches and rugged coastlines, home to numerous Great Whites. Despite the country’s ideal setting for shark-themed thrillers, many recent movies in the genre have failed to deliver the expected excitement. Noteworthy exceptions include the taut thriller The Reef from 2010, and Bait 3D in 2012, which gained attention for its outrageous storyline involving sharks in a flooded supermarket. A sequel titled Deep Water is on the horizon, directed by Renny Harlin, known for his adept handling of aquatic horror, as seen in Deep Blue Sea.
Debuting at Cannes
Dangerous Animals recently premiered at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and is set for release on June 6 through IFC and Shudder. Although it may not rank among the best or worst entries in the prolific shark horror genre that originates from the legendary Jaws, Byrne’s film earns a place for its distinctly macabre and menacing storytelling.
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
The film takes a dark turn onboard a decrepit fishing vessel, where the psychopathic captain, Tucker (portrayed by Jai Courtney), subjects his victims to horrific fates, documenting their gruesome demise for his sinister collection of snuff films. His fixation on torture escalates to chilling levels; he even maintains a lock of hair from each victim as a gruesome memento.
Over two decades, Courtney’s evolution as an actor—from a charming young lead to a formidable character actor—is on full display. He embodies Tucker with charisma and a sense of underlying menace, though the screenplay by Nick Lepard falls short in developing deeper psychological insights.
Tourism Meets Terror
Set in the tourist hotspot of Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Tucker runs a deceptive business offering “Swimming with Sharks” tours to thrill-seeking young travelers. The naivety of his clients is highlighted when he poses unsettling queries like, “So, I assume no one knows you’re here?”
Among his victims is Canadian adventurer Greg (Liam Greinke) and Heather (Ella Newton), a British hostel guest. As Tucker distances himself from shore, humor mingles uncomfortably with tension through his sinister jokes about “human chum.” The initial excitement of the shark cage dive starkly transitions to horror when Tucker brutally sacrifices Greg in front of a horrified Heather.
Parallel Stories of Survival
Meanwhile, Moses (Josh Heuston), an ambitious young real estate agent, finds himself entangled with Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), an American surfer. Their flirtation quickly leads to intimacy, but Zephyr’s free-spirited nature sees her flee when things get too personal. When Moses discovers she is missing, he embarks on a desperate quest to save her from Tucker’s clutches after witnessing her abduction. The film effectively juxtaposes the lives of the main characters, heightening the stakes as the narrative progresses.
A Heroine’s Strength
Hassie Harrison’s performance is strong, showcasing a survival instinct and resilience essential for her character, Zephyr. Her tenacious spirit sets her apart as she navigates the horrific captor-victim dynamic. Tucker’s taunting remarks about her being a fighter only solidify Zephyr’s role as a formidable character capable of holding her own against his atrocities.
Building Tension and Suspense
Byrne’s approach to tension centers around the constant cycle of attempts at escape and brutal losses for Zephyr, fostering a relentless suspenseful atmosphere. Tucker’s deranged philosophy on life and predation offers a disturbing backdrop as he revels in the fear he instills in those he captures. Yet, it’s during his moments of primal rage that Courtney truly shines as a villain.
This horror thriller culminates in a balance of narrative lulls and heightened intensity, particularly through an evocative post-kill dance scene featuring Tucker, where he expresses his twisted joy in a moment that blends dark humor with horror.
Final Thoughts
While Dangerous Animals may not be for the faint-hearted, its grim portrayal of survival against all odds coupled with genuine moments of suspense makes it a noteworthy entry in the shark horror genre. Whether viewers will appreciate its gruesome elements largely depends on their tolerance for visceral horror. However, for those who revel in blood-soaked narratives, this film provides a satisfying thrill.
In sum, while Sean Byrne leans on some familiar genre tropes and jump scares, his clever integration of real shark footage with live action captures a haunting sense of reality, providing a fresh perspective within the waters of horror cinema.