Watch Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is a gripping and atmospheric Australian crime drama that was released in 2010. Written and directed by David Michôd, the film features a talented cast, including James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, and Joel Edgerton. The story follows a teenager named Josh, who has just lost his mother to a heroin overdose. Left alone in the world, he seeks refuge with his grandmother, Janine "Smurf" Cody, and her criminal family. Being a part of this family, Josh is thrust into a world of violence, revenge, and betrayal.

Janine is the matriarch of the Cody family, and she is played by Jacki Weaver. She portrays the character with a certain genteel menace that makes her seem much more dangerous than any of the men in the film. Janine's sons are also pivotal characters in the movie. Pope (Ben Mendelsohn) is the eldest, and he is a violent and unpredictable criminal who is wanted by the police. Craig (Sullivan Stapleton) is the middle son, and he is the muscle of the family. The youngest son, Darren (Luke Ford), is a bit more mild-mannered than the rest of the family, but he is still involved in their criminal activities.

Guy Pearce plays the role of Leckie, a detective who is tasked with taking down the Cody family. Leckie is a veteran cop who has seen a lot in his time on the force, and he knows how to play the game. He is not above bending the rules if it means getting the job done, but he also has a strong moral compass that guides his actions.

Joel Edgerton plays Barry "Baz" Brown, who is a close associate of the Cody family. He is not a blood relative, but he is still considered a member of the family. Baz is a bit more level-headed than the Cody brothers, and he serves as a kind of mediator between Pope and the others.

Animal Kingdom is a slow-burn thriller that builds tension throughout its runtime. The movie is full of intense and often violent scenes, but it also manages to find moments of humanity and tenderness. One of the strengths of the film is the way it portrays the emotional dynamics of the Cody family. They are all bound together by a shared history and a fierce loyalty, but they are also capable of turning on one another in an instant.

The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw is also worth mentioning. The movie is shot in a way that emphasizes the claustrophobic and insular nature of the Cody family's world. There are a lot of close-ups and tight shots, which heighten the sense of paranoia and danger.

Animal Kingdom was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented David Michôd's reputation as a talented filmmaker. The movie won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The film also received several nominations at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, where it won four trophies, including Best Film and Best Director.

Overall, Animal Kingdom is a tense and visceral crime drama that offers a unique perspective on the genre. It has excellent performances, stylish cinematography, and a compelling story that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Animal Kingdom is a 2010 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 83.