Watch Animals

Animals is a 2012 British-Spanish film that revolves around the lives of three young men who come from different backgrounds but share a common interest in partying, drugs, and sex. The movie is directed by Marçal Forés and stars Oriol Pla, Augustus Prew, and Dimitri Leonidas in the lead roles. The story takes place in a sleepy suburban town where the three friends spend their days playing video games, smoking weed, and hooking up with random strangers. One day, they stumble upon a mysterious animal carcass that seems to have supernatural powers. As they investigate further, they discover that the animal is part of a larger conspiracy involving the local government and a secret organization intent on exploiting the animal's powers.

The film begins with introducing the three friends: Pol, a shy and introverted teenager who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality; Llorenç, a charismatic and confident young man who is looking for his next sexual conquest; and Javi, a troubled and rebellious youth who has a strained relationship with his family. As the movie progresses, we see the three friends navigating their complicated lives and dealing with personal issues while also getting involved in the conspiracy surrounding the animal.

The film's pacing is slow but deliberate, with much of the first act focused on establishing the characters and their relationships with each other. The cinematography and direction are excellent, with the use of lighting and color creating a dreamy and surreal atmosphere that adds to the film's otherworldly feel.

One of the standout performances in the film is by Oriol Pla, who portrays Pol with a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity that is captivating to watch. His burgeoning relationship with Llorenç is one of the film's main subplots and is handled with care and sensitivity. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film's most memorable.

Augustus Prew also gives a noteworthy performance as Llorenç, playing the character with a mix of charm and arrogance that is both alluring and repulsive. His scenes with Javi, played by Dimitri Leonidas, are some of the film's most intense, as the two characters clash over Llorenç's attention and affection.

One of the film's strengths is its use of metaphor and symbolism to explore themes of isolation, identity, and sexuality. The animal carcass serves as a metaphor for the young men's desire to escape their mundane existence and transcend their physical limitations. The film also explores the complexities of sexuality and the societal pressures that can lead to feelings of confusion and shame.

Animals is not a movie for everyone, as its slow pace and surreal storytelling style may not appeal to audiences looking for a straightforward narrative. However, for those who are willing to give it a chance, the film offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that can often seem meaningless.

In conclusion, Animals is a beautifully shot and expertly directed film that explores themes of identity, isolation, and sexuality through its use of metaphors and symbolism. The performances by the lead actors are excellent, and the film's dreamy and surreal atmosphere adds to its otherworldly feel. While it may not be to everyone's tastes, those who are willing to give it a chance will find a rewarding and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Animals is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.