Watch Felidae

Felidae is a German animated thriller film from 1994 that tells the story of Francis, a curious and intelligent cat who moves to a new neighborhood with his owner, Gustav Löbel. Francis soon discovers a series of brutal murders of cats in the area and becomes obsessed with solving the mystery. As Francis starts his investigation, he meets a group of feral cats living in an abandoned building who may hold the key to the murders. They are led by the charismatic and mysterious Claudandus, who claims to have an idea of who is responsible for the killings. Together, Francis and Claudandus explore the dark, twisted world of cat society, uncovering secrets and deceitful schemes.

The movie is directed by Michael Schaack, and based on the bestselling novel by Akif Pirinçci. The animation is beautifully crafted, with detailed and realistic depictions of cat anatomy, movements, and behaviors. The film is also notable for its mature themes, such as violence, sex, superstition, and religion, which make it suitable for adult audiences.

The voice acting is top-notch, with Ulrich Tukur delivering a nuanced and emotional performance as Francis, conveying both his intelligence and vulnerability. Mario Adorf is excellent as the wise and fatherly Jesaja, a cat who helps Francis in his quest. Helge Schneider is also memorable as the sardonic and sarcastic Joker, a feline who provides comic relief.

The score of the movie is composed by Anne Dudley, who creates an eerie and haunting atmosphere with her mix of classical and electronic music. The sound effects are also impressive, with the cats' meowing, purring, and hissing sounding authentic and realistic.

One of the strengths of the movie is its rich and complex storyline, which manages to blend elements of murder mystery, political intrigue, and horror. The cats in the film are not just cute and cuddly creatures, but complex and flawed characters with their own ambitions and motives. The movie also explores the theme of animal rights, depicting the struggle of cats against human exploitation and cruelty.

Felidae is not a perfect movie, however. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The ending may also be divisive among viewers, as it takes a surreal and metaphysical turn that may not appeal to everyone.

Overall, Felidae is a fascinating and intricate film that challenges its audience with its dark and provocative themes. It is a must-see for cat lovers, mystery aficionados, and animation enthusiasts who are looking for something different and daring.