The Animal Kingdom
Seen it?2023 | 127 min | Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for sci-fi fans and adventure fans. If you loved The Road or Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 7 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
In a world hit by a wave of mutations transforming humans into animals, François does everything he can to save his wife. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, he and their son Émile embark on a quest that will change their lives forever.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 1 Cannes award.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$9 million worldwide on a $15 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 66K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Vesper
Sunday Safe BetAnother sci-fi film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Road Saturday SpecialAnother adventure, and a Saturday Special.
The Boys from Brazil
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed sci-fi film.
The Survivalist Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Thomas Cailley
- Romain DurisFrançois
- Paul KircherÉmile
- Adèle ExarchopoulosJulia
- Tom MercierFix
- Billie BlainNina
- Xavier AubertJacques
- Saadia BentaïebNaïma
- Gabriel CaballeroVictor
- Iliana KhelifaMaëlle
- Paul MuguruzaJordan