Must-Watch “Dangerous Animals” Review, Stream & Download Now

Sean Byrne’s film “Dangerous Animals” excels with its keen edge. This innovative genre blend captivates audiences through its skillful action direction, nostalgic musical score, and powerful performances from the cast. Despite its initial impression as just another B-movie reminiscent of “Jaws” mixed with “The Silence of the Lambs,” the film is crafted with smart decisions that elevate it beyond mere entertainment. After an extended absence, the acclaimed director of “The Loved Ones” and “The Devil’s Candy” returns with a refreshing addition to summer cinema, impressing as a notable entry at Cannes—marking the first Australian film featured in over ten years—that navigates through tumultuous storytelling to deliver an engaging experience.

Byrne swiftly dives into brutality, setting the stage with two unsuspecting tourists who inadvertently encounter a sinister business run by the menacing yet charming Tucker, portrayed by Jai Courtney. The actor brilliantly captures the unsettling charm of a character whose affable demeanor masks deep menace. Swimming with sharks is no ordinary gig, right? Courtney leans into this duality with a sly grin, even while committing heinous acts, showcasing his darkly comedic approach as he places one tourist’s life at stake while harboring sinister intentions for the other.

As the plot unfolds, we discover that Tucker is a serial killer who treats sharks like weapons, echoing the chilling usage of a machete by Jason Voorhees. A survivor of an early shark attack—his past is displayed through framed news articles adorning his boat’s bridge—Tucker is fixated on these aquatic predators, viewing them almost as deities that require offerings. He sedates his female captives, restraining them and lowering them into blood-soaked waters while recording the horrifying results. There is a moment of eerie release for Tucker upon claiming a victim, suggesting that he finds his life’s purpose through these dreadful acts of marine execution. However, Byrne and writer Nick Lepard wisely avoid laboring the details of his character, maintaining a brisk pace without indulging in excessive villain monologues, resulting in a streamlined genre piece.

Following the initial violent setup, Byrne shifts gears to introduce another unconventional character: Zephyr, a roving surfer played ably by Hassie Harrison. Living a transient lifestyle in her van, Zephyr has no attachments, making her wary of Moses (Josh Heuston), a young man attempting to connect with her while seeking jumper cables. He perceives her as a “window person,” more introverted compared to those who opt for aisle seats, but despite their differences, romance brews between them before she sets off at dawn in search of the perfect surfing spot. It is during this venture that Tucker enters her life, setting the stage for a conflict between two outsiders. Much of the film’s runtime focuses on the intense confrontation between Tucker and Zephyr, resembling a fierce duel amidst lurking sharks the size of vehicles.