The Animal Kingdom Is The Sci-Fi Mystery You Need To Discover
Next month, one of the most anticipated science fiction films featured in European film festivals last year will see wide release. The Animal Kingdom will be featured across multiple streaming platforms on March 15, bringing a masterful film into homes that is as terrifying as it is unique. A terrifying storyline, realistic special effects, and a bevy of awards ahead of its release date serve as a promise to viewers that the movie will be a ride to buckle up for.
The Animal Kingdom draws a series of parallels to modern-day social issues, including the hostility toward immigrants and the prejudices experienced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Animal Kingdom centers around Frenchman Francois, whose wife has just become afflicted with a mysterious illness. Genetic mutations among humans have recently resulted in people transforming into animals. Elongated teeth, sharp claws, and beastly appearances from the afflicted have caused panic among the populace and led to prejudices and ill-treatment that have a real-world eeriness.
When dozens of these poor souls disappear in a wooded area, Francois and his teenage son, Emile, set out to locate the missing creatures. Among the missing is Francois’s wife, Julia. Complicating matters is the revelation that Emile is undergoing a transformation of his own, slowly turning into a canine-like animal.
On March 15, The Animal Kingdom can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and YouTube.
The Animal Kingdom draws a series of parallels to modern-day social issues, including the hostility toward immigrants and the prejudices experienced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The riveting social commentary is perhaps only eclipsed by the stellar acting and screenplay. The film digs deep into what makes sci-fi films great in that, while it is a work of fiction, it uses seemingly monstrous versions of others (and ourselves) to push a point that weaves social justice with political commentary.
The grim subject matter is nothing new in the sci-fi world, and combining the morose with the otherworldly has often led to box office successes. The box office draw of Underworld, the Alien films, and Netflix films like The Kitchen have been big feathers in the caps of studios as well as growing audiences across several generations.
The Animal Kingdom has already earned ove rhalf its budget without a wide release.
A joint endeavor by French and Belgian filmmakers, The Animal Kingdom began production in May 2022. It was completed in time to debut at the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. After hitting the rounds with several other prestigious festivals, the wide release will work to earn back the $15 million spent in production, and to date, the box office receipts from festivals and small theatrical runs have already earned back more than half of expenditures, at $8.5 million in ticket sales.
The Animal Kingdom stars Romain Duris, whom cinephiles might recognize from his role as Aramis in both installments of The Three Musketeers, released in 2023. Duris brings his A-game to the screen as Francois, sharing billing with Paul Kircher (in the role of Emile) and Tom Mercier. The film was directed by Thomas Cailley, who shared screenwriting credits with Pauline Munier.
On March 15, The Animal Kingdom can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and YouTube. Additionally, it will be available on demand with multiple cable companies.
