Sharks With Frickin’ Laser Beams! Dangerous Animals Review

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The film titled “Dangerous Animals” centers on a ruthless serial killer who aspires to create “the ultimate spectacle,” mirroring this ambition by providing suspense, humor, and most significantly, chilling moments throughout the movie.

It’s no wonder that Dangerous Animals is directed by Sean Byrne, given his limited filmography over the past 15 years – he’s only made two films. However, his first feature, The Loved Ones from 2009, was a darkly captivating horror film, and his follow-up, The Devil’s Candy in 2015, was equally intense. So far, Byrne has managed to maintain an impressive record with each of his films.

A Decade has passed since the release of Dangerous Animals, and I’m thrilled to report that it’s now a hat-trick of successes! Much of this achievement can be attributed to Nick Lepard’s meticulously crafted screenplay, which is not only ruthlessly effective but also flawlessly executed.

In a remarkable performance, Jai Courtney excels as the menacing antagonist in this film, whereas Hassie Harrison’s portrayal of the final girl is nothing short of extraordinary and features an unforgettable moment that leaves audiences astounded, making it one of the most memorable scenes of the year.

What is Dangerous Animals about?

At first glance, “Dangerous Animals” seems to be centered around man-eating sharks. However, much like other films of its genre, the true antagonist lies within humanity itself. In this latest production, Bruce Tucker, portrays an unforgettable villain.

In the film, it’s not much of a surprise that Tucker is the main villain because he’s revealed in the very beginning when Bruce offers to go shark diving with two friends. However, Tucker quickly reveals his malevolent nature, as he sheds a lot of blood and causes the surrounding sharks to become aggressive.

After the villain has been set in place, we meet our two protagonists: Zephyr, a passionate surfer who prefers the vastness of the sea over solid ground, and Moses, a real estate broker who shares his love for the water as well.

They encounter each other in an interesting way, sparking something genuine between them that Leapard’s script smoothly and convincingly sets into motion. However, just as their relationship is about to take off, their love story encounters Tucker’s sinister intentions, leading to a thrilling race against the clock to prevent him from committing another murder.

Jai Courtney chews the scenery up then spits it out

The film “Dangerous Animals” thrives thanks to the compelling script by Lepard and the insightful direction by Byrne. However, it’s Jai Courtney who brings the material to life in a remarkable way, filling each frame with an electrifying performance that captivates the audience on screen.

With large, yet endearing hands, Tucker radiates a captivating mix of charm, charisma, and a hint of mischief. He delivers jokes that are amusing indeed, though it’s clear that those who fail to find them funny may encounter some repercussions.

Describing him, it’s like saying he’s full of laughter one moment, moving gracefully on his boat the next, or giving an extraordinary version of ‘Baby Shark.’ He’s a cheerful yet chilling individual, as if blending the spirited charm of Steve Irwin, the charisma of Shane Warne, and the eerie aura of Mick Taylor from Wolf Creek.

However, there are deeper aspects of him that unfold as the narrative progresses. These include thoughtful conservation concepts and an intriguing background about a shark attack, which could possibly explain his self-perceived divine status.

Apart from being a notorious murderer who enjoys hearing himself talk, Tucker’s continuous narration during his gruesome acts adds an intriguing element to the character, making it quite an engaging performance.

Zephyr is one of the great final girls

As a devoted admirer, I must say that Zephyr, portrayed brilliantly by the talented Hassie Harrison in Yellowstone, is an exceptional adversary. Yet, she’s more than just a formidable opponent; she embodies the perfect final girl. She exudes strength and courage, yet her vulnerability, which is nothing short of captivating, makes her character utterly beguiling.

Initially, Zephyr exhibits strong individuality; however, she becomes smitten with Moses, causing her to reconsider her beliefs and actions. Yet, prior to resolving these internal conflicts, Zephyr finds herself ensnared by Tucker, marking the point where she truly morphs into a fearless warrior.

Tucker finds pleasure in tackling difficult tasks since he admires tenacity. However, it’s questionable if Bruce is up for the task at hand, given that Zephyr’s resilience and relentless spirit make her a force to be reckoned with, pushing her to endure.

Without a doubt, there comes a moment where Zephyr performs an incredibly bold act that I believe outshines any brave deed I’ve witnessed from horror heroines. Though I found myself barely able to look at the screen during this instance, it’s safe to say that this particular scene will undoubtedly have spectators cheering enthusiastically.

Apart from Zephyr and the valiant Moses, the other heroes in Dangerous Animals are none other than the fearless sharks themselves. These magnificent creatures, including Tigers, Bulls, Makos, and Great Whites, are showcased in awe-inspiring underwater sequences that capture their natural prowess. When duty calls, they display their shark behavior in a way that is both impressive and unforgettable.

Is Dangerous Animals good?

For enthusiasts of thrilling shark adventures, chilling serial killer narratives, or movies that keep you on edge with suspenseful scenes, “Dangerous Animals” is a captivating choice.

The movie was successful overall as a horror, romance, and dark comedy, although I found one questionable joke following a crucial death scene to be unnecessary.

Indeed, although it might be an overstatement to call it the “greatest show on earth,” Dangerous Animals truly captivates audiences and lives up to its intriguing concept.

Dangerous Animals review score: 4/5 – Great

The film “Dangerous Animals” is set to debut during summer, providing a refreshing change from the typical blockbusters laden with excessive exposition and crowded casts. Fortunately, this movie stands in stark contrast; it’s a minimalistic, straight-forward horror adventure that mirrors the ruthless efficiency of its animal antagonists.

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2025-05-17 21:49