American Animals (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“American Animals” is a compelling 2018 crime drama directed by Bart Layton that defies traditional storytelling. Blending elements of documentary and dramatization, the film delivers an intense and unique viewing experience that resonates with audiences. Based on the true story of a failed heist by four college students, the movie explores themes of identity, disillusionment, and the allure of infamy. In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s narrative, direction, performances, and where to watch it online.
Plot Summary
The story of “American Animals” follows four college friends—Spencer Reinhard (played by Barry Keoghan), Warren Lipka (Evan Peters), Eric Borsuk (Jared Abrahamson), and Chas Allen (Blake Jenner)—who plot a rare book heist at Transylvania University in Kentucky. Motivated by a desire to break free from their mundane lives, they set their sights on a multimillion-dollar collection, including John James Audubon’s “Birds of America.”
What makes this film stand out is its blend of documentary interviews with the real-life individuals involved, interspersed with the dramatized portrayal of the events. This creative technique not only enhances the realism of the film but also leaves the audience questioning the reliability of the narrators. “American Animals” explores the psychological complexity of its characters, revealing their internal struggles with regret, guilt, and the consequences of their actions.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Bart Layton, known for his work on documentaries, directs “American Animals” with a gripping style that reflects his documentary background. The decision to integrate real-life interviews with the dramatized narrative is innovative and adds depth to the film. This format breaks the fourth wall and brings the audience closer to the story, creating an almost participatory experience. Layton’s direction is sharp, utilizing tight pacing and an evolving tone that transitions seamlessly from dark comedy to suspenseful thriller.
Cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland’s use of lighting and framing amplifies the emotional tension of the heist and the chaotic aftermath. The color palette shifts from the dull, cold hues of everyday life to warmer, more intense colors during the planning and execution of the heist, symbolizing the characters’ shift in mentality. The editing is crisp, ensuring that the documentary-style interviews do not interrupt the flow of the narrative.
Performances
Evan Peters shines as Warren Lipka, the charismatic yet misguided leader of the group. His portrayal of Warren captures the character’s bravado and recklessness, but Peters also excels in conveying the growing uncertainty and panic that consumes Warren as the plan unravels. Barry Keoghan’s performance as Spencer is equally noteworthy. As the more reserved and introspective member of the group, Keoghan expertly depicts Spencer’s internal conflict, torn between loyalty to his friends and his growing sense of unease about the heist.
The supporting cast, including Jared Abrahamson and Blake Jenner, contribute solid performances that round out the group dynamic. The chemistry between the actors effectively conveys the close-knit yet fragile relationships between the characters, adding to the emotional stakes of the film.
Themes Explored
“American Animals” is more than just a heist movie—it’s a study of disillusionment and youthful naivety. The characters’ motivations stem from a yearning for excitement and a desire to escape their ordinary lives. The film touches on how young people can become enamored with the idea of rebellion and fame, only to find themselves trapped in a reality they can’t control. The regret and introspection that the real-life individuals express in their interviews give the film an added layer of emotional depth.
The film also questions the notion of truth and memory, as the real-life subjects sometimes contradict the dramatized events. This adds an intriguing ambiguity, leaving the audience to wonder whose version of the story is the most accurate. It’s a reflection on how people perceive and retell their own past, especially when trying to justify their actions.
Where to Watch ‘American Animals’ Online
For viewers in the United States, “American Animals” is available across several streaming services, providing options for both subscription-based and rental or purchase platforms.
Subscription Streaming Services
- Hulu
“American Animals” is available to stream on Hulu for subscribers. This platform offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, making it a convenient option for anyone already subscribed to Hulu’s service. - Amazon Prime Video
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can watch “American Animals” as part of your Prime Video subscription. The film is included in Prime’s extensive catalog, and with Amazon’s user-friendly interface, it’s easy to find and stream. - Max (formerly HBO Max)
Another excellent option is streaming “American Animals” on Max. This platform features a broad range of films and series, including a solid collection of documentaries and crime dramas, making it an ideal destination for fans of true crime stories.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you don’t have a subscription to the above services, several platforms offer the option to rent or purchase “American Animals.”
- Apple TV
On Apple TV, you can rent “American Animals” for a small fee or purchase it for unlimited viewing. Apple’s platform is available on a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and smart TVs. - Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies provides a rental and purchase option for “American Animals,” which can be accessed on Android devices, smart TVs, and through web browsers. Google’s platform is highly accessible and offers competitive pricing for both rentals and purchases. - YouTube Movies
YouTube also offers “American Animals” for rent or purchase. It’s a convenient option, especially for users who prefer to watch content directly on YouTube. The film can be rented for 48 hours or purchased for unlimited streaming. - Vudu
Vudu offers both rental and purchase options as well, and is known for its high-quality streaming and vast library of films. It’s available on many smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, providing a versatile option for movie lovers.
Conclusion
“American Animals” stands out as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking crime dramas of the last decade. Bart Layton’s blend of documentary and narrative filmmaking creates a truly unique viewing experience, while the strong performances from the cast bring the true story to life in a compelling way. The film’s exploration of themes like youthful disillusionment and the consequences of our actions makes it a must-watch for fans of crime films and true stories.
Whether you’re interested in a subscription-based service or prefer to rent or purchase the film, there are plenty of ways to watch “American Animals” online. From Hulu to Amazon Prime Video, and options like Google Play and Apple TV, this film is readily accessible and offers an unforgettable cinematic experience.
