Animal Kingdom (2010) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by David Michôd, Animal Kingdom (2010) is a gripping Australian crime drama that delves into the complexities of loyalty, crime, and family. This critically acclaimed film takes viewers into the violent world of the Cody family, a Melbourne-based criminal clan on the brink of collapse due to law enforcement pressure and internal strife. With taut direction, powerful performances, and an unsettling atmosphere, Animal Kingdom earned international recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Jacki Weaver.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and themes of Animal Kingdom, and provide information on where to watch the movie online, particularly for U.S. audiences.
Overview of Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom tells the story of Joshua “J” Cody (James Frecheville), a quiet teenager whose mother dies of a heroin overdose, forcing him to move in with his estranged grandmother, Janine “Smurf” Cody (Jacki Weaver), and her family. Unbeknownst to J, his grandmother is the matriarch of a notorious criminal family involved in armed robberies and other illegal activities. As J becomes more entangled in the Cody family’s criminal operations, tensions rise between the family and the Melbourne police, led by Detective Nathan Leckie (Guy Pearce), who is determined to bring them down.
The Cody family, consisting of J’s uncles—Pope (Ben Mendelsohn), Craig (Sullivan Stapleton), and Darren (Luke Ford)—is in a state of disarray, as the police close in on their operations. J, initially an outsider, is soon forced to choose between his family’s criminal world and the possibility of a safer future. However, as the lines blur between right and wrong, survival becomes the primary concern in this brutal, animalistic world.
Plot and Themes
At its core, Animal Kingdom explores the idea of survival in a world where familial loyalty clashes with the inherent violence and betrayal of the criminal underworld. The film presents a chilling portrait of a family held together by fear, manipulation, and criminal enterprise, with J caught in the middle of their downward spiral.
One of the film’s central themes is the corrosive nature of crime and how it impacts relationships, trust, and morality. As J becomes more embedded in the Cody family’s activities, he is forced to confront the brutal reality of their world, where even family ties are not enough to guarantee safety. The Codys are predators, operating in a world governed by power dynamics and ruthless self-preservation, hence the film’s title, Animal Kingdom. Every character must constantly fight for survival, either against external forces like the police or internal threats within their own family.
Another significant theme in the film is the loss of innocence. J’s journey from a relatively naive teenager to someone who must navigate the treacherous waters of his family’s criminal dealings is central to the narrative. As the violence escalates, J faces difficult choices that challenge his morals, leading to a dark transformation by the film’s end.
Performances and Characters
The performances in Animal Kingdom are a key reason for its success, with each actor delivering a chilling and nuanced portrayal of their character.
1. Jacki Weaver as Janine “Smurf” Cody
Jacki Weaver’s portrayal of the Cody family matriarch, Smurf, is one of the film’s highlights. Beneath her sweet, maternal exterior lies a manipulative, dangerous figure who will go to any lengths to protect her family’s criminal empire. Weaver’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, as she expertly balances warmth with cold-hearted pragmatism. Smurf’s ability to control her sons through subtle emotional manipulation adds an additional layer of tension to the film.
2. Ben Mendelsohn as Andrew “Pope” Cody
Ben Mendelsohn delivers a terrifying performance as Pope, the eldest of the Cody brothers. Pope is a volatile and paranoid character who is always on the edge of violence. Mendelsohn’s portrayal of Pope is chilling, as he brings an unsettling calmness to his character’s most violent actions, making him unpredictable and dangerous. His complex relationship with his nephew J drives much of the film’s tension.
3. James Frecheville as Joshua “J” Cody
James Frecheville, in his film debut, plays J, the film’s quiet but central character. Frecheville’s portrayal of J is intentionally subdued, reflecting the character’s shock and uncertainty as he is thrust into his family’s criminal world. As J becomes increasingly entangled in the Codys’ dangerous activities, Frecheville effectively conveys the character’s inner conflict and growing awareness of the stakes involved.
4. Guy Pearce as Detective Nathan Leckie
Guy Pearce’s Detective Leckie represents the moral center of the film, offering J an opportunity to escape the Cody family’s influence. Pearce plays the detective as a calm, methodical figure, contrasting sharply with the chaotic Cody family. Leckie’s approach to law enforcement is more psychological than physical, as he attempts to break through J’s emotional barriers and convince him to cooperate with the police.
Direction and Cinematic Style
David Michôd’s direction in Animal Kingdom is marked by its slow-burn intensity and careful attention to character dynamics. Michôd creates a suffocating atmosphere, with every interaction between the characters filled with unspoken tension. His use of long takes and still shots emphasizes the quiet menace lurking beneath the surface of the Cody family’s interactions, making the film feel both intimate and threatening.
The film’s cinematography, by Adam Arkapaw, further enhances the sense of dread. The use of natural lighting and muted color palettes creates a bleak, foreboding atmosphere that mirrors the moral decay of the Cody family. The Melbourne suburbs, depicted as sprawling yet claustrophobic, serve as the perfect backdrop for the story’s violent unraveling.
Animal Kingdom also features a haunting score by Antony Partos, which underscores the tension and unease that permeates the film. The music, like the film itself, is minimalist but effective, enhancing the mood without overwhelming the narrative.
Where to Watch Animal Kingdom Online
For U.S. viewers interested in watching Animal Kingdom, the film is available on several popular streaming platforms for rent or purchase.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Animal Kingdom is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices start at $3.99, and purchasing the film typically costs between $9.99 and $12.99. Amazon offers the movie in both HD and SD resolutions.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV also offers Animal Kingdom for rent or purchase. The rental price is usually $3.99, and purchasing the film costs around $12.99. Apple TV provides a seamless viewing experience for those who prefer to watch on iOS devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
For Android users, Google Play Movies & TV provides an option to rent or purchase Animal Kingdom. Rental prices start at $3.99, and purchasing the film generally costs between $9.99 and $12.99. This platform is ideal for streaming across various Google-enabled devices.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers Animal Kingdom for rent at $3.99 and purchase for $9.99 to $12.99. The platform is known for its flexibility and frequent discounts, making it a budget-friendly option for movie lovers.
5. Hulu
If you have a Hulu subscription, Animal Kingdom may also be available to stream as part of their library, depending on the current licensing agreements.
Conclusion
Animal Kingdom is a tense, atmospheric crime drama that offers a disturbing look at the intersection of family and criminality. With its intense performances—particularly from Jacki Weaver and Ben Mendelsohn—and David Michôd’s skillful direction, the film stands out as one of the best Australian films of the 21st century. The Cody family’s world is one of violence, betrayal, and survival, and Animal Kingdom leaves a lasting impression with its grim depiction of moral decay.
For U.S. audiences, Animal Kingdom is available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and possibly Hulu. Whether you’re drawn to crime thrillers or character-driven dramas, Animal Kingdom is a must-watch for its raw intensity and compelling story.
