As summer approaches, I find myself drawn to watching creature features — especially shark movies. I enjoy them all, from the blockbuster hits to those low-budget D-rated flicks. I have no biases when it comes to sharks! They are undeniably one of the most terrifying creatures in film, precisely because they are real. Shark attacks frequently make headlines, even at well-frequented beaches, which adds to their horror on screen.
In the new survival horror film directed by Sean Byrne, known for his work on The Loved Ones and The Devil’s Candy, we follow the story of Zephyr, an American drifter played by Hassie Harrison, who evokes the carefree spirit of Blue Crush. Seeking to flee her past while enjoying the surf on Australia’s picturesque Gold Coast, she unexpectedly finds herself in a budding romance with realtor Moses (portrayed by Josh Heuston). However, this connection is abruptly interrupted when she is kidnapped by Captain Tucker, a shark cage tour operator played by Jai Courtney. He has another woman aboard and uses her to demonstrate his chilling method of eliminating victims: feeding them to sharks.
After a decade since Byrne’s last feature, the wait has genuinely paid off. The screenplay was written by Nick Lepard, who is also penning the script for Osgood Perkins’ next feature, Keeper. The movie had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, as part of the independent feature section, marking it the first Australian feature film to debut since 2014. Then it was acquired by Shudder and IFC!
Although this is a shark movie, it’s essential to view Dangerous Animals as a serial killer film that features sharks. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of dorsal fin carnage to satisfy a seasoned veteran like me, but if you approach this thinking most of the movie revolves around sharks, you may be disappointed. The title of the film rings true: sharks are not the only “dangerous animals” in this world… and the main one in this film is an eccentric, salty, sun-kissed sea dog, Captain Tucker.
Without a doubt, this is Jai Courtney’s film. He embodies Tucker, a character who is both sadistic and humorous — a figure you may want to trust, but it doesn’t take long for him to reveal his true colors. Courtney delivers a performance that exudes significant Buffalo Bill energy, particularly in one unforgettable scene where he dances wildly while chugging a bottle of red wine. Don’t threaten me with a good time!
Without him, this movie would not be as thrilling or engaging.
It must have been challenging to match his outstanding performance, yet his costars hold their own impressively. Harrison as Zephyr and Heuston as Moses deliver strong performances that effectively raise the emotional stakes. Even though they didn’t blow my mind, some of their interactions and dialogue execution brought a campy factor into this mix, which is a trope I love in creature features.
The way Tucker feeds his victims to the sharks is nothing short of nightmare fuel. I have a new fear that has been unlocked, and it involves being strapped to a crane device and dangled above a dark ocean full of sharks. The filmmakers skillfully combined real shark footage with visual effects (VFX) to depict the attacks, effectively presenting the sharks as natural creatures rather than monstrous entities.
Tucker reveals early on that he was once attacked by a shark during his youth, admitting that it was his fault for being in the shark’s territory. When you think about it, this perspective aligns with reality. I loved this original approach, and it reminded me of a scene from Hostel: Part II — the one with the scythe and bathtub. If you know, you know.
A line of dialogue from Tucker that resonates: “How romantic. Too bad I’m more of a horror fan.”
The score composed by Michael Yezerski is profoundly unsettling, sparking a continual tension within my body throughout the entire runtime. His intricate arrangement of sound not only heightens the narrative stakes but also intertwines seamlessly with the overall sound design, crafting an atmosphere that embodies a sun-drenched sense of dread. The interplay of dissonant notes and haunting melodies creates an undercurrent of anxiety, making each moment full of impending doom, especially in the underbelly of Tucker’s boat, where Zephyr and the other victim, Heather, are kept till feeding time.
While I genuinely enjoyed the movie, I would have appreciated a few more intense shark attack scenes. The audience only experiences one standout moment, leaving us craving more of the thrilling action that the premise promises. Furthermore, Zephyr’s multiple attempts to escape seemed repetitive, as each effort lacked the suspense or excitement necessary to keep the tension alive. This resulted in moments that dragged on a bit too long, contributing to an overall feeling of monotony. However, those are my only criticisms.
Overall, I had an incredible time with this film and am genuinely excited to see a fresh, original addition to the shark horror genre.
I rate Dangerous Animals four out of five stars. This film stands out as a remarkable contribution to the creature feature genre, primarily due to its compelling performances and innovative kill sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The director, Byrne, has skillfully crafted a narrative that balances suspense and thrills, ensuring that audiences are both entertained and engaged. With its gripping storyline and striking visuals, it may well secure a place in my Top 10 films of the year. Since we are only halfway through the year, I’m eager to see how it compares to future releases.
Standing out in the sea of shark movies can be quite a challenge. These days, the only way to be original is to give your shark six or more heads! Dangerous Animals takes an approach I’ve never seen before — and it’s fin-tastic.
Dangerous Animals is currently showing in theaters and will be streaming on Shudder later this year.