Dangerous Animals Trailer, Fun Facts & Review

Dangerous Animals Synopsis:

Zephyr, a rebellious surfer, is held captive by a serial killer who is fixated with sharks. She has to find a way to break free before he conducts a ritualistic feeding of the sharks below, and she is running out of time.

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Release Date: In theaters June 6th, 2025

Dangerous Animals Fun Facts:

World Premiere:
The world premiere of Dangerous Animals was held on May 17th, 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival, specifically during the Directors' Fortnight segment. This marked the first time an Australian feature film was shown in this program since 2014.

Distribution Rights:
In February 2025, the U.S. distribution rights were acquired by IFC Films and Shudder.

Director Sean Byrne:
Following The Devil's Candy (2015), this is director Sean Byrne's first film in ten years.

Soundtrack:
The movie features a version of "Baby Shark," performed by Jai Courtney, Ella Newton, and Liam Greinke.

Real Sharks:
Director Sean Byrne incorporated actual sharks for the movie, utilizing species such as makos, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and gray nurse sharks.

Source: youtube, wikipedia, imdb, bloody-disgusting

Dangerous Animals Review:

Directed by Sean Byrne, "Dangerous Animals" immerses viewers in a claustrophobic horror as a rebellious surfer goes up against a psychologically obsessive serial killer obsessed with marine predators. The film is a tightly woven, unsettling mix of psychological suspense and shark-themed exploitation, with Jai Courtney delivering an exceptional performance.

The concept is immediately intriguing: Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), a free-spirited surfer, lands in the worst possible survival situation when she is held captive by Tucker (Jai Courtney), a man whose obsession with sharks escalates to ritualistic killings. Trapped on his secluded boat, Zephyr’s only chance for survival rests on outwitting her abductor before she becomes the next victim for the hungry sharks below.

Director Sean Byrne skillfully controls the tension by using the limited space of the boat to heighten the sense of vulnerability and fear. The script is effective in creating an intense atmosphere of fright, advancing the story with an unstoppable drive that keeps the audience anxious.

Jai Courtney as Tucker, he gives a genuinely disturbing performance, abandoning his typical action hero role. At first, he displays a cool and calculating attitude, but gradually he transforms into a terrifying depiction of mania, creating a truly frightening antagonist. Courtney's ability to go from a warm demeanor to deranged violence showcases his remarkable skill in managing intensity.

Zephyr, played by Hassie Harrison, turns out to be a strong "Final Girl." Harrison brings a resourceful and determined energy to the role, making her a compelling hero to root for, even though some may find her character's rebellious nature to be a bit overwhelming at times. Her fight for survival against the sharks and her human tormentor is intense and powerful.

Tucker is the true beast in this scenario, despite the sharks being "dangerous animals." The movie explores his twisted ideology while drawing unsettling parallels between his predatory behavior and that of sharks. The sound design is particularly remarkable since it amplifies the feeling of fear with every splash and menacing growl. The movie is made all the more powerful by the realistic effects and the seamless integration of actual shark footage.

Nevertheless, there are a few minor errors in the movie. According to some critics, the first act's tempo should be tightened, and several of the plot points, particularly the one about Zephyr's friend Moses finding her, might be too unbelievable.

Despite these few criticisms, "Dangerous Animals" is a captivating and dark thriller. It provides a unique perspective on the monster, highlighting the psychological terror of total mayhem caused by a scary human adversary. For those looking for a gripping experience with an intriguing villain, "Dangerous Animals" is a worthwhile exploration.