Le Règne animal
Directed by:
Thomas CailleyCinematography:
David CailleyComposer:
Andrea Laszlo De SimoneCast:
Romain Duris, Paul Kircher, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Tom Mercier, Nathalie Richard, Nicolas AvinéePlots(1)
In a world hit by a wave of mutations that are gradually transforming some humans into animals, François does everything he can to save his wife, who is affected by this mysterious condition. As some of the creatures disappear into a nearby forest, he embarks with Emile, their 16-year-old son, on a quest that will change their lives forever. (Cannes Film Festival)
(more)Videos (3)
Reviews (2)
When European production companies attempt to make genre films with fantasy or sci-fi elements, they rarely turn out well. The Animal Kingdom narrowly avoids being a disaster. There is no explanation of the reasons for the transformation of humans into animal-like creatures and it is laughably naïve rather than interesting. Also, with its predictability and clichéd plot formula, it lacks the artistic reach that made, for example, the Swedish-Norwegian “animal parable” Border great. [Karlovy Vary International Film Festival]
()
A world where a mysterious epidemic turns some people into different species is a rather cumbersome subject to translate into film form, and I can imagine that under uncertain hands it could sound unintentionally ridiculous. Thomas Cailley, however, has managed to put together an engaging family drama that puts the relationships between the characters and the "coming of age" premise ahead of any fantastical elements. It's a quality film, but even with the slightly overlong running time, at times I couldn't help but imagine what David Cronenberg in full force, for example, would have done with such a premise. That's the kind of film I'd really like to see.
()
Ads