The Animal Kingdom

What a great movie, if it was a little shorter and the storyline was worked out a little bit I wouldn’t have been able to tell it wasn’t a normal blockbuster movie, instead it was a Cannes Film Festival (Best FX, music, Cinematography, and Costume).

And although they did mention a disease (flu like) could be what was causing the “change”, they also said mutations of a gene which is much more likely in this scenario as descendants but not family members that lived together were susceptible.

All of that aside, this show puts a new spin on us vs them and the “monster” genre. It does a really good job at giving the audience a good look at both sides to allow them the perspective of the persecution and that of the scared society (afraid for their lives).

*Howls* Greetings, my fellow digital denizens and cinephiles! It's your favorite Ice Wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, here to guide you through a cinematic adventure that’s practically a love letter to our furry kind. Today, we're diving into "The Animal Kingdom" (Le Règne Animal) - a film that, in my frosty opinion, gets as close as you can get to a live-action furry movie without actually stepping into the territory of anthropomorphic suits. Let’s get ready to sink our teeth into this one!

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**The Story: A Howl-Worthy Tale**

Imagine a world where humans start mutating into animals. No, this isn’t your regular science fiction mumbo-jumbo; it’s a heart-pounding adventure wrapped in layers of drama, science fiction, and body horror. François, our brave lead, embarks on a quest with his son Émile to save his wife, who’s falling prey to this bizarre condition. Picture a werewolf transformation but with a cocktail of species thrown into the mix. It’s like the ultimate shapeshifting dream, or nightmare, depending on your perspective.

**Fun Fact:** The idea of humans transforming into animals taps into ancient folklore and modern sci-fi tropes, blending them into a unique narrative that’s both thrilling and emotionally gripping.

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**Characters: Paws and Claws**

Let’s talk about our main wolves, er, characters. François, played by Romain Duris, is a determined father fighting against the odds. His son Émile, portrayed by Paul Kircher, tags along, adding a layer of youthful resilience to the story. Adèle Exarchopoulos’ Julia and Tom Mercier’s Fix add depth and intrigue, making this not just a two-fox show but a full-fledged pack of compelling personalities.

**Quote Alert:** “I’ve seen foxes fight over scraps with more grace than some of these humans transforming on screen!”

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**Visuals and Special Effects: A Feast for the Eyes**

The visuals in "The Animal Kingdom" are nothing short of spectacular. The special effects and makeup teams deserve a standing ovation, or at least a hearty tail wag. The transformations are seamless, blending human and animal features with a finesse that makes you forget you’re watching a film and not a documentary on a strange new species.

**Did You Know?** The film’s budget was between €13–15 million, and every euro is visible in the dazzling special effects and breathtaking cinematography. The forest scenes, shot in the picturesque Landes and Gironde regions of France, add a layer of authenticity that pulls you right into their world.

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**Action and Drama: A Roaring Good Time**

This movie doesn’t just trot along; it sprints, leaps, and bounds with action and drama. From intense chase scenes to heartfelt moments of familial bonds, it’s a rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The third act ramps up the action to eleven, making you feel like you’re part of the pack, running through the forest with them.

**Quote Alert:** “The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and my tail wagging faster than a squirrel on a sugar high!”

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**Emotional Beats: Heartfelt Howls**

Despite its sci-fi and horror elements, "The Animal Kingdom" knows when to hit the emotional notes just right. The relationship between François and Émile is beautifully portrayed, adding a layer of depth that makes their journey feel incredibly personal. The film’s ability to blend these heartfelt moments with high-stakes action is what sets it apart.

**Quote Alert:** “If this movie doesn’t make you feel a twinge in your heart, you might want to check if it’s still beating under all that fur!”

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**Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Fur-Fans**

In conclusion, "The Animal Kingdom" is a cinematic triumph that combines drama, action, and a touch of the fantastical to create an experience that’s both unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re a long-time furry fan or just someone looking for a great movie, this film delivers on all fronts.

So, my fellow furry friends, grab some popcorn, settle into your cozy dens, and prepare for a movie night that’s sure to leave you howling for more. This is Kiba Snowpaw, signing off with a joyful howl to the moon. Stay frosty, my friends, and remember – sometimes the best stories are the ones that let our wild sides run free!

*Howls into the night* :crescent_moon:

"It's majestic." The production, makeup, costumes, and designs are mind blowingly good. The cgi/greenscreening was good enough, a lot better than some of the recent big budget cgi movies. The acting was incredible the whole way round. In a weird way, it was relatable. Change the story using real-life issues, and it still would make sense. The genre itself was a mix. Coming of age? Horror? Thriller? Romance? Comedy? Sci-Fi? Drama? Fantasy? The cinematography and locations were incredible, as was the score and sound design. A riptide of emotion.

Quite the genre bender. ***Le Règne Animal*** is a drama with sci-fi elements, action, body horror and even a few scares. It really doesn't pick a lane. It's original enough because of that mix but remains very Hollywoodized and safe. The premise of a weird disease that turns people into animal hybrids, and them being alienated serves as another example of humanity and it's ever lasting repulsion to anything that's different and unknown. We've all seen this countless times before but I still think they did a good job with it.

It takes itself seriously the whole runtime despite it's silly premise and for the most part that worked for me. Pretty good acting all around even from the younger actors, well shot, nice natural landscapes and overlong runtime. Getting to see all the creatures was the best part and i'm surprised by how good the special effects and makeup looks. A lot more action than what I anticipated, especially in the third act. Hits right with the emotional beats when it needs to but not enough to shed a tear or anything. Great ending.

What animal would I want to be? A lobster of course.

"Lobster" but adventure movie boarding to young adult.

Honestly, I love French films, but this one is completely off the mark. Nothing to say about the directing, the visuals, the colors, the makeup. Visually, it’s top-notch. But the film is super slow and a bit confusing. The story has neither a beginning nor an end. We try to follow the relationship between a father and his son, a husband who wants to save his wife, a teenager in crisis who annoys his father, and a cop who strangely tries to connect with a father. All these little stories could be films by their own. But well, even if it’s a bit confusing, it’s not too bad overall.

So, in a world where everyone knows humans are spontaneously turning into animals (and are afraid of them), nobody notices the endless signals that [spoiler]this kid is turning into an animal[/spoiler]? 😆

In theaters and on digital March 15 2024
http://theanimalkingdommovie.com/