Dangerous Animals Review: Where Serial Killers Clash with Sharks in a Formulaic Fizzer
In Dangerous Animals, Australian cinema takes a bold leap by merging two seemingly disparate genres: the serial killer thriller and the shark creature feature. It’s a daring experiment that promises to deliver an exhilarating ride, reminiscent of Wolf Creek with an aquatic twist. However, this ambitious fusion ultimately results in a lackluster offering that feels stale and predictable.
The Plot: A Familiar Blend of Terror
Jai Courtney shines in his role as Tucker, the sinister owner of a Gold Coast shark tour company. Here, thrill-seekers are lured into shark-infested waters inside an underwater cage, only to meet a gruesome end at the hands of their seemingly jovial host. Tucker films these brutal acts, creating a chilling collection of VHS snuff films that reveal his dark obsession with both sharks and murder.
The Filmmaker’s Approach: Missed Opportunities
Directed by Sean Byrne, known for The Devil’s Candy and The Loved Ones, the film curiously opts to reveal Tucker in the opening scene, abandoning the suspenseful build-up often seen in other shark-centric narratives. Enter Zephyr, a free-spirited surfer played by Hassie Harrison, who represents the film’s glimmer of hope. Her strategy to evade the hostile locals feels grounded in the tradition of Aussie thrillers, a nod to classic films like Wake in Fright and Wolf Creek.
Zephyr claims, “There was nothing for me on land,” underscoring her fierce independence. However, once captured by Tucker, her character becomes largely immobile, reducing her role to little more than a damsel in distress.
A Predictable Thriller: Struggling to Keep Afloat
Despite some initial promise, Dangerous Animals quickly succumbs to the trappings of conventional storytelling. From the outset, it becomes apparent that Moses (played by Josh Heuston) will be the sole character to notice Zephyr’s disappearance and will inevitably play a critical role in the climax. This predictability dampens the thrill, turning moments that should incite tension into mere plot scaffolding.
Dialogue and Moments that Fall Flat
The film’s dialogue often feels too scripted. After Tucker smugly claims, “You’re hard as nails, like me,” Zephyr’s curt retort of “I’m nothing like you!” feels more obligatory than impactful. There are also scenes that could have ventured into the realm of absurd hilarity—such as Tucker attempting to engage his victims in a rendition of “Baby Shark.” Instead of becoming meme-worthy, these moments fizzle out, lacking the punch they desperately need.
On the other hand, Tucker’s monologues do offer some depth. He recounts a near-fatal shark bite from his childhood as a transformative experience, declaring, “I’ve been wide awake ever since.” His belief that sharks maintain universal order injects a touch of philosophy into his villainy, hinting at deeper currents beneath his madness.
Could More Be Better?
It seems a curious thing to ask for a villain to embrace the hammy, especially when Courtney’s performance is commendable. Yet the film would greatly benefit from a more flamboyant presentation. Dangerous Animals teeters between a gripping thriller and a tired formula, yearning for a spark that could ignite its premise.
Conclusion: A Missed Catch
Dangerous Animals tantalizes with the idea of blending two genres but ultimately lets both down. In the chase for thrills, it loses sight of creativity and freshness, landing in the realm of the mundane. Fans of shark movies or serial killer thrillers may find points of interest, but the film is unlikely to leave a lasting impression amidst the waves of its lineage.
For those interested in exploring different cinematic interpretations of thrill, consider checking out Bring Her Back, where horrors unfold in unexpected ways.
