Dangerous Animals takes a wild dive into the depths of horror with a unique premise: a serial killer unleashed on the world, with sharks as his brutal accomplices. When you hear that pitch, it might evoke images of past parodies or edgy late-night shows, yet director Sean Byrne and screenwriter Nick Lepard expertly navigate this peculiar storyline, drawing audiences into a thrilling abyss filled with dread and exhilaration.
From the chilling legacy of Jaws to the zany insanity of Sharknado, shark-centric horror films exist on a spectrum, but Dangerous Animals carves out its own niche, transforming the fins and fangs of these aquatic predators into symbolism and suspense. The film doesn’t solely rely on visceral shark attacks; rather, it delves into the terrifying psyche of its villain.
Unveiling the Horror: A Shark-Infused Serial Killer Tale
Hassie Harrison plays Zephyr in “Dangerous Animals.”
Credit: IFC Films
Those acquainted with Sean Byrne’s previous works may already anticipate the gut-wrenching depths this film will explore. Sharks serve as a mere decoy for something even more sinister. Cinematographer Shelley Farthing-Dawe and editor Kasra Rassoulzadegan artfully frame and construct scenes where sharks glide through the water with palpable menace. Yet, in this narrative, it’s not the predators of the deep we fear; instead, our true terror materializes in the form of Tucker, portrayed by Jai Courtney.
Meet Tucker: An Otherworldly Villain
Tucker, a golden-haired Aussie, operates as a seemingly benign tour guide on Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast. But from the film’s unsettling prologue, it quickly becomes apparent that he harbors a monstrous secret. Guided by ritualistic instincts, Tucker feeds the sharks with a macabre pleasure, preying on unsuspecting women. The film’s spine-chilling opening foreshadows the chilling narrative lurking beneath its surface.
The thematic richness of Dangerous Animals echoes past Byrne films, which poignantly examine humanity’s darker instincts. This progression feels seamless; Dangerous Animals balances the frenetic energy of horror with a grounded exploration of toxic masculinity.
Jai Courtney: A Dark Charisma
Jai Courtney plays a serial killer in “Dangerous Animals.”
Credit: IFC Films
Jai Courtney delivers a performance that is nothing short of electrifying. Having previously tread the action-hero path, he breaks the mold in Dangerous Animals. Forget typical leading man bravado; here, he embodies an enthralling villain, ripe with charm yet cloaked in savagery. His portrayal of Tucker comes alive with a grin that simultaneously invites trust and evokes fear.
Through Courtney’s artistry, Tucker transforms from a charismatic guide to a predatory monster in a matter of moments—skillfully revealing a chilling aspect of masculinity cloaked in charisma and affability.
A Profound Commentary on Toxic Masculinity
At the heart of Dangerous Animals lies a provocative exploration of toxic masculinity. Tucker’s dialogues, laden with pseudo-intellectual musings about nature, serve as chilling metaphors for his twisted psyche. By intertwining themes of misogyny and violence, Byrne and Courtney craft a compelling narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
The audience is left grappling with Tucker’s duality, a reflection of societal fears surrounding everyday monsters. As he oscillates from charming to terrifying, the film encapsulates the chilling notion that such figures might exist in our own reality. The terror resides not just in the shark-infused violence but in Tucker himself—a creature who feels both animalistic and tragically human.
Ultimately, Dangerous Animals emerges as a devilishly clever, visceral thriller that promises to resonate long after the credits roll. It’s a film that not only captivates but also provokes contemplation around the nature of humanity and monstrosity.
Dangerous Animals premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and will enchant audiences in theaters across the U.S. on June 12. Buckle up for an exhilarating ride that will chill you to your bones.
