Movie spotlight
Animal Kingdom
Earth. Wind. Fire. Water. Sacrifice. In Animal Kingdom a ritual carves a dimension that melds character, object, landscape and the very tactile makeup of the film itself into one mutating, symphonic mass of spell casting, storytelling, living and dying. An explosive account of cinema as witchcraft.
Insights
Plot Summary
The series follows 17-year-old Joshua 'J' Cody, who moves in with his estranged relatives, the criminal Codys, after his mother's death from a drug overdose. He soon finds himself entangled in their dangerous world of heists and betrayals, orchestrated by the matriarch Smurf. As J navigates this treacherous family dynamic, he must learn to survive and potentially outwit his manipulative relatives.
Critical Reception
Animal Kingdom has been praised for its intense performances, particularly from Ellen Barkin as the formidable matriarch Smurf, and its gripping portrayal of a dysfunctional criminal family. The show successfully balances dark themes with compelling character development, earning a solid reception from critics and audiences alike.
What Reviewers Say
Gripping crime drama with strong performances, especially from Ellen Barkin.
Explores the dark dynamics of a criminal family with compelling tension.
A well-acted and suspenseful series that keeps viewers engaged.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the show's addictive nature, the compelling performances of the cast, and the thrilling plotlines. Many viewers appreciate the complex family dynamics and the constant sense of danger.
Awards & Accolades
Ellen Barkin received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 2017.
Fun Fact
The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, which was directed by David Michôd and starred Jacki Weaver in the role of Smurf.
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